I was racking up huge debt for medical care, prior to becoming disabled and just recently getting SSD and SSI. I had recently divorced my spouse of 12 years. I made substantially less during my work life than he made. I was in the 15g range, he, 100g and up. I am age 61 and he is 67. He has begun to get his SS and has a pension and I have only my SSD and SSI. We have discussed remarrying of late but do not know the best way to plan a financial future. He is also a Vietnam veteran.
I hope this isn't too complicated to answer. Thank you for your time. Rebecca

Hi Rebecca,

You can apply for reduced excess divorced spousal benefits as early as age 62. Unreduced excess divorced spousal benefits are calculated by subtracting your disability benefit amount from one-half of your ex-husband's full retirement age benefit amount (PIA). Assuming the result is positive, if you start drawing at age 62, this excess amount would be reduced by around 30%.

The math wouldn't change if you remarried. The type of benefit would just change to an excess spousal benefit, instead of an excess divorced spousal benefit. Also, if you are still receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in addition to your Social Security disability benefits, your SSI will be reduced dollar for dollar by the amount of any spousal or divorced spousal benefits you receive. SSI is a needs based program not funded by Social Security taxes (https://www.ssa.gov/disabilityssi/ssi.html).

Best, Jerry