Social Security ex-spouse benefits with SSDI at 64 - changes at retirement age?

Yes, you might be eligible for divorced spouse benefits IF your ex-spouse's Social Security benefit amount is higher than your current SSDI. Since you were married for over 10 years before divorcing, and you haven't remarried, you qualify for ex-spouse benefits. But you'll only receive the higher of the two amounts - not both combined. When you reach your FRA at 67, your SSDI will automatically convert to retirement benefits, but the amount should stay the same. As for your LTD, most policies do terminate at 65 or when you reach full retirement age, but you need to check your specific policy details.

my brother in law had similar situation. he got divorced after 22 yrs and was already on ssdi. when he applied for ex spouse benefits they told him no extra $ because his ssdi was already higher than what hed get from ex wife record. but definatly worth checking!!

I'm in nearly the exact same situation except I'm 62 with SSDI and LTD!!! Has anyone actually gotten through to SSA to ask these questions? I've been trying for THREE WEEKS and keep getting disconnected or told the wait time is over 2 hours!!! So frustrating trying to plan for retirement when you can't even get basic questions answered!!!

To directly answer your questions: 1. Ex-spouse benefits: You need to APPLY for these - SSA doesn't automatically check. But you'll only get the higher of either your own SSDI or 50% of your ex's benefit (not both). 2. At FRA (67): Your SSDI converts automatically to retirement benefits with the same amount. No paperwork needed. 3. LTD benefits: Most policies terminate at 65, but some continue until your Social Security Full Retirement Age (67 for you). Check your specific policy or contact your LTD carrier immediately as you're approaching this age. One important detail: The fact that your ex remarried doesn't affect your ability to claim on his record, but YOUR remarriage would make you ineligible.

be careful about LTD!! mine stopped at 65 and there was a clause that they reduced payments by what i got from SSDI the whole time! check your policy carefully.

You can apply for divorced spouse benefits online through your my Social Security account or by calling SSA. I recommend online - it's much easier. You'll need your marriage certificate, divorce decree, and your ex's Social Security number (if you know it). If you don't have his SSN, SSA can usually find it with his name and date of birth. If applying online seems overwhelming, you can schedule an appointment at your local SSA office. They're usually booked several weeks out, but the in-person help can be worth it for complex situations.

THE SSA OFFICE MAKES EVERYTHING SO CONFUSING!!! I spent MONTHS trying to figure out my ex-spouse benefits. Then I found out I wasn't getting anything extra because my own benefit was higher anyway! WASTE OF TIME!!! And nobody can ever get through on the phone!!!! This whole system is BROKEN!!!

One more clarification about the SSDI to retirement conversion at 67 - while your payment amount stays the same, there's a significant benefit: once you're on retirement benefits instead of SSDI, you'll no longer be subject to medical reviews, and you can earn unlimited income without affecting your benefits (unlike SSDI which has strict work limitations). Regarding your LTD question - many policies do terminate at 65, but the exact terms depend on your specific policy. Some continue until your Social Security Full Retirement Age (67), while others have different age-based schedules. I'd recommend reviewing your policy documents or contacting your LTD provider directly.

dont forget that medicare starts at 65 even if your on SSDI already. you need to sign up for part B when you get close to 65 or youll get penalties!