I am divorced. We were married for less than 10 years. Am I eligible for ex-spousal benefits?

Full question: Hi Martha, I’m upset because I think I know the answer but just wanted to double check. My ex-husband and I were married on 4-29-1989 and we were divorced I believe with a date of 2-3-1999. So, just 2 months shy of 10 years. I don’t believe I’m eligible but wanted to double…

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Can I switch to ex-spousal benefits at my FRA?

Full question: I am 62, was married to my ex-spouse for 22 years, been divorced for 9 years, am not remarried, and have no dependents. My ex-spouse is a high earner and is 61 years old. My Social Security benefits are less than 50% of my ex-spouse benefits. I want to apply to receive my…

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Is there any risk to being separated, but not divorced?

Full question: My spouse and I have been separated for 20 years but not legally divorced. I am planning on applying for my Social Security benefits soon, I am still working but at full retirement age, almost 69 actually. Is there any risk because we are still legally married? Hi there, No, there is no…

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Can I file for ex-spousal benefits and switch to mine when I retire at 70?

Full question: Martha, I am over 62 years old and divorced, we were married over 10 years. My ex-husband is still working he’s 68 years old. I’m still self-employed also, can I file for spousal benefits until I retire at 70 years old? Hi there! The short answer is that yes, it appears that you…

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Am I entitled to survivor benefits if I got remarried, but divorced after 4 years?

Full question: I am a single woman, 62, caring for my disabled adult child who gets SSDI from his deceased father. Am I also entitled to survivor benefits if got remarried but divorced after 4 years? Hi there, If you were married for ten or more years to your disabled adult child’s father, you are…

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How do I determine the best claiming strategy involving ex-spousal benefits?

Full Question: I am divorced born after 1954, and was married for more than 10 years. My ex-spouse has remarried while I have not, and while I do have some earnings to claim, claiming as an ex-spouse will provide the higher estimate. My concern is that while I have reached FRA, my ex-spouse won’t for…

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