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I'm going to be a SS Newbie!

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  • Brighty
    2017-05-18 04:11:30 PM
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    Okay I am turning 62 in October. And I am planning on applying for Social Security in the very near future. I had someone tell me the other day to check on another option that I might have. I was married for 25 years to a certified mechanic. He made a lot more than I did each year. I divorced in 2009 due to his infidelity issues and I have never remarried. I was told I might be able to draw on HIS Social Security rather than mine and perhaps receive more. Does anyone know how I go about asking or comparing it to what I would get as an individual rather than a divorcee??? Thank you for any information you can steer me towards!!!!
  • Brighty
    2017-05-18 04:38:24 PM
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    I found some information on the Social Security website under the "Social Security Independently Entitled Divorced Spouse's Benefit".

    I must be 62 years old and NOT currently married.

    Be divorced from a person who is at least 62 years old and has enough work credits to get Social Security benefits.

    Have been married to that person for at least 10 years and divorced for at least two continuous years.

    Not be entitled an equal or higher Social Security retirement benefit or disability benefit based on your own work.

  • bryce28
    2017-05-19 10:34:02 AM
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    Correct. Actually, whenever you apply for benefits, the application should take care of this for you. You can use SSA's online calculator here, to see what benefits you would have based on your own earnings, if you like.

    Found an exert from a Fox Business article on Tapping Your Ex for Social Security Benefits… and Making the Most of It. You should find this helpful. (FRA stands for full retirement age)

    Make the Most of It

    If you begin a divorced spouse benefit before your FRA, Social Security will first check to see if you would get a bigger check based upon your own work history. You will receive whichever benefit is higher, and you are locked into this.

    However, waiting until you are full retirement age to begin Social Security could significantly increase your benefit. This is because if you are eligible for two types of Social Security benefits- say, one based upon your own earnings record and one based on your ex-spouse’s- once you reach FRA you can choose which type you want to receive.


    So, I would recommend thinking about what age you actually want to retire, if you have any choice that is. Your monthly payouts will be considerably larger, the longer you wait, up until the age of 65-67, depending on your birth year and month.
    And then when you file, do so as a divorced spouse, and the SSA dept will also check your work history, and pay you the higher amount.

    Information You Need To Apply For Spouse's Or Divorced Spouse's Benefits - Form SSA-2

  • JaredS
    2017-06-15 12:49:31 PM
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    I would also recommend contacting the Social Security Administration and asking them what your best options are.
  • jerrischick
    2017-07-10 01:15:52 AM
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    Where do you go to apply for social security benefits? I just turned 62 and I want to apply. I thought this was the website to do it but it seems it is just the site to talk about it. Can somebody help me?
  • J.K.Logic
    2017-07-10 03:23:31 PM
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    jerrischick Wrote: Where do you go to apply for social security benefits? I just turned 62 and I want to apply. I thought this was the website to do it but it seems it is just the site to talk about it. Can somebody help me?

    Yes, this is a community website to discuss governmental programs, and to get help and info on them. Per your question, there are a few routes you can go to apply.

    1. Apply online. Here you can apply for Retirement or Spousal benefits, as well as Medicare and Disability.

    2. Apply in person at a local office. That link will give you an office locator, based on your zip code.

    3. Call 1-800-772-1213. That's the main Social Security number, and you can apply (or at least start the process of applying) over the phone.

    Hope that helps. Feel free and ask anyone here questions.

  • Jack
    2017-09-25 03:59:16 PM
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    Do you know the Link to sign up for SS benefits?

  • J.K.Logic
    2017-09-26 02:47:07 PM
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    Jack Wrote:

    Do you know the Link to sign up for SS benefits?

    secure.ssa.gov/iClaim/rib
  • Lynda
    2018-02-05 01:59:21 PM
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    I’ve completed my online application to start receiving my benefit payments. How do you SUBMIT the application online?

    Thanks

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