I was married for 13 yrs, then divorced. At what time can I collect on my ex spouses S.S. benefits?? And, what is the process for doing this?? What things would disqualify me from collecting this??

Thank You!!
Michelle

Hi Michelle,

Assuming that your ex-spouse is living that you don't have a child in your care who's drawing benefits on your ex's record, the earliest that you could potentially collect divorced spousal benefits is at age 62. Your ex-spouse would also have to be at least age 62 or drawing his benefits in order for you to qualify. And, you must normally be unmarried in order to collect divorced spousal benefits (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.03/handbook-0311.html).

If you were born after January 1 1954 or if you claim benefits prior to your full retirement age (FRA), you'll be forced to file for your own Social Security benefits at the same time that you apply for divorced spousal benefits. In that case you could only be paid essentially the higher of the two benefit rates, and your benefit rate would be reduced for age if you claim benefits prior to FRA.

If your ex-spouse dies, then you could potentially apply for reduced survivor benefits as early as age 60, or at age 50 if you're disabled (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.04/handbook-0403.html). You may want to consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to find out what benefits you may be able to qualify for, and to determine the best strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry