I am not eligible for spousal benefits due to the SSA changes in 2016, eliminating the benefit for filing for a claim on an ex-spouse at FRA and delaying my benefits from age 66 to 70. Are there any advantages such file and suspend for someone born in 1955; or is that option no longer allowed? Are there any additional SSA benefits available for a divorced claimant born in 1955, other than filing later than age 66?

Hi,

You could file for and suspend your retirement benefits when you reach full retirement age (FRA), but there would almost certainly be no advantage to doing that as opposed to simply waiting until age 70 to apply (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/suspendfaq.html).

If you were born in 1955 you couldn't file just for divorced spousal benefits on a living ex-spouse's record without also being deemed to have filed on your own record. However, if your ex-spouse is deceased you could file for surviving divorced spousal benefits without being deemed to file for your own benefits. You may want to consider using our maximization software to explore your options and determine your best strategy.

Best, Jerry