We are not of retirement age yet but I want to know if my husbands ex-wife would be eligible for his SS benefits should he die before either of us. He was married for 5 years (separated) but did not officially file for divorce until 16 years after separation. She has never remarried.

Hi,

I am 67 in sept 1951. I am divorcing my husband who is 55 and not eligible to collect. I would like to suspend my benefits til age 70. Can I do this and collect his benefit? Iam will also be collecting nyc pension.

Hi,

You can't receive divorced spousal benefits on your ex's record unless he is either a) at least age 62 or b) drawing disability benefits.

You may want to strongly consider using the maximization software available on this website in order to determined your best overall filing strategy.

Best, Jerry

I am almost 72, divorced. I am eligible for divorced spousal benefits which will bring my SS funds up to around $700 per month. I have $900 in cash and $100,000K in an IRA to last me for remainder of my life. no property. I worked much of my life with refugees and foster care and made very little money. I have medicare and AARP supplemental insurance. that and medications absorb much of my soc sec payment.

I am getting married soon and can not get a reliable answer to my social security question. I am considered a high wage earner age 57. My fiancé is 61 with limited earnings. She was married for 24 years and her ex has always maxed out his earnings for social security and is age 63
My question is, if we get married can she still collect a retirement benefits as a divorced spouse. Some answers I get say yes if she marries after age 62. I also believe that regardless, she could collect survivor benefits if her were to pass away.
Thank you for your help.

I began collecting Social Security at age 62 and for nearly 4 years I've felt like I've been misled. I meet all of the requirements for receiving divorced spousal benefits as stated on the SSA website. I applied in person at a local office and was told that my own benefit is too high to receive my ex's. I am confused by this as the website states that my own benefit would be paid first then an amount from his for a total amount equal to his benefit. I don't know what he receives, but I do know that while we were married his income was about 3 times higher than mine.

My ex-husband is not a US citizen. I am 57 he is 63. We were married 28 years. Does he have to wait until I file for retirement to collect the spousal benefit he is due? Is he do one if he's not a citizen?

Hi,

Unless you receive Social Security disability benefits, your ex-husband could not be eligible for divorced spousal benefits on your record until you are at least age 62.

Larry, i was married over 10years and my ex husband age 56 retired as we divorced. The Social Security lady told me i was allowed to collect a SS benefit now at age 52 because my ex has fully retired prior to our divorce. Is that True?
Thanks Mia

Hi Mia,

I am on ss disability and collect my late husbands benefits. Can I also collect benefits from my ex husband of 17 years when he retires?

Hi,

I was just approved to receive social security benefits on my ex-spouse's record. I filed to received benefits retroactive to the date he turned 66 (I'm also at full retirement age). Do you think I will be able to receive those benefits retroactively? Thanks!

Hi,

It's possible. You can potentially be paid divorced spousal benefits retroactively for up to 6 months prior to your month of filing if you were at least full retirement age all of that time.

Best, Jerry

I live in Illinois. I worked over 10 years at a local utility company. I was married for 22 years. What I would get from Social Security would be about $400/month less than collecting from my ex-husband. I went back to college & got a Masters of Social Work degree. I've been working temp jobs at schools (i.e. no benefits, no security.) I should be able to get social security from my ex beginning at age 67 years & 4 months, even if I don't retire. Problem is, can I collect this & still work in schools?