Content starts here
CLOSE ×

Search

Reply

Divorced spouse questions

I’m 62, unmarried, and have been divorced 10 yrs after a 25-yr marriage.  
my ex-spouse has made more money than me for most of that time.  I’m trying to figure out how much more money I would be receiving if I were to claim divorced spouse benefits. I’d like to remarry, but I’m reading that if I do, I’m giving up my right to those potentially increased benefits.

How can I tell what that increased benefit vs my sole benefit would be?

And he himself is not 62 yet.  Would I have to wait until then to be able to draw on his ssi?

0 Kudos
859 Views
1
Report
Gold Conversationalist

@TerrinoelaniL532551 

 

Editing my reply based on a found AARP article. Apparently if you remarry while collecting spousal benefits from an ex-spouse then you will lose those benefits. See  https://www.aarp.org/retirement/social-security/questions-answers/ex-remarry.html

They say about continuing the benefits after remarrying "If your ex-husband or ex-wife is still alive, probably not. You cannot claim divorced-spouse benefits tied to a living former mate if you are married.

 

If you began drawing such ex-spousal benefits when you were single but then remarry, those payments will be terminated (except as noted below). You are required to report changes in marital status to Social Security."

 


If I remember correctly, eventually you should be able to remarry without affecting your right to your benefit on your ex's account. But I can't locate anything at the moment to support that, so I don't know, more research needed.

You would get your SS benefit plus an additional amount from his benefit such that the total would equal up to 50% of his benefit at his FRA, assuming that you apply at your own FRA. If you apply at younger than your own FRA then your total benefit would be reduced accordingly. (note:  you always get your own benefit, if any, then the add-on for a spouse's benefit, etc. This is just a form of internal bookkeeping for the SSA).

If he is eligible for SS retirement benefits but not drawing, you can still collect benefits on his account, "If you have not applied for retirement benefits, but can qualify for them, your ex-spouse can receive benefits on your record if you have been divorced for at least two continuous years." See https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/applying7.html (written from the viewpoint of your ex-)

Other helpful links:   

https://blog.ssa.gov/ex-spouse-benefits-and-how-they-affect-you/   (the SSA)

https://www.aarp.org/retirement/social-security/questions-answers/ex-spouse-social-security.html (AARP)


Good luck!

0 Kudos
843 Views
0
Report
cancel
Showing results for 
Show  only  | Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
Users
Need to Know

NEW: AARP Games Tournament Tuesdays! This week, achieve a top score in Atari Centipede® and you could win $100! Learn More.

AARP Games Tournament Tuesdays

More From AARP