My husband and I were married for 21 years and I was primarily a housewife.
I have subsequently worked enough to qualify for Social Security benefits and I am now on SSD. I am 62 years old and my former husband is 65 years old. Am I correct in understanding that when I reach full retirement age I can elect to draw 50% of his PIA instead of my SSD?

Hi. Your understanding is basically correct, but you wouldn't stop getting your own benefits if you file for divorced spousal benefits. Instead, your unreduced divorced spousal benefit would be calculated by subtracting your primary insurance amount (PIA) from 50% of your ex's PIA. That amount would then be paid in addition to your own benefit amount, and the total would then add up to 50% of your ex's PIA as long as you don't claim your divorced spousal benefits prior to your full retirement age (FRA).

You could potentially claim divorced spousal benefits prior to FRA, but your divorced spousal rate would then be reduced for age. But, you can't qualify for divorced spousal benefits unless you've been divorced for at least 2 years, or if your ex-husband is drawing his benefits.

Best, Jerry