SS Spousal Benefit timing when divorced

[RichardR3]

I will be retiring in 2025 at the age of 62 and filing for SS benefits. I was married for nearly 25 years, am now divorced, unmarried with no plans to re-marry.  My ex-wife will not be 62 until 2028. Her lifetime earnings far exceed mine. When will I be able to claim the spousal benefit based on her earnings if I file for benefits next year based on mine? Or does my filing at 62 affect this higher benefit?

[xmasbaby0]

This is a question for Social Security.

www.ssa.gov

[LoriLeighEA · Accepted solution]

Welcome to the Event, RichardR3!

You are eligible to collect spousal benefits on a living former spouse's earning record as long as:

• The marriage lasted at least 10 years.
• You have not remarried.
• You are at least 62 years of age.
• Your ex-spouse is entitled to collect Social Security retirement or disability benefits.

Your former spouse doesn't need to be collecting her retirement benefits for you to claim ex-spousal benefits.

(In this case the divorce must be at least two years old.)

For more info go here: Ex-Spouse Benefits and How They Affect You

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