Social Security Spousal Benefits Explained | When To Claim To Maximize Your Payouts!

[@seminolefantodd4736]

Erin, your John and Mary example is exactly what my wife and I are doing. I am 5-mos older than my wife and we were both born in 1961. I had my wife file at 62 for her benefit as she stopped working in 2020 due to Covid and was laid off. I plan on retiring in 2028 when I hit 67 and will file for my and the spousal benefit. Thank you for the excellent explanation of how it will work and what we will expect monetarily.

[@pagaporvista569]

My husband and I are discussing the same, we're 4 months apart in age. I'm currently working part time and it gets slow during the summer months. 'll probably get those few extra months after turning 62 so I can make sure I have a steady income during the slow months. I would be able to take a few months off each year making about the same amount if I stay in the limit.

[@doug1103]

The bloopers were fun. Enjoyed you making serious topics fun and approachable. 😊

[@darrellwalker1934]

Thank you for so clearly explaining how it works when a spouse takes their own benefit early, they later switches to spousal benefits, I've been searching for that information!

[@dallison1961]

Another excellent video Erin. Loving the graphics and the examples. You are killing it! Love the bloopers too! Our plans are to delay SS until I'm 70 and my wife is 67 to maximize our payout. We are betting on living longer. This also gives us a window to maximize Roth conversions. The decision on when to file cannot be made in a vacuum.

[@Vizardess]

Thank you for illustrating the math for switching from personal to spousal benefit. This is the first description I actually understood of how the lower earning spouse filing early affects the spousal benefit later claimed at higher earning spouse FRA.

[@BadPhD777]

AWESOME information about a complicated topic! Thanks so much for digging in to the facts and presenting them in an easy to understand format. Thanks for sharing the books you've read. I'd never heard of them and just found them at my library! Also: love the bloopers!!

[@tedhazlett]

Before I watched your video I had a specific question about my wife possibly switching from her own earned social security benefits to spouses benefits when we are both full retirement age. The information on the SSI website was confusing to us. You answered the question for us in this video using language that we could easy understand and even gave an example that made the answer even clearer. Thank you for the hard work that you always do to present knowledge in a clear and concise way. Your channel provides a service that is very useful and helpful.

[@ErinTalksMoney]

Thank you so much! That makes me so happy to hear! 😊

[@davidstephens6458]

Just started receiving my SS and in two years plan on switching to my wifes. Will increase my check by a few hundred. Now Erin, we need a video on Roth conversions from a rollover IRA. I have been struggling with this for a year. Would like to rollover to Roth but it steps me up a level or two into IRMAA. It is a struggle trying to decide if the conversion is worth the cost. Thanks Erin. Another great video.

[@mikefendel]

My wife is a natiuralized citizen who has only lived in the US since we got married 13 years ago. She worked partime as an assistant teacher so she doesn't have eligibility to social security on her own. Your video was an excellent explanation of what benefits she will be entitled to and I have passed it along to her. You did a great job explaning all this and thank you for your wonderful presentation.

[@ErinTalksMoney]

thank you so much! 😊

[@davidpattillo752]

Thank you so much for this. Very well explained and very helpful!

[@ErinTalksMoney]

You're very welcome!

[@SharonHebert-z1u]

Thank you. You did an excellent job presenting this in a user friendly manner. I am proud and pleased to say that you will need to revamp this educational tool to reflect the repeal of the WEP and GPO!! Appreciate your hard work and take care.

[@ErinTalksMoney]

Recorded that video yesterday 😊 hopefully it is released Friday!

[@jerilee-carter1068]

Thank you for a very informative video! I found out about my eligibility to receive my ex-deceased spouse's SS from a phone call I made to SS seeking answers regarding my early SS benefit retirement age at 62. Had not the SS representative asked the right questions, I would have unknowingly lost out on an eligible benefit that added extra SS income to me. It made a big difference and afforded me a more comfortable retirement benefit that I am grateful for.

[@VjCClass]

This has been a gift of information! My wife would be happy to receive this information as I am happy for her that she can benefit from my hard work. Just became a follow 3days ago and already receiving ROI! Thank you Erin for sharing.

[@ErinTalksMoney]

Glad it was helpful! 😊 Welcome to the channel!

[@donewithpoliticsforever3961]

I look forward to the government pension offset video you mentioned. My wife is a teacher and has her own Teacher Retirement plan. However, like teacher pay, it dooms those on it to a poverty level retirement. I've got cancer and limited life expectancy so I've been continuing to maximize my retirement savings and planning with the understanding it'll be for her. But I'd like to make sure she gets at least some of my Social Security benefits that I've been paying for 45 years. Otherwise, all those SS taxes were just another rip-off.

