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Level 1
posted Jun 26, 2024 10:08:20 AM

SS Spousal Benefit timing when divorced

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?

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1 Best answer
Employee Tax Expert
Jun 26, 2024 10:20:27 AM

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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**Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"

2 Replies
Level 15
Jun 26, 2024 10:10:55 AM

This is a question for Social Security.

 

www.ssa.gov

Employee Tax Expert
Jun 26, 2024 10:20:27 AM

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

 

**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post

**Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"