Hello, I have a few questions in regards to my mom. She is 62 and would like to draw ss. She is divorced and unmarried. She was married 12 years to my father. He is also 62. He has made quite a bit more than her over his lifetime. We would love to use your online program but unsure how to get the info about my dad's financials that may be needed for an accurate depiction of the best path for her. She does not have a relationship at all with him and he would not give her any info if asked. I am also willing to make her an appt to speak to someone very knowledgeable about this, except ss office, if you could recommend someone. We live in Oklahoma. Again any advice would be great. I just want her to make the best decisions. Thank you

Hi,

Since your mother was apparently born after January 1 1954, she'll be deemed to file for both retirement and divorced spousal benefits whenever she files for either one (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/deemedfaq.html). She'll basically just receive the higher of the 2 benefit rates, and if she files before her full retirement age (FRA), her monthly rate will be reduced for age.

Our maximization software could calculate your mother's retirement benefit rate with her earnings history, which she can obtain online from Social Security. But, she would need to furnish at least her approximate unreduced divorced spousal benefit rate (i.e. 50% of your father's full retirement age rate) in order for the software to perform a full analysis of her options. She should be able to obtain her approximate divorced spousal rate by calling or visiting a Social Security office. I don't know of any other way she could obtain the information without your father's help.

Best, Jerry