Can I collect Social Security from ex-husband's record when he hasn't retired yet?

Thank you for explaining this! So if I understand correctly, since we've been divorced over 2 years and he's over 62, I CAN actually file on his record even though he hasn't filed? That's completely different from what the last person I spoke with told me. Do you know if there's a specific form or wording I should use when applying to make sure they understand my situation correctly?

That's exactly what I said in my second paragraph - that she CAN file because she meets both conditions (divorced 16+ years and he's 62+). Maybe you just read my first sentence and not the full explanation?

That's a good point! I haven't seen exact numbers yet since I can't get through to SSA. Do you know if they apply the same reduction to ex-spouse benefits as they do to regular retirement benefits when filing early? I'm worried about making the wrong decision and being stuck with a permanently reduced amount.

This is so confusing!!! My friend Debbie got her ex-husband's SS and it was way more than her own even though they were only married 11 years. How does that make any sense? The whole system seems completely random to me. 🤷‍♀️

Thank you for sharing this! I'll definitely check out that service. At this point I'd pay anything to not spend another day on hold only to get disconnected. I just need clear answers about my specific situation.

While I understand your frustration, the rules are actually identical for men and women. Ex-spouses can receive 50% of the worker's benefit at FRA if the marriage lasted at least 10 years. Current spouses also receive 50% as spousal benefits. The system isn't perfect, but these particular rules are gender-neutral.

That's not always true though! If you have health concerns or need the money now, sometimes taking it early makes sense. It's about break-even calculations. If you don't expect to live past about 80-82, taking it at 62 can actually give you more money lifetime. Everyone's situation is different!

That's so helpful to know! I'll definitely make sure to specifically mention the 2-year divorce rule when I apply. Did your mom have to provide any special documentation besides the normal divorce decree?

Thank you for pointing this out! I hadn't considered that my own benefit at FRA might actually be higher than the ex-spouse benefit. This changes my calculations completely. I think I need to create that my Social Security account someone mentioned to see my exact benefit projections. I appreciate everyone's help!

This is really helpful! I'm new to all this Social Security stuff and trying to understand the rules. Can you clarify what happens if I create the online account and find out my own benefit is higher - does that mean I can't use my ex-husband's record at all? Or could I potentially switch between them later? I'm worried about making the wrong choice and being locked in permanently.

Great question! Social Security will automatically pay you whichever benefit is higher - you don't have to choose between them or worry about being "locked in" to the wrong one. They calculate both your own retirement benefit and any potential spousal/ex-spousal benefit you're eligible for, then pay the higher amount. The key thing is that you can't get both - it's not additive. So if your own benefit ends up being $1,850 and the ex-spouse benefit would be $1,700, you'd just get your $1,850. However, there are some strategic considerations about timing. For example, if you file early at 62, both benefits would be reduced. But if you wait until your Full Retirement Age, your own benefit stays at $1,850 while the ex-spouse benefit would still cap at 50% of his amount ($1,700). And if you wait until age 70, your own benefit could grow to around $2,300 due to delayed retirement credits, while the ex-spouse benefit stays the same. The online account will show you projections for different ages so you can see exactly how the numbers work out for your situation!

Great question! So here's how it works: Social Security will automatically calculate both your own retirement benefit and any potential divorced spouse benefit you're eligible for, then pay you whichever is higher. You don't really "choose" between them - the system picks the best option for you. If your own benefit turns out to be higher (which seems likely based on the numbers shared), that's what you'll receive. You can't "switch" to the lower divorced spouse benefit later because there would be no reason to - you're already getting the better deal! The key is that these calculations happen automatically when you apply. The only real choice you have is WHEN to start collecting (age 62, full retirement age, or wait until 70 for maximum benefits). Once you start collecting, you're locked into that reduced amount if you filed early, but the system will always give you the highest benefit you're entitled to between your own record and your ex's record. Hope that helps clarify things! The my Social Security account will show you projections for different filing ages so you can see exactly what to expect.

Great question! The good news is that Social Security will automatically pay you whichever benefit is higher - you don't have to choose between them permanently. If you file for your own retirement benefit and it turns out to be higher than the divorced spouse benefit, that's what you'll get. But if your ex-husband's benefit increases over time (maybe he delays filing until 70 and gets delayed retirement credits), SSA will automatically adjust and give you the higher amount if that changes. However, the timing of when you START benefits does lock in your reduction factor. So if you file at 62, you'll get the reduced amount for life, even if you later become eligible for a higher divorced spouse benefit. That's why it's so important to run all the numbers first through your my Social Security account before making any decisions! The key is understanding that you're not really choosing between two separate benefits - SSA looks at what you're eligible for and pays the highest amount available to you at any given time.

