Ask Larry

How Much Can I Get On My Ex-Spouse's Account If I Claim Benefits At Age 62?

Hi. First of all, if your ex-spouse is still living and if you were born after January 1 1954, then you could never apply for divorced spousal benefits without being forced to claim your own Social Security retirement benefits at the same time. Therefore, assuming that your ex is living, then no you couldn't draw divorced spousal benefits at age 62 and switch to your own benefits at age 67.

Furthermore, whenever you do apply for benefits you'll only be eligible for divorced spousal benefits during your ex-spouse's lifetime if 50% of his primary insurance amount (PIA) is more than your own PIA. A person's PIA is equal to their Social Security retirement benefit rate if they start drawing their benefits at full retirement age (FRA).

Assuming that you were born in 1960 or later, if you claim benefits at age 62 your own retirement benefits would be reduced for age by roughly 30%, and any additional divorced spousal benefits for which you qualify would be reduced by roughly 35%. And, if you're working, Social Security would need to withhold $1 of benefits for each $2 that you earn in excess of $21,240 in 2023.

It sounds like you should strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully compare and analyze all of your options so that you can determine your best strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
May 12 2023 - 9:40pm
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