Social Security disability and ex-spouse benefits with ALS diagnosis - multiple beneficiary question

I'm sorry about your brother's diagnosis. The answers aren't straightforward, but I'll try to help based on my experience with my mom who was in a somewhat similar situation (though with different medical issues). First, yes his ex-wife CAN claim benefits on his record since they were married over 10 years and she's 60. BUT she won't get 50% at age 60 - that's reduced for early claiming. I think at 60 it's more like 35% of his benefit? Someone correct me if I'm wrong. When it comes to survivor benefits (which I sincerely hope won't be needed soon), yes they would increase but again, claiming early means reduction. If she waits until her full retirement age, then she'd get 100% of what he was receiving. And YES his current wife can also collect spousal benefits once she's eligible by age. The fact that an ex-spouse is collecting doesn't reduce what the current spouse gets. The SSA doesn't 'penalize' for multiple beneficiaries that way.

I can add some specifics to what the previous poster said. For ex-spouses, benefits work like this: - Yes, your brother's ex-wife qualifies because they were married 10+ years - At age 60, she would receive approximately 71.5% of her full survivor benefit (not 35%) - For spousal benefits while he's living, she'd need to wait until 62 to claim (not 60), and would get about 32.5% of his full benefit amount at that age - If she waits until her Full Retirement Age (probably 67 for her), she'd get the full 50% spousal benefit - When he passes, if she's already receiving spousal benefits, they automatically convert to survivor benefits His current wife also has full rights to spousal/survivor benefits regardless of the ex-wife's claims. Both can receive benefits based on his record simultaneously without reducing each other's amounts. With ALS, the SSA does have special provisions under Compassionate Allowances, but those mainly affect the disability application process, not the spousal/survivor benefit calculations.

I dealt with something similar. My ex husband became disabled and I tried to apply for benefits on his record after we'd been divorced for 5 years (we were married for 15). The most IMPORTANT thing your brother's ex needs to know is she CANNOT be remarried if she wants to claim on his record!!! I made that mistake and got denied. Current wife obviously doesn't have this restriction. Also she should apply DIRECTLY at SSA not assume it happens automatically. They don't tell you these things!!!

Sorry about your brother. ALS is tough. Just FYI, when my dad got SSDI for parkinsons, we spent 18 hours on hold with SSA trying to get some questions answered about his medicare enrollment that goes with SSDI. Nightmare!!

everyone is forgetting to mention the LUMP SUM DEATH BENEFIT!! when he passes whoever is the current spouse gets a one time $255 payment. I know it's not much but every bit helps with funeral costs etc

The advice here is mostly good but I want to clarify something important: with ALS, there is NO 5-month waiting period for SSDI benefits like there is with other disabilities. Also, Medicare eligibility begins immediately after SSDI approval rather than the normal 24-month waiting period. Make sure your brother knows this as it's extremely important for covering medical costs. Also, has your brother checked if he has any private disability insurance through previous employers? Many people don't realize they might have coverage. With ALS, it's critical to secure all possible financial resources.

One more thing no one has mentioned - if his ex-wife has never worked, she should look at SSI (Supplemental Security Income) too, not just waiting for benefits based on your brother's record. She might qualify NOW based on need, age, and disability if she has any health issues herself. The rules are complicated but worth checking into.