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Level 2
posted Jul 15, 2021 10:07:18 AM

Collecting Social Security against my ex-spouse

I began drawing SS against my  ex-spouse's Social Security when I turned 66 (I was born in 1952). I was told by the SS office that this would not impact the amount that he would collect, nor would it impact the amount I'm entitled to collect when I begin collecting at age 70. Is that correct?

 

After I begin drawing against my own SS account, can I continue to draw a percentage against his or does that cease? 

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1 Best answer
Employee Tax Expert
Jul 15, 2021 11:39:31 AM

What you were told is correct in that neither benefit will be impacted by you taking these benefits. First of all, since you were born before 1954 it is smart of you to wait to delay your benefit until the age of 70. 
Once you are eligible for retirement benefits (or decide to take them) on your own record, SSA will pay that amount first. If your ex-spouse's benefit is higher then you will receive an additional amount so that the combination of the benefits equals the higher amount. If your amount is higher, then you will not receive an additional amount. 
(source: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/applying7.html#h4)

2 Replies
Employee Tax Expert
Jul 15, 2021 11:39:31 AM

What you were told is correct in that neither benefit will be impacted by you taking these benefits. First of all, since you were born before 1954 it is smart of you to wait to delay your benefit until the age of 70. 
Once you are eligible for retirement benefits (or decide to take them) on your own record, SSA will pay that amount first. If your ex-spouse's benefit is higher then you will receive an additional amount so that the combination of the benefits equals the higher amount. If your amount is higher, then you will not receive an additional amount. 
(source: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/applying7.html#h4)

Level 2
Jul 15, 2021 4:01:52 PM

Thank you!!