u should also ask if ur granddaughter can get SSI too, sometimes kids can get both depending on the situation

Just want to add one more tip based on my experience - when you do make that appointment (whether by phone first or directly in-person), try to schedule it for early morning if possible. The offices tend to be less crowded and the staff is usually fresher and more patient. Also, make copies of ALL your documents before you go - they'll want to keep copies of everything and having your own set helps if anything gets misplaced. Good luck with the process! It sounds like you're well-prepared and asking all the right questions.

I work for a disability advocacy organization and see cases like yours regularly. One thing that might help is requesting your husband's Social Security Statement to get a clearer picture of his potential benefits. You can do this as his spouse - SSA Form SSA-7050-F4 allows you to request another person's earnings record if you're married to them. Also, don't overlook that his recent steady employment at $25/hr could significantly boost his benefit calculation since Social Security uses your highest 35 years of earnings. If he works until his full retirement age, those final years of higher earnings will replace some of his earlier lower-earning years in the calculation. Given your health issues that forced early retirement, you might also want to explore whether you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, which aren't reduced for early filing like retirement benefits are. It's worth investigating all your options!

Just wanted to add that even though you've been separated for 23 years, your legal marital status is what matters for Social Security purposes. The length of separation doesn't affect your eligibility for spousal or survivor benefits - only divorce would change that. One thing to keep in mind is timing. If your husband files for his own Social Security benefits, you can immediately apply for spousal benefits (assuming you meet the other requirements). You don't have to wait for him to reach full retirement age - he just needs to have filed for his own benefits first. Also, since you mentioned money is tight, remember that if you do qualify for additional benefits through his record, they can sometimes pay retroactive benefits for up to 6 months from when you apply. So don't delay in contacting SSA once he becomes eligible or if he passes away. The calculations can be complex, but given that he's had several recent years of decent earnings, there's definitely a chance his benefit could be high enough to increase your monthly payment. Good luck navigating this!

Does anyone know when these changes actually start? I heard 2025 but not sure exactly when during the year?

I just remembered something IMPORTANT! If you have 30+ years of "substantial earnings" under Social Security, you might be COMPLETELY EXEMPT from WEP even under the current rules!!!! You should check if your 35 years of SS work all count as "substantial earnings" - the threshold changes each year. For 2023 it was around $28,050 I think?? If you have 30+ substantial years you might not even need to worry about WEP at all!!!!

After reading through this thread again, I realized I need to correct something in my earlier response. The provision about disabled spouses collecting as early as 50 only applies to surviving spouses (widows/widowers) whose partners have passed away. Since you're still living, your wife wouldn't qualify under that provision. As the expert correctly pointed out, for your situation, your wife would generally need to wait until age 62 to collect spousal benefits once you start receiving your retirement benefits. The only exception would be if she were caring for your child who is under 16 or disabled. I apologize for my error and the confusion it may have caused.

has she tried applying for disability again? sometimes ppl get denied first time but approved when they appeal. my sister got denied twice but then got a lawyer and won her case!!

Thank you everyone for all the helpful information! I feel much clearer on what to do now. I'll wait until after my husband receives his first payment in 3 months, then call SSA to make sure my spousal benefits are being processed correctly. I'll have our marriage certificate ready just in case they need it. The deemed filing information was particularly helpful - I didn't realize that would automatically tie everything together.

Just wanted to add one more tip that helped me when I went through this process - keep detailed records of every phone call you make to SSA, including the date, time, and the name of the representative you spoke with (if they give it). Also write down any reference numbers they provide. I had to call back twice because of conflicting information from different reps, and having those details helped me get everything sorted out more quickly. The system can be frustrating, but most of the SSA staff really do want to help once you get through to them. Good luck with everything, and congratulations again on starting your retirement benefits!