Hi Larry,
I will be 66 in November 2016. I was married for 11 years, divorced and remained single. I have not filed for social security benefits.
Under the new rules of 2015, can I, at FRA of 66, file and suspend and at the same time file for benefits under my ex-spouse's earnings.
From reading your book, if I file and suspend till age 70 while getting ex-spouse benefits, I can still receive the yearly 8% increase from DCR. Is that still correct?
Thanks
Lee

Hi Lee,

Your filing options have not changed, but DO NOT FILE AND SUSPEND ON YOUR OWN RECORD. If you do, you will not be able to draw divorced spousal benefits while your own benefits are in suspense.

What you want to do instead is to file a restricted application for divorced spousal benefits only effective with the month you reach age 66. Then, when you reach age 70, you will need to file a separate application for benefits on your own record. Age 70 is when the monthly benefit payable on your own account will reach it's highest point (i.e. 32% higher than the your full retirement age rate).

When you file your application for divorced spousal benefits, be sure that it contains a statement such as 'I wish to restrict the scope of this application to divorced spousal benefits only.' or 'I wish to restrict benefits on my own record from the scope of this application.' If you file online, you will need to add this remark yourself. If you file by phone or in-person, make sure that the Social Security representative included this remark when you review your application.

Best, Jerry