Ask Larry

Can I Get Spousal Benefits If I Remarry?

I'm 65, collect $198. (after the medicare fee factored in) and $17. of it is from a divorced spouse. i collected at 62. i am planning to remarry. i know i stop getting the ex's at that point. can i get a portion of my new spouses s.s. and if so how much would it be? how long do i have to wait? he will collect in december 2018. does that affect how long i have to wait? he will be receiving appx. $1,470.. does the fact that i collected at 62 affect the amount? thank you for your time!

Hi,

Yes, your divorced spousal benefits will end when you remarry, assuming that your ex is still living. And yes, you can potentially qualify for spousal benefits on your new husband's record when he starts drawing his benefits, but not before then.

Your spousal benefit will be calculated by subtracting your own full retirement age rate (PIA) from 50% of your husband's PIA. Your spousal benefit will not be reduced as long as you are at least full retirement age (FRA) when you start drawing the spousal benefits, however, you will keep the reduction that you took on your own account.

For example, say Jane has a PIA of $400 but starts drawing a reduced rate of $300 at age 62. Jane later becomes entitled to spousal benefits at FRA and her husband's PIA is $1500. Jane would then be eligible for an excess spousal benefit of $350 (i.e. $1500/2 - $400), which would be added to her own reduced benefit to give her a combined benefit rate of $650.

Before your new husband files, he may want to strongly consider using the maximization software available on this website to explore his filing options and determine the best overall strategy for both of you.

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
Aug 5 2017 - 7:34am
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