Community Chat

[software]

So many smart minds here, I'd like an opinion.   I have done some research.

Here's the scenario.   I become eligible for Medicare on 4/1/2018.    I want to "retire" then but I will not reach full retirement age until 4/1/2019.   Although I am single, I was married for almost 20 years to the father of my children.   He's a disabled veteran.   I know he gets SSI but I don't know if he's filed for his Social Security retirement, he's 69.

If I decide to apply for my SS retirement benefits the year early (2018) can I file on his earnings, then when I reach full retirement age (2019) file on my earnings, assuming mine is higher at that time?   I don't know if it would be, when we were married are salaries were similar.    

If the proceeds I receive from his account is high enough, I could stay on it.

Not sure exactly how it works, I've heard about it.    I've heard about women filing on their husband's account but they were married for 40 years & the hubby made much more money, so of course in that case it makes sense.

Any thoughts?

[I am still oxox]

I am not sure you can file on his earnings if he is still alive, make an appointment and go sit and talk to some one at Social Security, they should be able to guide you thru all of the options 

[SaRina]

Last I heard, you only had to be married 10 years in order to collect on your ex-husband's SS,  However, I would not just take opinions here or rely on on-line information.  You should sit down with a SS agent in your local office to learn the most advantageous scenario foir you. If you get a knowledgeable agent, they know details and loopholes not commonly known by the general public.

[beckyb1012]

It will be a while down the road but I plan on doing it after 18 years married and have been divorced since 1999.  As long as I do not remarry (which I will NOT) then no problem and does not affect his benefits.  Your spouse can file on yours as well if they want too.  My ex only just this summer took early retirement and immediately remarried for the first time since our divorce so now he cannot file on my earnings during our marriage.  

I got info. last summer about the spousal benefits off the IRS web site and printed and put in my financial/retirement files.  Or you can google Retirement Planner if you are Divorced.

[software]

I plan on going to SS with education & knowledge.

That's why I'm asking now.

I will also research the website, just curious if someone has had an experience on how this works.

Basically what I need to know if I file on his SS# early, can I file on mine at full retirement if mine would be higher.    I'm not looking to double-dip.    

And I do believe you can file if your husband is alive, I'm not looking for survivor benefits or dependent benefits.  

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@SaRina wrote:

Last I heard, you only had to be married 10 years in order to collect on your ex-husband's SS,  However, I would not just take opinions here or rely on on-line information.  You should sit down with a SS agent in your local office to learn the most advantageous scenario foir you. If you get a knowledgeable agent, they know details and loopholes not commonly known by the general public.

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[DukeBlueNan]

Call the SS office. They will know for certain.

[shell garden]

No, you can not take his SS earnings while your ex-husband is still living!  You take your SS and if he passes before you, then you go back to SS and let them know along with paperwork of marriage and his death certificate and they will then start giving you his benefits!

[software]

My mom never worked, she drew a check also when Dad started drawing his.

He was very alive.  Her's was less than his but the 2 together was quite healthy.

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@shell garden wrote:

No, you can not take his SS earnings while your ex-husband is still living!  You take your SS and if he passes before you, then you go back to SS and let them know along with paperwork of marriage and his death certificate and they will then start giving you his benefits!

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