Ask Larry

Can I Apply For Benefits On My Ex's Record If I'm Already Collecting My Own Benefits?

I am now collecting as under my rates. Can I now apply for benefits under my ex's benefits or am I too late?

Hi,

You can always file an application for Social Security benefits, but if you're already drawing your own Social Security benefits and your ex-spouse is still living you could only be paid divorced spousal benefits if your ex-spouse's primary insurance amount (PIA) is more than twice as much as your PIA. A person's PIA is equal to their Social Security retirement benefit rate if they start drawing at full retirement age (FRA).

Whether or not you have other options depends on a number of different factors, so you may want to strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to explore your options and determine your best strategy for claiming benefits.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Sep 25 2019 - 2:49pm
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