[@aledelmar2557]

Could your wife received her TRS AND your SS benefits?

[@petewilson2314]

Love the out takes which are surprising as your finished product is so seamless it hard to imagine you making mistakes

[@oblioarrow768]

Whenever one spouse files for Social Security they are “deemed” to have filed for 1/2 of the other spouses benefits at that time. They will receive the maximum benefit be it 50% of the other spouse’s benefit or their own PIA. If the other spouse hasn’t filed for Social Security at the time then the payment will be whatever the one spouse was eligible for at the time. It isn’t until the other spouse actually files for Social Security that the one spouses benefit calculation kicks in and then there is a comparison between both FRAs. A reduced amount will be given if the one spouse claims earlier than 67.

[@scotts5658]

Thanks for this explanation. I was worried about this because I am a divorcee. I am 20 months older than my ex-husband. I filed when I was 62 and he was 60 1/2. When he turned 62, he began receiving his Social Security benefits; his benefit was more than doubled of what I was receiving off my own record. I never went back to have Social Security recalculate (when he turned 62) the benefit because I wouldn't qualify anyway because of the Windfall Elimination Provision. (I receive a government pension) Now that the WEP has been repealed, I was wondering if I can receive benefits based off the amount he received when he turned 62 that was over doubled of what I was receiving?? I am now 68 and he is 66 1/2.

[@suzannemcclendon]

New subscriber here. Please pardon the clunkiness of my question. My husband became disabled when he was 33 years old due to severe diabetic complications. He has been collecting SSDI since then and is now 62 yrs old. I was declared disabled at age 55 due to damage done to me during a surgery and am also collecting SSDI. I am now 59 yrs old. He was the higher earner during his brief career. His benefit is 2.5 times more than mine. In regard to spousal benefits starting when I become 62, would they be based on my husband's disability benefit or would they be based on what he would have been getting at FRA through regular Social Security benefits? Our financial future is left to me to figure out as he had a massive stroke just over a year ago. He had always taken care of these things. Now, I feel so lost and afraid of making a wrong decision along the way because it is all so confusing to me. Life is difficult enough as it is.

[@joeyblaisdell3507]

Excellent and clear explanation. Thank you!

[@orollins61]

3 years to go before my FFA. Things may change between now and then, but until then - my wife & I will do this!

[@kamlee955]

Thanks!

[@ErinTalksMoney]

Thank you! 🙏

[@user-oq8f5463]

Wow!! THANK YOU SO MUCH. YOU WERE VERY CLEAR ON YOUR EXPLANATIONS.

[@ErinTalksMoney]

YOU ARE WELCOME! 😊

[@pritzecanon6237]

Erin, I am very interested in learning what is the government pension offset rules. My wife works at a State University, but she does not pay into social security. We are interested in learning the rules. Thank you!

[@rw4884]

thank you so much for this information, I am very interested in spousal benefits for those of us that worked for a state agency that did not pay into SS.

[@eml818-l3b]

For once someone who explains this to me easily. Thank you.

[@pambalakhan6020]

Good info. I especially love the examples❗️

[@bradleygraves5915]

I had no idea the spouse could file at 62 and then again for the spousal benefit later. I am seriously thinking about this now.

[@ErinTalksMoney]

Make sure you run the numbers first! And keep in mind that the spouse will benefit would be reduced accordingly as the example showed in the video 😊 But I’m so happy to provide an extra perspective !

[@dannyrojos930]

Your Beautiful will you marry me?

[@paulmcdonald9592]

You got something going. Please keep up your good content.

[@alangrawien103]

Excellent video content Erin!! Exactly the information I was hoping to see!

[@Marcus-uc4qx]

Thank you Erin. Your videos are very informative. I’m getting ready to retire early and look forward to learning from your videos.

[@jfvalejandrino]

just wondering as primary household worker and my spouse is 3 years older, would it mean if i collect at 70 years old, she can only claim spousal benefit at 73 years old? she was a stay home mom taking care of our children.

[@kellycarter8082]

Well done as always Erin!!!

[@BG-hg5eq]

Taking the John and Mary example one step further, if John dies before Mary, can she then collect John's current benefit, or is she relegated to continue collecting her current benefit?

[@BG-hg5eq]

@@penelope5500 Thank you!

[@Rickmac22]

Outtakes are AWESOME!

[@gr8tfoxes617]

Great info to know. Not as easy to gather on the Gov site. Thanks!

[@kirklandphil]

New Person! Hahaha, Love it. Great information Erin.

