Is there a problem for an ex-spouse to start taking her own SS benefit at age 65 and wait till her ex-spouse starts drawing his SS benefit 6 years later when he turns 65 and switch to half of his benefit? They were married long enough (27 years).

Hi,

You can't switch from drawing benefits on your own record to drawing other types of benefits, such as spousal or divorced spousal benefits. However, in the scenario you describe it would be possible for someone to start drawing their own retirement benefits now and then qualify for additional benefits on someone else's account later.

For example, say Julie starts drawing her retirement benefits at age 65. Julie's full retirement age benefit rate (PIA) at age 66 would be $800, but she receives a reduced rate of $746 in return for starting to draw at age 65. Three years later when Julie's ex-husband turns age 62 she becomes eligible for divorced spousal benefits. Her ex's full retirement age rate or PIA (primary insurance amount) is $2000, so Julie's excess divorced spousal rate would be calculated by subtracting her PIA from 50% of her ex's PIA, or $200 in this example (i.e. $2000/2 - $800). This excess divorced spousal benefit would then be paid in addition to Julie's own reduced retirement rate to give her a combined benefit amount of $946.

Note in the example above that Julie's entitlement to divorced spousal benefits isn't dependent on when her ex starts drawing his benefits. As long as her ex is at least age 62 and they've been divorced for at least 2 years, Julie can qualify for divorced spousal benefits even if her ex hasn't yet filed for his benefits.

Before filing, you should strongly consider using our maximization software to explore and compare your filing options so that you can choose the best possible strategy for claiming benefits.

Best, Jerry