Social Security Disability and Divorced Spouse Benefits - How much will I get at 64?

Congrats on finally getting your disability! I've been through this too and it's such a relief. I think you can get extra money from your ex but I'm not sure how much exactly. Don't they reduce it if he took his benefits early? Someone else probably knows better than me.

As a divorced spouse, you can claim benefits on your ex-husband's record if your marriage lasted at least 10 years (which yours did at 32 years). Since you're receiving your own SSDI, you'll get the higher of either your own benefit or the divorced spouse benefit, not both added together. Since your ex-husband's PIA was $3,008, your maximum spousal benefit would be 50% of that, or $1,504. Since that's higher than your $1,120 SSDI, you should receive an additional amount to bring your total to $1,504. Importantly, the fact that your ex claimed early at 62 does NOT affect your divorced spousal benefit. Your benefit is based on his full PIA, not his reduced amount. You should contact SSA directly to apply for the divorced spouse benefit, as it's not automatic.

Are you SURE about this?? I thought if the ex-husband filed early, it DOES affect what the divorced spouse gets!!! My sister got less because her ex took benefits at 62 and she got penalized for HIS decision which is SO UNFAIR!!! This system is impossible to understand and they keep changing the rules!!!

When I was trying to figure out my own benefits with my ex, I was getting nowhere with the regular SSA phone line. Busy signals, disconnects, or 3+ hour wait times. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through to a rep in 20 minutes instead of waiting for hours. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU The rep I spoke with was really helpful explaining the divorced spouse benefits calculation. Turns out I was eligible for way more than I thought, similar to your situation.

My neighbor went thru this exact thing last yr. She got disability at 63 and was divorced. She said the most confusing part was that they don't automatically give u both benefits. She had to specifically apply for the divorced spouse part separately even tho she was already getting disability. They didn't tell her this until she questioned why her payment was lower than expected. Just a heads up so u don't miss out on money ur entitled to.

To clarify some confusion in this thread: 1. As a disability recipient transitioning to retirement, you should receive what's called a "dual entitlement" - your own SSDI benefit plus a supplement to reach the divorced spouse amount (if higher). 2. Your dual entitlement should be calculated as follows: - Your SSDI benefit: $1,120 - Divorced spouse benefit (50% of ex's $3,008 PIA): $1,504 - Supplement amount: $384 ($1,504 - $1,120) - Total benefit: $1,504 3. The fact that your ex claimed at 62 does NOT affect your divorced spouse benefit. 4. However, since you're claiming before your FRA (66 and some months), there would normally be a reduction to the spousal portion. But since you're on SSDI, you're typically exempt from this reduction. I recommend scheduling an appointment with SSA specifically to apply for divorced spouse benefits. Bring your divorce decree and have your ex's SSN handy if possible.

One more important thing: when you turn 66 and reach your Full Retirement Age, your SSDI will automatically convert to regular Social Security retirement benefits, but the amount stays the same. The divorced spouse supplement should continue. Just be aware of this transition so you don't panic when you see the benefit type change in your notices.

wait a minute i thought disability was more than reglar retirement why would her ssdi convert to retirement at 66??? that dosent make sense wouldnt she get less money???

What nobody has mentioned yet is that you should check whether your ex's PIA of $3,008 has increased since you last saw it 6 years ago! The SSA applies Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) every year, so his PIA is likely higher now, which means your potential spousal benefit would be higher too. Ask about the CURRENT PIA when you talk to them!

Just wanted to add that you should also be prepared for the application process to take some time. When I applied for divorced spouse benefits, it took about 6-8 weeks to process even though I had all the documentation ready. The good news is that if approved, they'll backdate the payments to when you first became eligible. Also, make sure to keep copies of everything you submit - your divorce decree, marriage certificate, and any correspondence with SSA. The system can be slow but you're definitely entitled to these benefits based on what you've described. Good luck with your application!

This is such valuable information for anyone in a similar situation! I'm going through something comparable - I'm 62 and just applied for SSDI after a lengthy battle. My ex and I were married for 18 years before divorcing 4 years ago. Reading through all these responses really helps clarify the process. One thing I'd add is that when you call SSA, try calling first thing in the morning right when they open at 8 AM - I've had better luck getting through then rather than mid-day. Also, if you're having trouble reaching them by phone, some local SSA offices allow walk-ins for certain types of applications, though you'll want to call ahead to confirm. The divorced spouse benefit can really make a significant difference financially, so definitely don't give up if the first person you talk to seems confused about the rules - sometimes it takes speaking with a supervisor or specialist to get accurate information.