Ask Larry

Can I File For Divorced Spousal Benefits At Age 64, Then File On My Own Record At Age 66?

I am 64 and was married for 14 years and divorced in 1995. My ex is still working and is 63. Can I file for my ex's social security now? And then file for my full SS at 66.

Hi,

No, if you file for divorced spousal benefits before your full retirement age of 66, you'll also be deemed to have applied for reduced retirement benefits on your own account. That would result in both benefits being permanently reduced.

You can, however, file only for divorced spousal benefits at age 66, then file on your own account at age 70. That may or may not be your best filing strategy, so you should consider running the maximization software available on this website in order to sort out your options.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Aug 25 2016 - 1:00pm
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