Ask Larry

Divorced Spousal Benefits

Can I Receive Divorced Spousal Benefits While My Disability Appeal Is Pending?

I am recently disabled but appealing a denial for social security. My ex spouse receives disability Ss, am I entitled to anything from him as I am waiting?

Hi,

You must be at least age 62 to qualify for divorced spousal benefits, in addition to meeting the other requirements (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/disability/dfamily3.html). No earlier entitlement to divorced spousal benefits is permitted, even if divorced spouse is disabled.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Tuesday, November 15, 2016 - 13:30

Which Person Is Correct?

Hi Larry,
My ex husband and I have received conflicting information from SS. We were married for 40 years before becoming divorced.
I began taking SS on my and his SS benefits before he began taking his benefits. He was 66 at the time, I was 64. He began taking his SS this year at 69. He was told by someone at the SS office where he signed up that my SS would increase when his SS began.to bring me to half of what he would now be receiving.

Posted: 
Saturday, November 5, 2016 - 10:30

Can I Get Divorced Spousal Benefits Sooner If I'm Disabled?

If I am approved for ss disability at age 53, can I draw on what my ex husbands amount would be if he became disabled? If not, can I switch to his amount at age 62?

Hi,

No, not if your ex-husband is still living. You must be at least age 62 to qualify for divorced spousal benefits. However, eligibility for surviving divorced spousal benefits can start as early as age 50 if the surviving ex-spouse is disabled.

Posted: 
Friday, October 28, 2016 - 10:15

Will My Friend's Divorced Spousal Benefit Rate Be Higher If She Waits Until Age 70?

My friend is divorced -- was married more than 10 years and is now unmarried. She is entitled to very little (if any) Social Security benefits under her own work record, but her ex-husband has contributed to Social Security for several decades. She turns 66 soon. If she waits until age 70 to file, does she receive a larger benefit (based on his record)? Thank you.

Hi,

Posted: 
Tuesday, October 25, 2016 - 06:15

Can My Ex-Spouse Sign Away Her Rights To Social Security Benefits?

1- I am divorced for more than 20 years. I was married for 14 years. my ex wife is unmarried and still lives in Canada. she never had social security number or lived in the USA. I am planning to retire by 1/1/17 and applying for Social security benefit. she is 61 years old and working in Canada. she is welling to give me her part of the SS benefit and welling to sign any documents required. is she allowed to do that? is there is a form that she can sign and declaring that I am the beneficiary as long as I am alive and she can claim her portion when I die?

Posted: 
Tuesday, October 18, 2016 - 13:00

How Should I Report My Remarriage To Social Security?

I understand that a person who is drawing Social Security is supposed to notify Social Security if they get married, even if neither party change their names. Is there a specific form to use for this? Both my domestic partner and I are 66 years old and drawing ex-spousal benefits while letting our own retirement benefits grow 8% a year until age 70. We plan to marry next year.

Posted: 
Monday, October 17, 2016 - 12:00

Could My Friend Still Get Divorced Spousal Benefits If She Changed Her Name?

My friend is 54 years old, recently divorced of more than 10 years marriage. Former spouse 72 years old. As the result from domestic violence; homicide attemp, continued threats, identity theft, stalking, she had to secure "court order name changed".
Would a claim against former spouse's social security possible?

Your feedback or comments would be appreciated.

Sincerely,
Mary Jane

Hi Mary Jane,

Posted: 
Monday, October 10, 2016 - 11:30
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