Ask Larry

Can I Collect On My Husband's Record If We're Separated?

Not legally divorced..still married but haven't lived together for 20years can I collect on his ss?

Hi. Possibly, but only if you're at least age 62, and if your husband is drawing Social Security retirement or disability benefits. Furthermore, if you were born after January 1 1954 then you could only qualify for spousal benefits during your husband's lifetime if his primary insurance amount (PIA) is more than twice as much as your 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).

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
Jun 28 2021 - 11:44am
MaxiFi software running on a laptop
Get What's Yours!
Discover tens of thousands in extra retirement dollars with Maximize My Social Security software!
  • Find your maximized strategy
  • Unlimited what-ifs
  • Step-by-Step filing instructions
  • Our software's lifetime-benefit increase for an illustrative couple earning $65K each and planning to take retirement benefits at 62.

    Results will differ based on your specific case and filing strategy.

Getting Started is Easy
Web-based software. Works on ALL browsers. No download.