Just like during tax season,
it’s good to have all the information you need early so you can prepare and get
any money you are due.
If you are age 62, unmarried
and divorced from someone entitled to Social Security retirement or disability
benefits, you may be eligible to receive benefits based on his or her record.
To be eligible, you must have been married to your ex-spouse for 10 years or
more. If you have since remarried, you can’t collect benefits on your former
spouse’s record unless your later marriage ended by annulment, divorce, or
death. Also, if you’re entitled to benefits on your own record, your benefit
amount must be less than you would receive based on your ex-spouse’s work. In
other words, the higher of the two benefits for which you’re eligible will be
paid, but not both.
You can apply for benefits on
your former spouse’s record even if he or she hasn’t retired, as long as you
divorced at least two years before applying. If, however, you decide to wait
until full retirement age to apply as a divorced spouse, your benefit will be
equal to half of your ex-spouse’s full retirement amount or disability benefit.
The same rules apply for a deceased former spouse.
The amount of benefits you
get has no effect on the benefits of your ex-spouse and his or her current
spouse. Visit Retirement Planner: If You Are Divorced at www.socialsecurity.gov
to find all the eligibility requirements you must meet to apply as a divorced
spouse. This benefits planner gives you an idea of your monthly benefit amount.
If your ex-spouse died after you divorced, you may still quality for widow’s
benefits.
Remember, to visit www.socialsecurity.gov and visit Retirement Planner:
If You Are Divorced today to learn whether you’re eligible for benefits on your
ex-spouse’s record. That could mean a considerable amount of monthly income.
What you learn may bring a smile to your face … even on tax day!
