I have been divorced for 20 years and never remarried. When I draw my social security can I draw on my exes since he made a greater amount than I. And if so when should I start to draw. I am 59 now.

I was born January 19,1962. When can I apply for social security on me and when if I am filing on an ex husband? We were married for 20years before divorce. He was born June 16,1960.

Hi. My answer assumes that your ex-husband is still living. The first month that you could possibly qualify for either your own Social Security retirement benefits or for divorced spousal benefits is February 2024. You must be at least age 62 for a full month to potentially qualify for either of those benefits.

Since you were born after January 1 1954, whenever you apply for either your own retirement benefits or for divorced spousal benefits you'll be deemed to be filing for both benefits. You can only be paid essentially the higher of the two benefit rates, and if you start drawing prior to your full retirement age of 67 your benefit rate will be reduced for age.

You must decide for yourself whether you think it's better to start drawing early at a reduced rate, or wait until later so that you can receive a higher monthly rate. You should strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully analyze the options available to you in order to help you determine your best strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry