When can I apply for ex-spouse Social Security benefits while on SSDI at 62?

You can apply for divorced spouse benefits as long as you've been divorced for at least 2 years, which you have. You don't need to wait for your ex to file for his own benefits first. However, since you're already receiving SSDI, you'll only get additional benefits if your ex-spouse's record would provide a higher benefit amount. SSA will pay the higher of the two, not both benefits combined.

I'm in a similar situation but my ssdi is more than what id get from my ex husband so they told me I can't get any spousal benefits! its ridiculous!!! I was married 22 years and now im getting NOTHING from his record. you should call SSA and ask your specific situation, but be prepared to wait on hold FOREVER

Here's a clearer explanation of how this works in your situation: 1. You can apply for divorced spouse benefits since you were married over 10 years and have been divorced for at least 2 years. 2. Since you're already on SSDI, you'll be subject to what's called "dual entitlement". This means you'll receive your own SSDI benefit PLUS the difference if the spousal benefit is higher. 3. The maximum spousal benefit is 50% of your ex's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) - basically what he'd get at his full retirement age. 4. If your SSDI is already higher than 50% of his PIA, you won't receive additional money. 5. You can still file now - you don't need to wait until he's collecting benefits. I'd recommend calling SSA to find out what your potential benefit amount would be before getting your hopes up.

You know what's completely ridiculous about this whole system? If you get $1620 in SSDI and your ex-husband's record would qualify you for $1650 as a spousal benefit, you'll only get an extra $30 a month!!! THIRTY DOLLARS after 25 YEARS of marriage! The system is BROKEN. This happened to my sister and it's just INSULTING.

Totally agree with everyone saying to check if it's worth it first. My neighbor was so excited to apply for ex-spouse benefits and went through the whole process only to find out her SSDI was $75 more than what she'd get as an ex-spouse. Complete waste of time and got her hopes up for nothing!

I tried calling SSA about a similar issue last month and spent 3 hours on hold before getting disconnected. I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) after a friend recommended it - they got me connected to an actual SSA agent in about 15 minutes. Saved me so much frustration! They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. Definitely worth it for complicated questions like yours that need a real person to answer.

has anybody else noticed that the rules r different depending on which SSA person u talk to?? i swear i called twice about my ex-spouse benefits and got completely different answers!! so frustrating!

One important detail I forgot to mention: if you apply for the divorced spouse benefit, make sure you specify you're applying for the "divorced spouse benefit" and not trying to file on your own record again. Sometimes the intake people get confused when you're already receiving SSDI and try to tell you that you've already filed. Be specific that you're filing for the additional benefit based on your ex-spouse's record.