Social Security disability conversion at 62 - will my spousal benefits be reduced if ex-husband already collecting?

Your disability benefit will NOT convert to retirement until you reach Full Retirement Age (FRA). This is an important distinction. When you apply for divorced spousal benefits while on disability, you're essentially filing for what's called a "dual entitlement" case. Yes, unfortunately, the spousal portion WILL be reduced if you take it before your FRA. The disability portion isn't reduced, but the excess spousal amount is calculated with the reduction factor based on your age when you apply for it. So if you apply at 62, that spousal "top-up" portion will be permanently reduced. If your ex-spouse is already collecting, you're eligible to file for the divorced spousal benefit now. Just be aware that filing at 62 means you'll only get about 32.5% of his PIA instead of the full 50% you'd get at your FRA.

I went through something similar last year. The way it works is your disability benefit stays the same until FRA, but any additional amount you get from the divorced spouse benefit will be reduced because you're taking it early. Here's a rough calculation for your situation: - Your disability benefit: $1,100/month - Your ex-husband's PIA (full retirement benefit at his FRA): $2,400 - 50% of his PIA would be $1,200 - At age 62, you'd get about 32.5% of his PIA instead of 50% = $780 Since your own benefit ($1,100) is higher than the reduced spousal amount ($780), you wouldn't get any additional money right now. You might be better off waiting until you're closer to your FRA to apply for the divorced spouse benefit.

my mom went thru this exact thing!!! the SSA people kept giving her wrong info too. she had to wait till her FRA to get the full 50% from my dads record. she was on disability too. its really confusing cuz some people at SSA told her the opposite.

I've been dealing with SSA for 20+ years (former claims specialist) and I can tell you that getting accurate information about these complex situations is TOUGH. Most people don't realize that disability benefits convert to retirement at FRA automatically and that spousal benefits have different rules. If you're having trouble getting through to someone who actually understands your case, you might want to try Claimyr (claimyr.com). It's a service that connects you with an SSA agent usually within 20 minutes instead of waiting on hold for hours. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU In your specific situation, I'd recommend talking directly to a Technical Expert who deals with disability-to-retirement conversions and spousal benefits. Make sure to ask specifically about the computation of the "excess spousal" amount when you're under FRA but already receiving disability.

YES its legit! I used it last month when I couldn't get anyone on the phone for THREE DAYS!!! Totally worth it cuz I got through in like 15 mins. The SSA phone system is BROKEN!!!!

My situation was different bc I was drawing widow's benefits but similar question about reductions. I talked to 3 different SSA reps and got 3 different answers!!! The system is sooooo confusing. I ended up waiting until my FRA (which was 66+2mo for me) to avoid ANY reductions. I think thats what most financial experts would tell you to do if you can afford to wait. I know its not what you want to hear but in most cases if you can hold off till FRA you usually come out ahead in the long run. Best of luck to you!!

wait i dont get it…if ur already on SSDI does that mean ur already getting ur full amount? why would they reduce ANYTHING?? makes no sense….

One more important point - if your disability benefit is $1,100 and 50% of your ex's PIA is $1,200, then at FRA you would receive your $1,100 disability (which converts to retirement) PLUS an additional $100 as the excess spousal amount. So waiting until FRA in your case would mean an extra $100/month for life, plus any COLAs applied to that amount. Just something to keep in mind as you're making your decision.