Great question! So here's how it works: Social Security automatically pays you whichever benefit is higher - you don't actually get to "choose" between them. If your own retirement benefit ends up being higher than the divorced spouse benefit, that's what you'll receive. However, you're not permanently locked into anything! If circumstances change (like if your ex-husband's benefit amount changes or if there are updates to your own earnings record), SSA will recalculate and pay the higher amount. The key decision you need to make is WHEN to file, not which benefit to file for. Filing at 62 means permanent reductions to whatever benefit you receive, while waiting until your FRA (or even age 70 for your own benefit) means higher monthly payments. I'd definitely recommend running the numbers through that online account first - it'll show you projections for both scenarios at different filing ages. That way you can make an informed decision based on your actual situation rather than guessing!

Great question! Social Security actually handles this automatically - they'll always pay you the higher benefit amount. You don't really "choose" between your own record and your ex's record in the traditional sense. When you apply, they calculate both amounts and give you whichever is higher. The good news is you're not permanently locked into anything! If circumstances change (like if your ex's benefit grows substantially due to delayed retirement credits), SSA will automatically adjust to give you the higher amount. You can also potentially switch strategies before you actually start receiving benefits. That said, the early filing reduction IS permanent. If you file at 62, that reduced amount follows you for life, even if you later become eligible for a higher benefit on another record. So the timing decision is the most critical part - not so much which record you file on.

Great question! So here's how it works: Social Security automatically calculates both your own retirement benefit and any auxiliary benefits (like divorced spouse benefits) you might be eligible for, then pays you whichever is higher. You don't actually "choose" between them - the system does it for you. If you file at 62 and your own reduced benefit ends up being higher than the reduced divorced spouse benefit, you'll just get your own benefit. Later, if your ex-husband's benefit grows (say, if he delays until age 70), and the divorced spouse benefit becomes higher than what you're getting, SSA will automatically adjust and pay you the higher amount. The key thing is that once you file at 62, your own retirement benefit is permanently reduced. But the divorced spouse benefit calculation is based on his record, so it could potentially change if his benefit amount changes. Does that help clarify things?

Great question! When you file for benefits, Social Security automatically calculates both your own retirement benefit and any potential divorced spouse benefit you might be eligible for, then pays you whichever is higher. You don't have to choose between them - they do the math for you. In terms of switching later, it's more complicated. If you file early (like at 62), that reduction is generally permanent. However, there are some limited situations where you might be able to withdraw your application within the first 12 months and reapply later, but you'd have to pay back everything you received. The key is that SSA will always pay you the maximum benefit you're entitled to at any given time. So if your ex's benefit becomes higher later (say, if he delays filing and gets delayed retirement credits), they would automatically switch you to the higher amount. But any early filing reductions you took would still apply to your portion. That's why getting those exact numbers from your online account is so important before making any decisions!

Great question! Social Security automatically pays you whichever benefit is higher - you don't have to choose or worry about being "locked in" to the wrong one. If your own retirement benefit ends up being higher than the divorced spouse benefit, they'll just pay your own benefit. You can't receive both at the same time though. The good news is that you can actually apply for both and let SSA figure out which one gives you more money. They call this "deemed filing" - when you apply for one, they automatically consider you for any other benefits you might be eligible for. Also, if you file early at 62, you're locked into that reduced amount for life on your own record. But if your ex-husband's benefit grows significantly (like if he delays until age 70), theoretically your divorced spouse benefit could become higher than your reduced retirement benefit later. It's complex, which is why getting those exact numbers from your SSA account is so important!

Great question! You're not locked into one choice permanently. Social Security will automatically pay you whichever benefit is higher at any given time. So if you file for your own retirement benefit and later your ex-husband's benefit becomes available and higher, SSA will automatically switch you to the higher amount. However, there's an important catch: if you file early (before your FRA), that reduction is permanent for YOUR benefit. But divorced spouse benefits have their own reduction schedule. So the timing of when you file can affect your options. My suggestion would be to wait until you can see all the actual numbers in your online account before making any decisions. That way you can compare your own benefit at different ages versus the divorced spouse benefit and make the choice that maximizes your lifetime income. Don't rush into filing at 62 just because you can - those reductions really add up over time!

Great question! When you file for Social Security, the system automatically calculates both your own retirement benefit and any divorced spouse benefit you're eligible for, then pays you the higher amount. You don't have to choose - they do it automatically. The key thing is that once you file at 62, you're locked into the reduced amount forever. So if your own benefit would be $1,850 at FRA but only about $1,295 at 62 (70% reduction), that's what you'd get permanently. However, you CAN potentially use a strategy called "restricted application" if you were born before 1954, but that's getting into more complex territory. For most people in your situation, the decision is really about WHEN to file rather than which benefit to claim, since SSA will always give you the higher one anyway. I'd definitely recommend running the numbers on both your own benefit and the ex-spouse benefit at different ages before deciding. The break-even analysis between filing early vs. waiting can be eye-opening!

