Can I take my reduced Social Security at 63 then switch to ex-spouse benefits at full retirement age?

Unfortunately, due to the rule changes that came with the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, what you're describing isn't possible anymore. When you file for benefits at ANY age, the SSA automatically gives you the higher of either your own benefit or your spousal benefit (in your case, ex-spousal). You can't choose one now and switch to the other later. If you file at 63, both your own retirement benefit AND any ex-spousal benefit you might be eligible for will be permanently reduced. The only exception would be if your ex-husband hasn't filed for his benefits yet - in that case, you could take your reduced benefit now, and then when he files, you could potentially get an additional amount if your ex-spousal benefit would be higher than your own reduced benefit.

This is SO confusing!! I tried to do something similar and ended up LOSING money because nobody at the SS office explained it clearly. I filed at 62 thinking I could switch to my ex's higher benefit later but they NEVER told me about that 2015 law change!!! Ended up with a reduced benefit FOREVER and there's no going back. The system is RIGGED against us!

The previous replies aren't completely accurate. Let me clarify: When you file at 63, your own benefit will be permanently reduced (about 20-25% less than your full retirement age amount). Regarding the ex-spouse benefit: You can claim an ex-spouse benefit if: 1. You were married at least 10 years (you qualify with 23 years) 2. You are currently unmarried 3. Your ex is entitled to benefits (either already claiming or eligible to claim) Here's what happens: When you file at 63, SSA will calculate both your reduced retirement benefit AND your reduced spousal benefit (which is up to 50% of your ex's full retirement age benefit - also reduced because you're claiming early). They'll pay you whichever amount is higher - you don't get both. If your ex hasn't filed yet, you can still file for your own benefits, and then when he files, SSA will check if you qualify for an additional amount as a spouse.

Yes, that's correct. When your ex files, the SSA should automatically evaluate if you qualify for an increased benefit. However, I always recommend calling or visiting your local SSA office about 1-2 months after your ex files to confirm they're aware of your eligibility for ex-spousal benefits. Sometimes these things don't get processed automatically as they should. One important note: Even though your ex can increase his own benefit by waiting until 70, your spousal benefit calculation is based on his Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) at his full retirement age, not the increased amount he gets by waiting until 70. So him waiting beyond his FRA won't increase your spousal benefit.

I went through something similar last year with trying to coordinate my benefits with my ex-spouse's. After struggling to get through to SSA for weeks, I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to a real SSA agent in under 20 minutes. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU The agent I spoke with explained that my best strategy was actually to wait until my full retirement age since I had a similar situation with an ex who earned more. In my case, waiting actually meant about $430 more per month for life. Definitely worth having a conversation with a knowledgeable SSA representative about your specific numbers before making your decision.

my aunt tried switching from her benefit to her exs and they told her no way. she should of just waited but now shes stuck with like $1400 a month instead of $2200 she could of got. the rules r really confusing

I think the real question is - do you need the money now? If you can wait until your full retirement age, that's almost always the better option unless you have health issues or immediate financial needs. Those early filing reductions are permanent and add up to a lot of money over time!

One other important detail: If your ex-husband passes away, the rules change completely. As a surviving divorced spouse, you could become eligible for survivor benefits which could be up to 100% of what he was receiving (or entitled to receive). Survivor benefits have different rules than spousal benefits, including the ability to switch between benefits. For example, if you've already taken your reduced retirement benefit and then your ex passes away, you could switch to the higher survivor benefit. Or you could take the reduced survivor benefit at 60 and switch to your own unreduced retirement benefit at your FRA. I don't mean to sound morbid, but it's important to understand all scenarios when planning your Social Security strategy.

Anyone else notice how ALL these benefit rules seem designed to be as CONFUSING as possible?? My brother-in-law worked for SSA for 30 years and even HE says most agents don't fully understand all the rules! How are regular people supposed to figure this out?? It's CRAZY!

Based on everything discussed here, my recommendation would be: 1. Request your Social Security Statement online (if you haven't already) to see your projected benefit amounts at different ages 2. If possible, try to calculate what your ex-spousal benefit might be (approximately 50% of your ex-husband's benefit at his full retirement age, reduced if you claim early) 3. Consider whether you absolutely need the income now or if you can wait 4. Remember that for every year you delay filing between your FRA and age 70, your own benefit increases by about 8% 5. Speak directly with an SSA representative about your specific situation before making your final decision While general advice is helpful, your optimal strategy will depend on your specific benefit amounts, health status, financial needs, and other income sources.