Hi, I am almost 62. My Ex-spouse is 67. We were married for more than 10 years and I have not re-married. If I apply now (& suspend? or apply with a restricted app?) for divorced spousal benefits, what are the ramifications?
Thanks for your advice.

Hi,

Since you were born after January 1 1954, you could never file a restricted application for divorced spousal benefits only provided that your ex is still living. If and when you file for divorced spousal benefits, you would be deemed to also be applying for your own retirement benefits. You could then only be paid what is essentially the higher of those 2 benefit rates, and your benefit amount would be reduced for age if you start drawing prior to your full retirement age (FRA).

Furthermore, if you claim benefits prior to FRA and you continue working, your benefits could be subject to full or partial withholding due to the Social Security earnings test (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/whileworking.html). Your best filing strategy depends on a number of different variables, so you should strongly consider using our software to compare your various options and determine your best strategy.

Best, Jerry