Can I take my reduced SS retirement now at 65 and spousal benefits later at FRA? Divorced spouse questions

Unfortunately, the "claim now, claim more later" strategy you're describing is no longer available for anyone born after January 1, 1954. Due to changes from the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, when you file for any retirement benefit now, you're deemed to be filing for ALL benefits you're eligible for, including ex-spouse benefits. Basically, when you apply, the SSA will calculate both your own retirement benefit and any ex-spouse benefit you're entitled to, and give you whichever is higher. You won't be able to switch later. If your ex-husband passes away, that's different - survivor benefits can be claimed separately from retirement benefits, even under the new rules. And yes, survivor benefits are typically higher than spousal benefits (up to 100% of what he received versus 50% for spousal).

i went thru this last yr!!! u need to call ssa and ask for a benefit ESTIMATE based on ur X's record. but they wont tell u exactly what he makes/made, just what YOUR benefit would be. its frustrating!!! i tried online but couldnt figure it out. had to call. took FOREVER to get thru!!!

I'm a retired claims specialist, and I can provide some clarification here: 1. As mentioned above, the deemed filing rules mean you'll get the higher of your own benefit or the spousal benefit (technically, you get your own plus the difference if the spousal is higher). 2. For an accurate estimate on your ex-spouse's record, you need to contact SSA directly. They can calculate this without processing an actual claim. 3. Regarding your ex not claiming yet - this actually doesn't matter for divorced spouse benefits as long as you've been divorced for at least 2 years (which you have). Even if he hasn't filed yet, you can still receive benefits on his record if you're eligible. 4. For survivor benefits: Yes, these would be up to 100% of what he was receiving if you claim at your FRA (or what he would have received if he hadn't claimed yet). If you claim survivor benefits early, they're reduced. Also, if you're still working, be aware of the earnings limit before FRA ($22,320 for 2025). Exceed that and they'll withhold $1 for every $2 above the limit.

When I was trying to get information about my ex-spouse benefits last year, I spent THREE DAYS trying to get through to Social Security. The phone system kept disconnecting me after 30+ minute waits. I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an agent in about 15 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU I was skeptical at first but it worked perfectly. The agent was able to run calculations for both my own record and my ex's, so I could make an informed decision. Given your complicated situation with both early filing and ex-spouse benefits, speaking directly with an SSA representative is really the only way to get accurate numbers.

My sister just went through this. You really need to find out the numbers before making any decisions. The reduction for claiming at 65 instead of 66y10m is about 11% permanent reduction I think. BUT if your ex made a lot more than you, even the reduced spousal might be better than waiting. TOTALLY depends on your specific situation.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO CONFUSE US AND MAKE US TAKE LESS THAN WE DESERVE!!! WHY cant they just tell us what we'd get on an ex spouse record without jumping through hoops??!! And those phone wait times are RIDICULOUS. My cousin died while waiting for them to pick up!!! (not literally but you know what I mean) The government acts like they're doing us a favor by giving us OUR OWN MONEY back. Makes me so mad.

Thank you everyone for all this helpful information! I'm going to try to contact SSA to get actual numbers so I can make an informed decision. Given that the "claim now, claim more later" strategy isn't an option anymore, I need to carefully weigh whether taking everything now at a reduced rate makes more sense than waiting until my FRA. It sounds like I should definitely ask about: 1. The exact amount of MY benefit if claimed now 2. The exact amount of my ex-spouse benefit if claimed now 3. What both would be if I wait until FRA 4. How survivor benefits would work if something happened to my ex I'll post an update once I get through to someone and have more information!

I was in a somewhat similar situation last year. I found that the local Social Security office was actually more helpful than trying to call. I made an appointment (still had to wait a few weeks) but the in-person meeting was so much more productive than trying to get answers on the phone or online. The rep pulled up both my record and my ex's and showed me exactly what I'd get under different scenarios. Just sharing in case that's an option for you. The online appointment system was relatively painless compared to the phone nightmare.