Ask Larry

Divorced Spousal Benefits

When Can I Apply For Divorced Spousal Benefits?

Hi Larry and thanks for reading my question.
I became divorced in 2008 after almost 29 years of marriage.
I became disabled in 2005 and get a very small pension which I have to pay from to receive my Humana health insurance.
My ex husband was ordered to pay me permanant alimony but in 2010 he moved to a nother state and I can not go after him because it is a civil matter and not child support.
This is my question I am 64 but my ex does not turn 62 until July 1st of 2018.

Posted: 
Tuesday, March 14, 2017 - 07:15

Is There Any Way I Can Increase My Benefit Rate?

larry I draw ssi on my husband I did not work enough we where married for 15 years
my ssi I s very low his is much higher can I draw some more or only when he passes
away ? i am single and it is hard to make ends meet
thank jou
coby

Hi Coby,

If you're already drawing divorced spouse's benefits on your ex-husband's record, it sounds like you are probably getting as much as you can for now. As you mention, though, your benefit rate would go up in the event that your ex dies before you.

Posted: 
Monday, March 13, 2017 - 06:45

Will My Divorced Spousal Benefits Reduce My Ex's Benefit Payments?

If I'm able to draw ss off x spouse after being married 21 yrs would it cut his ck he will be 66 this yr & I'm 62?

Hi,

No, if you become entitled to divorced spousal benefits it will have no effect on the benefit rate paid to your ex-husband, nor to any other beneficiaries eligible on his record.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Tuesday, February 28, 2017 - 07:00

Would I Be Eligible For Divorced Spousal Benefits If I Get Divorced?

I am 58 and receiving social security disability on my own record. My husband whom I was married to for 13 years is only 53 has now started collecting ssdi on his own record which he receives quit a bit more than me. I remarried at age 52 but have been separated from my second husband for 6 years. If I were to divorce my second husband could I draw on my first husbands record and If so would I get the full amount my first husband is getting and mine as well? How does that work?

Hi,

Posted: 
Friday, February 24, 2017 - 07:00

Can I File For Benefits On My Own Record At 62 And For Divorced Spousal Benefits At FRA?

I will turn 62 on 5/ 2018. I was married for 25 years and have been divorced for 4. Is it possible to collect on my benefits at 62 and then on my ex's at full retirement age?

Hi,

No, whenever you apply for benefits, you will be deemed to be filing for both retirement benefits on your own record and for divorced spousal benefits (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/deemedfaq.html).

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Thursday, February 23, 2017 - 07:45

When Should I Apply For Divorced Spousal Benefits?

Hi Larry, I am divorced after married 17 years, now I'm on Disability and 65 years old. After reading extensively I understand my Disability will roll over to regular Social Security at the same rate of payment as the Disability payment when I turn 65.
I want to file on his Social Security to increase my income, but not sure what to do or when. Do I wait till I'm 66 to file for the most benefit on his SS or go ahead and do it now and get mine and half of his? I read so much, will timing make a substantial difference? What is the best way?

Posted: 
Thursday, February 16, 2017 - 08:30

Can I File For Benefits On My Own Record At Age 63 And Divorced Spousal Benefits At Age 66?

I was married for 38 years. Divorced for 2+. I am 63. My ex-husband is 66 and started collecting SS at age 63. I was a stay-at-home-mom, but did work a little bit before kids. My spousal support was just reduced ( ex stopped working to avoid paying support) so I am faced with having to apply for SS at this point. Filing under my own record I will receive a little bit, about $500/month. It is my understanding that I cannot file under my ex's record until I turn 66. Can I file under my record now and then when I turn 66 file under my ex's record.

Posted: 
Friday, February 10, 2017 - 07:45

Does My Ex-Husband Need To Be Drawing His Own Benefits For Me To Get Divorced Spousal Benefits?

Does my ex-husband have to have filed for his own social security benefits before I can file for spousal only benefits? Or am I out of luck if he hasn't filed yet? I will be 66 this November. He just turned 67 but I think that he is still working (don't know for sure). We were married over 10 years and were divorced 30 years ago. I have never remarried. So I think I am grandfathered in on all the other criteria to file for spousal benefits only this year and wait until I am 70 and then file on my own benefits.

Hi,

Posted: 
Friday, February 10, 2017 - 07:00

Are The Provisions In My Divorce Decree Legal?

On my final decree said that I will have to take ss at 62 so my ex husband can
reduce that amount of the alimony. We went to court for this and the judge
dismiss it. My attorney he is in family law since 1966 and he said he never
saw that on any divorce. Do you think this is a unconstitutional or illegal? If my ex died
at 63, I would end up with a little ss check.
Thanks
PIlar

Hi Pilar,

Posted: 
Tuesday, February 7, 2017 - 06:15
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