I’m 51 and am on SSDI. I’m divorced and was married a little over 10 years. I have not remarried. How can I determine what my SSI will be? I know that I can get some benefit based on my ex spouse’s income. If SSDI automatically converts to SSI will they automatically consider my ex spouse’s income? Thanks so much for your help!

Hi. By 'SSI', I assume that you're referring to Social Security benefits. The Social Security Administration does administer a needs based benefit called Supplemental Security Income, which is referred to by the abbreviation SSI. You might be able to qualify for Supplemental Security Income now, but only if your Social Security disability (SSDI) benefit is less than $814 and if you don't have disposable resources valued at more than $2000 (https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/).

With regard to Social Security benefits, your SSDI benefits will automatically convert to regular Social Security retirement benefits at the same benefit rate when you reach your full retirement age (FRA). When you qualify for SSDI benefits, it's basically the same as drawing your full Social Security retirement benefit amount early. If you're eligible for any divorced spousal benefits in addition to your own benefits, you won't automatically start getting those benefits. You'd need to apply for divorced spousal or survivor benefits in order to be able to qualify.

Basically, as long as your ex-spouse is living you could only qualify for divorced spousal benefits if 50% of his primary insurance amount (PIA) is higher than your full SSDI rate. A person's PIA is equal to their Social Security retirement benefit rate if they start drawing their benefits at full retirement age (FRA), or their full SSDI benefit rate. If your ex-spouse dies before you, though, you'd be old enough to qualify for disabled survivor benefits now However, you could only qualify for survivor benefits if your ex's full benefit rate is higher than your own SSDI rate.

Also, if and when you are eligible for divorced spousal benefits, if you start drawing them prior to FRA your spousal or survivor rate will be reduced for age.

Best, Jerry