Early Social Security and Spouse Benefit: Age 55, I was laid off almost 2 years ago (secretary), living off IRA (already owe taxes for withdrawing), applying for SSID (had surgery), my questions are, can I collect spouse benefit (was married over 10 years) now and can I collect early Social Security benefits, but stop collecting if I were to return to work? What are my options, thank you so much for your help.

Hi,

No, you can't collect retirement benefits on your own record or divorced spousal benefits before age 62, and that's also the earliest that you could qualify for spousal benefits unless your spouse is drawing their benefits and you have an eligible child of theirs in your care.

It sounds like you've already filed for disability benefits, which is probably the only way that you might qualify for Social Security benefits at your present age. I'm sorry but I don't have any expertise outside of the Social Security program, so I can't offer you any advice about other possible options.

Best, Jerry