Ask Larry

How Long Must My New Wife Wait Before She Can Collect On My Benefits?

My new wife was collecting spousal benefits on her divorced husband we were recently married how long must she wait before she can collect on my benefits which are higher

Hi. If your new wife was collecting divorced spousal benefits in the month prior to the month of your marriage then she could potentially qualify for spousal benefits from your account as early as the first full month of your marriage (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.03/handbook-0305.html). However, your wife can't be paid spousal benefits unless you're drawing your Social Security benefits.

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
Jan 4 2022 - 12:07pm
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