Ask Larry

Can I Collect Divorced Spousal Benefits When I Turn Age 66 And Still Work Full Time?

My birthday is 9-6-52. I am currently working full time and plan to continue so for another year. I make approximately 94,000 per year.
Can I collect divorce spousal benefits when I turn 66 and still work full time? I was married more than 10 years, and divorced more than two. My ex is currently collecting benefits on his record. Thank you

Hi,

Yes, since you were born prior to January 2 1954 you could file just for divorced spousal benefits only effective with September 2018. Your earnings won't affect your ability to receive benefits at that time because you will then be full retirement age. You could potentially draw divorced spousal benefits for 4 years while allowing your own retirement rate to grow, and then switch to your own retirement benefits at age 70 assuming that rate is higher than your divorced spousal rate.

It sounds like the strategy outlined above is most likely your best option, but you may want to consider using our maximization software to check out and compare your other options.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Jul 4 2018 - 9:12am
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