[@ace-c7j]

When my wife passed at age 50 - I was 49 then, SS told me I couldn't claim part of what would have been her SS until I reach age 65. So I waited, and received extra per month, but it only amounted to about 1/3 of what would have been her benefit. She earned much more than I did when she worked. I became totally disabled at age 49. I am now 76

[@ace-c7j]

Thanks for the reply!

[@mr.blackmon2196]

Love the bloopers and info.

[@chrisconklin8085]

Erin, I plan to take my SS at 62. My wife did not work enough to qualify for SS. When I am 62 she will be past her FRA of 67. Will she get 50% of my reduced benefit or a lesser percentage of my reduced benefit? Thanks!

[@maloitpark]

Thanks Erin. Great information that's well explained. I look forward to watching the GPO/WEP video when it's released. Given the upcoming vote on these programs, perhaps it's worth waiting to see what passes the Senate?

[@francisdrelling4060]

Super informative video. Thanks, FD

[@ErinTalksMoney]

Thanks for watching!

[@francisdrelling4060]

@ErinTalksMoney Plus, I just subscribed as well.

[@ErinTalksMoney]

Welcome! 🙏

[@tom3966]

Great explanation of the benefits.

[@BillMaass]

Loopholes are good if they benefit me…and I wonder why the program is heading for insolvency. The spousal benefit methodology needs to be revisited before cutting benefits for everyone that actually paid into the SS program. Perhaps revisions will only apply to future claimants or be phased in as has happened in the past.

[@drshiva.utlasar.3961]

beautifully explained,Keep up the good work

[@joelyons7186]

Thank you for this very informative video. I can't find any information on our situation. My wife is on disability and is less than 62. If she claims spousal benefits at 62, is it still a reduced rate?

[@mortikwashington2861]

Thank you for this information very helpful and it really helped me to understand Spousal Benefits.

[@ErinTalksMoney]

Glad it was helpful!!

[@clivesmith5907]

Excellent video. Very informative.

[@richardsmith71]

I’m a retired CSRS employee . I also had the required qtrs required for SS . I claimed my SS at 64 yrs old and received very little because of being CSRS retired. With the new law passed I understand I can not apply for SPOUSAL BENIFITS which I couldn’t before. Am I correct?

[@bcarpenter7585]

I read that as an ex spouse, if you were married for 10 years or more, you can claim their benefits...are there any exceptions? My marriage literally ended at 9.5 years.

[@chrisforker7487]

Very clear explanation, Erin, thank you!

[@cgeorge6591]

This is what popped up on YT after I signed into the SSA this evening. 🤔 You answered my question but I do have one more question. If my hubby has taken his social security at 66 1/2 and is still working full time, is it still possible to take the spousal benefit? I took mine at 62.

[@JeromeKJones]

So if I understand correctly, the spouse CANNOT claim their benefit at 62, then at 65, when their spouse claims, then reclaim and thus receive the spousal for the remainder of life? They are locked in at their benefit since they claimed at 62? Obviously my wife and I, had planned to claim at different times. Her 62, then myself at 65. right? wrong?

[@jrr2146]

Thanks for the video Erin! just wanted to clarify regarding max allowable payout amount referenced at 4:35. my divorced mom (current age 67) is looking to apply for ex-spousal benefits based on my dad's work history (current age 62). is that max allowable payout for her based on her FRA or his FRA?

[@mdaverde]

Hello! Really like your content. Any chance you could post these in podcast form somewhere? Would like to listen to these in my commutes

[@victoriadearrillaga5149]

Wow!!! Thank You for that very clear and precise explanation of both taking Social Security at 62, and then when to start adding half of My husbands full benefits if I do in fact decide to take My Social Security at 62. I'm thinking now lol I may wait to get the Maximum amount... 5 yrs will fly by lol

[@jamilgotcher365]

My Mother got stomach cancer at age 62, the 60s are the age for health problems unfortunately. The government has it calculated and encourage you to put off collecting your SSI, they're hoping you don't collect and die before you can collect. I read that I have a 50% chance of getting the same cancer, I think I'm going to collect mine and enjoy it. Also, if I'm not dipping into my investments, that allows me to make interest on my investments and whatever I would have made if I had waited. Plus I plan on continuing work. I want to enjoy the money while I am able bodied. My Dad at age 80 can't do the things he used to love to do like going fishing.

