Ask Larry

Can Both Spouses Get Divorced Spouse's Benefits?

Two spouses were married ten years and both have long work histories. If they divorce, can both of them collect a divorced spouse benefit from the FRA until age 70? I believe this could add up to more than $50,000 each! And the couple would also get the advantage of single (or possibly single head-of-household) tax status.

Does your software calculate the benefit of divorce?

Jonathan,
It depends on your ages and whether you've been divorced for at least two years. If you were born after 1 Jan 1954, and you file for your divorced spouse's benefits then you’d be deemed by law to have also filed for your retirement benefit at that time. Additionally, you'd have had to have been divorced for at least 2 years and your Ex-spouse would have to be at least age 62. No, MaximizeMySocialSecurity, does not calculate divorced benefits for married couples.
Best,
Mike

Posted: 
Jul 3 2016 - 1:45pm
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