Great question! Social Security actually handles this automatically - they'll always pay you the higher benefit amount, so you don't have to worry about choosing wrong or being "locked in" to a lower benefit. If you file and your own retirement benefit ends up being higher than the divorced spouse benefit, SSA will just pay you your own benefit. There's no switching needed because they calculate both and give you whichever is more. The key decision is really about WHEN to file (62 vs FRA vs age 70), not which record to file on. Filing early means permanent reductions regardless of which benefit you end up receiving. But if you need the income now, that might still be worth it for your situation. The my Social Security account will show you projections for both scenarios so you can see the actual dollar amounts and make an informed choice about timing!

Great question! So here's how it works: Social Security automatically pays you whichever benefit is higher - you don't actually get to "choose" between them. If your own retirement benefit ends up being higher than the divorced spouse benefit, that's what you'll receive. However, the timing can be strategic. You could potentially file for divorced spouse benefits first (if they're higher initially) and then switch to your own record later when it makes sense. But based on the numbers in this thread, it sounds like your own benefit would likely be higher from the start. The key is that you're not permanently "locked in" to one or the other - SSA will always pay the higher amount you're entitled to. Just be aware that if you file early (before your FRA), that reduction is permanent for whichever benefit you end up receiving. Definitely create that online account to see your specific projections at different ages. It'll help you make the most informed decision!

Great question! The Social Security system is designed to automatically give you the highest benefit you're entitled to, so you don't have to worry about making the "wrong" choice between your own record and your ex-spouse's record. Here's how it works: When you apply, SSA will evaluate both your own work record and your potential divorced spouse benefit, then pay you whichever is higher. You can't really "switch" between them later, but you also don't need to because they'll always give you the maximum amount you qualify for. The key decision you DO need to make is WHEN to file - at 62 with reduced benefits, at your FRA for full benefits, or wait until 70 for delayed retirement credits. That timing choice affects both your own benefit and any potential divorced spouse benefit equally, so focus on that rather than which record to use. Hope this helps clarify things! The system can definitely be confusing at first.

Great question! Social Security will automatically pay you whichever benefit is higher - you don't have to choose or switch between them. If your own retirement benefit ends up being higher than the divorced spouse benefit, that's what you'll receive. However, there's one important strategy to consider: if you're eligible for both, you might be able to file a "restricted application" at your full retirement age to claim only the divorced spouse benefit first, then switch to your own (potentially higher) benefit at age 70 when it reaches maximum value due to delayed retirement credits. This strategy has been mostly phased out, but people born before 1954 can still use it. The key is that you're never truly "locked in" - SSA will always pay the higher amount. But the timing of when you file can significantly impact your total lifetime benefits, so definitely run those projections first!

Great question! Social Security doesn't actually "lock you in" to one benefit forever. Here's how it works: SSA will automatically pay you whichever benefit is higher at any given time. So if your own benefit is higher, that's what you'll get. But if circumstances change (like your ex-husband's benefit increasing due to delayed retirement credits), SSA would automatically switch you to the higher amount. However, the early filing reduction IS permanent. If you file at 62, that reduction stays with you for life, even if you later become eligible for a higher benefit. That's why it's so important to run those numbers first! The online account will show you projections for both your own benefit and potential spousal/divorced spouse benefits at different ages, which makes comparing much easier. You're smart to research this thoroughly before making any decisions.

Great question! Social Security automatically pays you the higher benefit amount, so you don't really "choose" between them in the traditional sense. If you file for your own retirement benefits and are also eligible for divorced spouse benefits, SSA will calculate both amounts and pay you whichever is higher. The good news is that you're not permanently locked into anything regarding the divorced spouse benefit - that calculation happens automatically behind the scenes. However, the early filing reduction IS permanent if you start collecting before your full retirement age. So if you file at 62, that roughly 25-30% reduction will stay with you for life. One strategy some people use is filing a "restricted application" at full retirement age to collect divorced spouse benefits while letting their own benefit grow with delayed retirement credits until age 70. But this strategy was eliminated for people born after 1954, so it might not apply to your situation depending on your birth year. I'd definitely recommend speaking with a Social Security representative (or using that Claimyr service someone mentioned) to understand all your options before making any decisions!

