Ask Larry

Can My Fiancee Get Benefits On My Record If We Marry?

I'm 64 and a divorced high earner. Still working. Fiancee is 56 and a lower earner but divorced and was married to a high earner for more than 10 years (he is her age). If we marry, I understand she loses her claim to collect benefits on her ex's earning record when she retires at 62. But would she be entitled to collect benefits on my high earning record? Her fear is if she remarries she loses her claim to her ex's high earning record and is stuck with her lower earning record if we marry.

Hi,

Yes, your fiancée can become eligible for spousal benefits on your record if you marry and she meets the other eligibility requirements (https://faq.ssa.gov/link/portal/34011/34019/Article/3754/What-is-the-eli...).

You may want to strongly consider using the maximization software available on this website in order to determine the best filing strategy for you and your fiancée.

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
May 20 2017 - 6:52am
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