Larry, I have read your book 3 times but am still unsure what to do. I am 64, born in Dec 1952, and in the middle of getting divorced. Hope for it to be final in next 6 months. Have been married 32 yrs. My husband is 65, will be 66 May 2018. He is a high earner, I was mostly stay at home mom. He plans to work until age 70, neither of us has filed for any benefits yet.

My current s.s. amount at age 64 is about $637 a month. My question is, should I start my own benefit now and for the next two and a half years, until I will be divorced for the full 2 years, and then apply for the "divorced ex-spouse" amount on his record? By then, we will both be over age 67. Or should I quickly try to file as a married spouse now to get a spousal benefit, so that when the divorce becomes final, I can switch over to ex-spouse benefit without the 2 year wait? I am afraid of being "deemed" if I take my own for the two and a half years, and then try to switch to the ex-spouse benefit, which will be about $1200. As i understand it, deeming would reduce my benefit to only my original amount. Not only is all this happening at a bad time, but also I will have to start paying for medicare as soon as we are divorced and I am off his company plan. Thank you! I am happy to use our software if you think it would help me.
Ann

Hi Ann,

You can't be eligible for spousal benefits if your husband isn't drawing his benefits, so filing for spousal benefits now isn't an available option for you. You could file for reduced retirement benefits now and then file for divorced spousal benefits effective with the earlier of a) when your husband files for his benefits, or b) when your divorce has been final for 2 years, but you would keep the reduction on your own record even after you become eligible as a divorced spouse.

For example, Sally files for her reduced retirement benefits at age 64 and receives $780 based on her full retirement rate (PIA) of $900. After Sally reaches full retirement age, she becomes eligible for divorced spousal benefits based on her ex-husband's PIA of $2400. Sally's spousal benefit would be calculated at 50% of her husband's PIA minus her own PIA, or $300 (i.e. $2400/2 - $900). This excess spousal benefit would then be added to Sally's reduced retirement rate of $780 to give her a combined benefit of $1080.

The final decision on what to do is up to you, but our maximization software will allow you to compare your filing options and determine your best strategy.

Best, Jerry