When can I claim ex-spouse Social Security benefits at 60 with SSI disability?

You can actually apply for divorced spouse benefits as early as age 62, but since you're on disability through SSI, the rules are a bit different. You need to meet these requirements: 1. Be at least 62 years old (so you have 2 more years to wait) 2. Have been married for at least 10 years (you qualify with 17 years) 3. Be currently unmarried (you are) 4. Your ex must be at least 62 and eligible for benefits (he is, even if he's not claiming yet) Since you're on SSI, any additional income from Social Security will reduce your SSI payment dollar-for-dollar after the first $20. But the total amount might still be higher than your current SSI payment alone.

my aunt was in the exac same boat!!! she had to wait till 62 even tho she got SSI for disability. its so dumb because if ur disabled they should let u get it early!!

There's actually one important exception to the age 62 requirement that applies to your situation. If you're receiving disability benefits, you can potentially claim divorced spouse benefits before age 62. Since you're on SSI (not SSDI), the rules are different than for someone on SSDI. For SSDI recipients, they can claim spousal benefits at any age if they're disabled. For SSI recipients, you generally still need to wait until age 62. However, you should definitely speak with an SSA representative directly about your specific situation. Sometimes there are exceptions depending on your work history and disability onset date that might make you eligible sooner.

I went through this exact nightmare last year. Been trying to reach SSA for MONTHS about this same question. Kept getting disconnected or waiting 2+ hours only to get transferred and disconnected again. FINALLY I found this service called Claimyr that got me through to a real person at SSA in about 20 minutes. They scheduled me for an appointment to discuss my ex-spouse benefits options. Here's their site if you want to check it out: claimyr.com They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Much better than wasting days trying to get through on your own. The SSA rep I spoke with actually went through my entire file and found some special provisions that applied in my case.

I HATE how confusing they make all this!!! I'm in almost the same situation (59, disabled, divorced 4 years ago after 20 year marriage) and I've gotten different answers from every single person at SSA I've talked to. One told me I could apply at 60, another said 62, and a third said I had to wait until my ex starts collecting HIS benefit first!?!? NOBODY SEEMS TO KNOW THE ACTUAL RULES. So frustrating.

Something important to consider - even if you qualify for ex-spouse benefits at 62, taking them that early means you'll only get about 70% of what you'd get if you waited until your Full Retirement Age (probably 67 for you). So you might want to calculate if it's better to wait a bit longer if you can manage it financially. But I understand SSI payments are pretty low, so getting something sooner might be better than waiting for the full amount.

my sister gets both ssi and her ex husbands ss... she gets like $200 less in ssi but overall she gets more money each month... they just reduce ur ssi but its still better than just ssi alone

Wait isn't there some kinda rule about collecting early if you take care of children?? My cousin did that but maybe that's different

One more technical detail - since your ex is 62 but still working, be aware that even if you become eligible for divorced spouse benefits at 62, the amount might be affected by the family maximum benefit (FMB) if your ex has other current dependents receiving benefits on his record (like a new spouse or minor children). This wouldn't reduce your benefit if he's not yet collecting, but it's something to be aware of for future planning.

I'm new to this community but wanted to share what I learned when I was in a similar situation. The key thing to understand is that SSI disability and SSDI disability have completely different rules for spousal benefits. Since you're on SSI (not SSDI), you're treated more like a regular non-disabled person when it comes to spousal benefits - meaning you have to wait until 62. The good news is that even though your SSI will be reduced dollar-for-dollar (minus the $20 disregard), you'll likely still come out ahead financially. I'd recommend calling SSA and asking them to do a "what if" calculation for you so you know exactly what to expect at 62. Also, make sure to ask about any state supplements you might be eligible for - some states have programs that can help bridge the gap. Hang in there - two more years feels like forever when you're struggling, but you're almost there!

I'm sorry to hear about your difficult financial situation. As others have mentioned, you'll likely need to wait until age 62 to apply for divorced spouse benefits since you're receiving SSI rather than SSDI. However, I'd strongly encourage you to contact SSA directly to verify this, as there can sometimes be special circumstances that aren't immediately obvious. One thing that might help in the meantime - have you looked into whether you qualify for any other assistance programs? Things like SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid if you don't already have it, utility assistance programs, or local food banks can help stretch your SSI further. Many areas also have housing assistance programs specifically for disabled individuals that might help with that high rent burden you mentioned. Also, when you do reach 62 and apply, make sure to file your application the month you turn 62 (not before) to avoid any delays. The SSA representatives should be able to walk you through exactly how the benefit calculation will work with your SSI payments so you know what to expect financially.