Great question! Social Security will automatically pay you whichever benefit is higher - you don't have to choose between them permanently. If you file for your own retirement benefit and it turns out your ex-spouse benefit would be higher later (say, if his benefit increases or if the rules change), SSA will automatically adjust and pay you the higher amount. However, there's an important catch: once you file for ANY Social Security benefit before your full retirement age, you're subject to the early filing reduction permanently. So if you file at 62 for your own benefit, that reduction stays with you even if you later become eligible for a higher ex-spouse benefit. This is why it's so crucial to run all the numbers first through your online account. You want to make sure you're making the best long-term decision, not just grabbing the first available money. The break-even analysis someone mentioned earlier is really important - sometimes waiting a few more years can mean thousands more per year for the rest of your life.

Great question! When you file for Social Security, they automatically calculate both your own retirement benefit and any spousal/ex-spousal benefits you might be eligible for, then pay you whichever is higher. You don't have to choose between them - the system does it for you. If you file early (like at 62), you'd get the higher amount but it would be reduced for early filing. Later on, if circumstances change (like your ex-husband files for a much higher benefit that would make your spousal benefit better), SSA can adjust your payments accordingly. The key thing to remember is that you're not "locked in" to one type of benefit forever. The system is designed to always pay you the maximum amount you're entitled to receive. So don't stress too much about picking the "wrong" one - focus more on the timing of when to file, since that early filing reduction IS permanent. Hope this helps ease your concerns!

Great question! Social Security will automatically pay you whichever benefit is higher - you don't get to "choose" between them exactly. If your own retirement benefit ends up being higher than the divorced spouse benefit, that's what you'll receive. However, if your ex-husband's benefit grows significantly (like if he delays until age 70), it's possible that 50% of his benefit could eventually exceed your own benefit amount. The good news is you're not permanently locked into anything! You can start with one benefit and potentially switch later if circumstances change. For example, if you start collecting your own retirement benefit now, but your ex-husband's benefit grows enough that 50% of his amount would be higher, SSA would automatically adjust you to the higher amount. The key is understanding that you'll always receive the maximum benefit you're entitled to under the various programs, but you won't get multiple benefits stacked on top of each other. I'd definitely recommend using the online benefit calculator to run different scenarios before deciding when to file!

Great question! Social Security will automatically pay you whichever benefit is higher - you don't have to choose and can't really make the "wrong" choice in that sense. If your own benefit ends up being higher, that's what you'll receive. If the ex-spouse benefit becomes higher at some point (which is unlikely based on the numbers shared), SSA would automatically switch you. The key decision is really WHEN to file, not which benefit to file for. Once you file early (like at 62), that reduction is permanent for your lifetime. So if you file at 62 and get a reduced benefit, you can't later "undo" that and get the full amount you would have received at FRA. That's why creating the online account first is so important - you can see exactly what your benefits would be at different ages and make an informed decision about timing!

Great question! So here's how it works: Social Security automatically calculates both your own retirement benefit and any spousal/ex-spousal benefits you're eligible for, then pays you whichever is higher. You don't actually "choose" between them - the system does it for you. If your own benefit ends up being higher (which sounds likely based on the numbers shared), you'll receive that amount. But here's the good news - if your ex-husband's benefit grows significantly or if there are other changes, SSA will automatically adjust to give you the higher amount. You're not permanently locked into anything! The key is just making sure you understand what those actual dollar amounts will be before you file. That online account will show you projections for filing at different ages, which is super helpful for planning. One thing to keep in mind though - once you start receiving benefits, the reduction for early filing IS permanent. So if you file at 62, you'll get that reduced amount for life, even if you later become eligible for a higher spousal benefit.

Great question! Social Security will automatically pay you whichever benefit is higher - you don't have to choose or worry about being "locked in" to the wrong one. If your own retirement benefit ends up being higher than the divorced spouse benefit, that's what you'll receive. However, there are some important timing considerations. If you file for any benefit before your Full Retirement Age (FRA), that benefit will be permanently reduced. So if you file at 62 for your own benefit, it stays reduced even if you later become eligible for a higher divorced spouse benefit. The system is designed to maximize your benefit, but the timing of when you first file can impact the total amount. I'd definitely recommend using that online calculator to run different scenarios - filing at 62, at FRA, and even waiting until 70 if possible. The delayed retirement credits until age 70 can really add up on your own record!

Great question! Social Security automatically pays you whichever benefit is higher - you don't have to choose or worry about being "locked in" to the wrong one. If your own retirement benefit ends up being higher than the divorced spouse benefit, that's what you'll receive. However, there are some timing strategies to consider. For example, you could potentially file for divorced spouse benefits first (if eligible) and then switch to your own record later when it becomes more advantageous, especially if you're planning to delay your own retirement benefits to earn delayed retirement credits until age 70. The key is understanding that SSA will always pay you the maximum amount you're entitled to under their rules. I'd definitely recommend speaking with a Social Security representative (or using that callback service someone mentioned earlier) to discuss your specific timing options before making any filing decisions.