My friend is divorced -- was married more than 10 years and is now unmarried. She is entitled to very little (if any) Social Security benefits under her own work record, but her ex-husband has contributed to Social Security for several decades. She turns 66 soon. If she waits until age 70 to file, does she receive a larger benefit (based on his record)? Thank you.

Hi,

No, delayed retirement credits are not added to spousal or divorced spousal benefits, so your friend would want to apply no later than full retirement age, which is apparently age 66 in her case. The only catch is that her ex-husband must be at least age 62 and they must have been divorced for at least 2 years, or her ex must be receiving disability or retirement benefits, in order for her to be eligible for benefits on his record.

Best, Jerry