Should I take ex-spouse Social Security benefits at 64 or wait until my FRA at 67?

Your ex-spouse's decision to file early doesn't affect your benefit amount from his record. What matters is when YOU file. If you file for ex-spouse benefits before your FRA (67), you'll receive a permanently reduced amount - about 13.3% less at 64 than at 67. Remember that when you file for any benefit, SSA will give you the higher of either your own retirement benefit or the ex-spouse benefit (which is 50% of his full retirement amount). They don't stack. If your own work record will give you less than half of his benefit, waiting until your FRA to file for the ex-spouse benefit would maximize that amount.

in my experience, takin SS early is ALWAYS a mistake!!!! I took mine at 62 and regret it everyday... smaller checks for LIFE. wait as long as you can afford to!!!!

I'm in a similar situation but already took my ex-spouse benefits at 63. I wish I had waited because the reduction is permanent. One thing nobody told me - you need marriage certificate AND divorce decree when you apply! Also had to know his SSN which was a whole ordeal to find after 15 years divorced lol. Do you already have all your documents ready?

There are two important factors to consider in your situation: 1. Your own work record: If your own benefit would be more than 50% of your ex's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), then the ex-spouse benefit becomes irrelevant. 2. Financial needs: Can you afford to wait until 67? The approximately 13.3% permanent reduction at 64 vs. waiting until 67 needs to be weighed against your immediate need for income. You should request your Social Security statement at ssa.gov to see what your own benefit would be at different ages. This will help you make an informed decision based on actual numbers.

My neighbor just went thru this. She said getting ex-spouse benefits was a nightmare because SSA kept losing her paperwork and the 800 number was useless - she could never get through. Took her 6 months just to speak to someone.

Wait wait wait your FRA is 67? Mine is 66 and 4 months (born in 1956). Did they change it again?? BTW my sis took ex benefits at 64 and she says she regrets it. Just her 2 cents.

Just to add another perspective - don't forget that taking benefits at 64 means you get 3 extra years of payments compared to waiting until 67. It takes many years to make up for those 3 years of missed payments, even if the monthly amount is higher when you wait. The break-even point is usually around age 82-83. If you don't expect to live that long (family history of longevity?), taking it earlier might actually give you more money overall.

does anyone know if she can get ex spouse benefits NOW at 62 and then switch to her own at 67??? thats what my cousin did i think

Has your ex-husband remarried? That doesn't affect your benefits, but I know someone who thought it did and waited unnecessarily. Also, don't forget that you might qualify for survivor benefits if he passes away before you - those are 100% of his benefit amount (with reductions if claimed early) instead of the 50% for ex-spouse benefits.

After reviewing all the advice here, I'd recommend: 1. Create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov if you haven't already 2. Review your earnings history and projected benefits at different ages 3. Compare your own retirement benefit at 67 with the 50% ex-spouse benefit 4. Consider your financial needs between 64-67 5. Factor in your health and family longevity If your own benefit is substantially lower than the ex-spouse benefit, and you can financially manage to wait until 67, that would likely be the optimal strategy for maximum lifetime benefits.