Can I claim ex-spouse Social Security benefits at 67 while still working? Never remarried after 10+ year marriage

Thank you so much for this detailed information! I had no idea about the 'restricted application' option. So just to be absolutely clear - I can collect the ex-spouse benefit (50% of his) from now until I turn 70, and then switch to my own (which will have grown to its maximum)? That sounds amazing. Will the SSA automatically switch me over at 70 or do I need to file something else then?

That's not exactly correct in this specific situation. Since the original poster is already at Full Retirement Age (FRA), she CAN choose which benefit to take. This is what's called a restricted application. The SSA will not automatically put her on the higher benefit. What likely happened with your sister is either: 1) She filed before reaching her FRA, in which case the deemed filing rule would force her to take the higher of the two, or 2) She didn't specifically request a restricted application for spousal benefits only. The OP needs to be very clear when filing that she wants ONLY the ex-spouse benefit now and will switch to her own later. It's one of the few advantageous claiming strategies still available to people born before January 2, 1954.

I had the same issue with endless hold times when trying to file! I finally tried this service called Claimyr that got me through to a live SSA agent in about 20 minutes instead of waiting hours. It was a lifesaver for my sanity. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU - basically they hold your place in line and call you when they have an agent on the line. Made the whole ex-spouse benefit application process so much less stressful.

The earnings test only applies to people who collect benefits before reaching their Full Retirement Age (FRA). Since the original poster is 67 and her FRA is 66 and 2 months (based on birth year), she can earn unlimited income while collecting Social Security benefits without any reduction. This is one of the key advantages of waiting until at least FRA to collect any type of Social Security benefit.

This is not gaming the system at all. These are legitimate benefits that people have earned through years of contributions. The ex-spouse benefit exists specifically to protect people (historically women) who may have had lower lifetime earnings due to family responsibilities. Additionally, the poster is simply utilizing existing rules strategically, which is completely within her rights. Social Security's funding challenges are related to demographic shifts (fewer workers supporting more retirees) and wage stagnation, not individuals making smart claiming decisions about benefits they've rightfully earned.

Oh sure, take her side! She's literally bragging about taking money while she DOESN'T NEED IT! She says she makes good money and is still working!! How is that not gaming the system?? These benefits should be means-tested so only people who actually NEED THEM get them!!

That's a relief about my ex not being notified. And I had no idea this option was only available to people born before 1954! I was born in 1956, so I'm glad I asked about this now rather than waiting any longer. Thanks again for all the helpful information.

Good question! If the ex-husband passes away, the benefit would actually increase. As an ex-spouse, you'd be eligible for the same survivor benefits as a current spouse, which means you could receive up to 100% of what he was receiving (rather than the 50% for ex-spouse benefits). However, the same rule applies about taking the higher of your own benefit or the survivor benefit. So at age 70, if the OP's own benefit is higher than the survivor benefit would be, she would still switch to her own benefit.