Can I claim ex-spouse Social Security at FRA then switch to my own at 70 for 24% increase?

Yes, you can absolutely do this! Since you were married for more than 10 years (16 years in your case) and aren't currently remarried, you qualify for ex-spouse benefits. The strategy you're describing is sometimes called "restricted application" and it was preserved for people born before January 2, 1954. However, based on your FRA being in August 2025, you were born after the cutoff date. People born on or after January 2, 1954 are subject to the "deemed filing" rules, which means when you file for any benefit, you're deemed to have filed for all benefits you're eligible for. So unfortunately, the SSA will automatically pay you whichever is higher - your own benefit or the ex-spouse benefit - but not both, and you can't switch later. If you want to get the 24% increase at 70, your best option is likely to wait until 70 to file for any benefits. But you should definitely check with SSA directly to confirm based on your specific birth date and earning history.

the previous person is wrong!! my sister just did this exact thing last year!! she got her ex husbands benefits at her FRA and is waiting till 70 for her own. you definitely CAN do this as long as you wait till your full retirement age to apply. don't let anyone tell you different!!!

The deemed filing rules changed with the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015. If your FRA is in August 2025, that means you were born in 1959 or 1960, well after the January 2, 1954 cutoff date. I was in a similar situation - divorced after 15 years of marriage and hoping to get ex-spouse benefits while letting my own grow. When I called SSA to discuss this strategy, they explained that because I was born after the cutoff, I couldn't do it. You'll automatically get whichever benefit is higher when you file, and that decision is permanent (with some rare exceptions). I'd recommend calling SSA to discuss your specific situation, but expect hours on hold. I finally got through by using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that held my place in line and called me when an agent was available. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU that shows how it works. Saved me literally hours of frustration and I got clear answers about my options.

THIS IS WHY SOCIAL SECURITY IS SO FRUSTRATING!!! They keep changing the rules and nobody can keep track of what applies to who! I spent 20 YEARS planning my retirement based on being able to claim my ex's benefits first and then switch, and then they changed everything with that 2015 law. Now I'm stuck taking reduced benefits because I can't afford to wait until 70. The system is DELIBERATELY CONFUSING so people make mistakes and the government saves money. It's disgusting.

i helped my mom figure this out recently. if ur FRA is in 2025 ur probably born in 1959 or 1960? if so ur definitely affected by the deemed filing rules that started with people born after jan 1 1954. basically u have 2 options: 1. file at FRA and get whichever is higher (ur benefit or 50% of ex's) 2. wait till 70 to get ur own benefit with the 24% increase no switching allowed anymore for ppl our age :

Wait I'm confused. So can she get 50% of her ex-husband's benefit ever? Or is that completely off the table now with these new rules?

Thank you all for the clarification. I'm definitely disappointed but glad I asked before making a mistake. So if I understand correctly: 1. Because I was born in 1959, I'm subject to the deemed filing rules 2. I can't do the strategy of taking ex-spouse benefits at FRA and then switching to my own at 70 3. When I file (whether at FRA or later), I'll automatically get whichever is higher - my own benefit or 50% of my ex's I need to figure out if my own benefit at 70 (with the 24% increase) would be more than 50% of my ex's benefit. If it would be, then waiting until 70 makes sense. If not, then I should just file at FRA. Does that sound right?

My neighbor went through something similar with her ex. She ended up just claiming at her FRA because her health wasn't great and she figured the bird in hand was worth two in the bush, if you know what I mean. Sometimes waiting until 70 sounds good on paper but you never know what life will bring. Just something to consider.

One more important thing to note: Even though you can't do the restricted application strategy, you should still compare three numbers: 1. Your benefit at FRA 2. Your benefit at age 70 (with the 24% increase) 3. Your ex-spouse benefit (up to 50% of his PIA) Create a breakeven analysis to see how long you'd need to live for waiting until 70 to make financial sense. For most people, if you live past 80-82, waiting until 70 provides more lifetime benefits. You can use the SSA calculator online to get estimates, or schedule an appointment to get precise numbers for your situation.