Ask Larry

Is There A Limit On My Earnings If I File For Divorced Spousal Benefits?

I turned 66 this july. If I file to collect spousal benefits on my ex-husband's earnings, (he's 67 and we were married 24 years), is there a limit to the earnings I can make until I'm 70 and file to collect my own benefits?

Hi,

Age 66 is your full retirement age, so there is no longer any limit to how much you can earn and still receive benefits. If you are currently unmarried, you should file for divorced spousal benefits ASAP. As long as you file by January 2017, you can and should file a restricted application for spousal benefits only effective with July 2016 (i.e. the month of age 66 attainment). You will then be able to switch to your own account at age 70, at which time your own benefit amount will be 32% higher than at age 66.

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
Sep 27 2016 - 6:30pm
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