Larry, thank you for this service and all the help you've provided to countless people over the years :)
My question is in regards to divorced spousal benefits:
According to SS's website (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/divspouse.html), at age 62 I will become eligible for this benefit as I meet all the criteria. The wording on the site, however, is confusing.
It says "Your benefit as a divorced spouse is equal to one-half of your ex-spouse's full retirement amount (or disability benefit) if you start receiving benefits at your full retirement age."
However, further down it says "If you are eligible for retirement benefits on your own record and divorced spouse's benefits, we will pay the retirement benefit first. If the benefit on your ex-spouse's record is higher, you will get an additional amount on your ex-spouse's record so that the combination of benefits equals that higher amount."
--Does the first paragraph refer only to those who are not eligible for benefits on their own record, and does it require you to wait to receive these benefits until your full retirement age?
--the second paragraph applies to my case. My exes AIME # is substantially higher than mine.

My SSDI (& eventually retirement benefit) is $1,995. When my ex retires, she'll be entitled to the max benefit that year.
(In 2018, it's $2788. She'll retire prob in 2022, so I'll project max that year as $3000). All based on full RA...
Does this mean I am entitled to 50 % of my exes benefit, or $1500, which obviously is less than mine, or the difference between mine and hers (3000-1995=$1005 additional benefit I would receive?
Lastly, does the divorced spousal benefit apply to SSDI benefits also, or only retirement?
Thanks!

Hi,

Yes, you can only receive a full divorced spousal benefit equal to 50% of your ex's primary insurance amount if you're not already drawing retirement or disability benefits on your own record.

Since your SSDI benefit rate is apparently more than 50% of your ex-spouse's PIA, you couldn't qualify for divorced spousal benefits at least for as long as your ex is living.

Best, Jerry