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I am a German citizen, divorced from an American after 20 years of marriage. Am I entitled to ex-spousal benefits?

Full question: I am a German citizen, married to an American in Germany and also divorced from him in Germany after 20 years of marriage. Am I entitled to spousal Social Security benefits? Hi there, If you are a citizen or, in most cases, a legal resident of a country with which the United States…

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Am I eligible for ex-spousal benefits?

Full question: Married in 1977 but had a simple divorce in 1983 but thought it was a mistake and kept living together until 2007 as husband and wife and had children during that time. In 2007 we had an agreement to go our separate ways. Can any one of us claim ex-spouse benefits for being…

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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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