[@BlakeMarchant-q3j]

Erin, in your video you state that benefits increase by 8% per year for each year you wait to take SS benefits. (this is not the case for me or my wife, let me explain) I am in the process of trying to decide when to take SS. So just this week I pulled up my SS Benefits projections from the government website and was surprised to see that the projections of delaying give you a 8% positive increase is generally correct. However is not even close to that for the period between the years 67 to 68. Here are the real numbers from my SS projections per my statement pulled from the SS Government Website. By the way, I am currently 63. Here are the calculated percentage increases in my case for each one year interval. I would have a increase of 8.97% from age 64 to 65. An increase of 8.26% from age 65 to 66. An increase of 7.60% for 66 to 67. (here is the surprise) 3.68% for 67 to 68. and Increase of 8.10% for 68 to 69. and finally 11.74% for 69 to 70. I was shocked to see such a low percentage for the one year wait of the age 67 - 68. So I had my wife pull her statement and a similar decrease is shown on her statement for the year wait on her between 67 - 68. I called the SS Helpline and they had no answer for me. Wondering if you have heard of this or has anyone really seen this in their calculations? I would be willing to share the real numbers with you if you wish to see them. Love your channel. Blake

[@jaygrantham5010]

Excellent presentation.

[@bobraible]

My ex-wife has been collecting SSDI benefits for a number of years. Will she be eligible to collect ex-spousal benefits when she reaches her FRA and if so, how would her benefit amount be calculated?

[@carmenn5609]

By the way I'm still working.....I just got off the phone with S.S. after almost 3 hrs of waiting. Someone in December told me I could receive widows benefits and it's retro from August 2024 at 66 and 4 months of age. I could get this until I receive my own retirement benefits when I retire in a few months. Called again for an appointment, got the appointment for March but then he says I can't receive Widows benefits and then switch over to mine, it has to be one or the other an mine would be the larger amount. I wonder why the other person in December brought this up since I didn't know about widows benefits......What is the truth? I'm confused. HELP!

[@nomorebsforme]

Its impossible to accomplish an appication online now and they do not answer the phone.

[@TheFirstRealChewy]

We'll see when we are closer to the time.

[@gregsmith5132]

My question/scenario is my spouse files at 62 on her SS benefit/work history and I wait until 70 to file for my SS benefit/work history. If I pass before her does my spouse receive my maximum age 70 benefit until she passes or does her early file still affect that?

[@tracymcreations]

Great information. Thank you!

[@ErinTalksMoney]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Silverado1222]

Do you think you could do a video on the Windfall elimination for us federal employees?

[@ErinTalksMoney]

I will be working on that video next week. I hope to have it out towards the end of the year or at the very beginning of January. 😊

[@Silverado1222]

@ErinTalksMoney that is great!!

[@ld5714]

Hi Erin. Another great video as usual. The bloopers were entertaining ... it's either the leaves or the birds for disctractions haha. BTW, that color (top) is good on you, very nice. You are definitely the goddess of all things Social Security and seem to enjoy covering it as a topic. I have a question for you. My wife and I are both 75; she took her SS early at 62 and I waited until 67 full retirement age. Would she still be able to change hers to Spousal Benefit at this late point in time to get a higher benefit amount? Thank you for you help Erin. Have a great week, keep up the great content and I'll see you on the next one. Larry, Central Valley, Ca.

[@RoyinThailand]

Great video, Erin. I started claiming my benefit at 62 but my wife wants to wait until her FRA. Would my wife get half of my current benefit?

[@ErinTalksMoney]

If your wife waits until her full retirement age to claim. She would get half of your benefit that you would otherwise have received at your full retirement age.

[@md168]

Very nice share and informative 👍

[@karm1t]

I found this very helpful, but I have a follow up question. If an older spouse is taking spousal benefits, but the primary earner is still working while claiming and seeing a reduced benefit, are the spousal benefits reduced as well?

[@ErinTalksMoney]

No, the spousal benefit would not be reduced. Each individual has their own respective earning limit. (it will be tied to your Social Security number.) the earnings limit would only apply if the spouse was under full retirement age, and if they themselves had earnings.

[@kirav2536]

Thank you for the video. I am older then my husband. He make more then I am. I will file for my benefits at 62. May I file for spousal benefits later when my husband turns 62 even if he will not retire at 62?

[@ErinTalksMoney]

you can file for spousal benefits once your husband begins claiming social security - so whatever age he begins claiming

[@Vizardess]

Similar situation here. Is there a new form submission needed when the second (higher earner) files, or will the switch happen automatically?

[@camicri4263]

If you claim on your spouse benefit (work years) if something happens can you switch ? I mean , can you get their entire benefit as a survivaland give up what you previously had? Thank you! Merry christmas!

[@jamilgotcher365]

Yes, the survivor benefits, you receive the full amount of their social security payments upon their death whether your currently married or divorced from them. It's not automatic, I'm sure you have to notify them.

[@jeanhuynh8548]

Does the spousal benefits applies to a reverse situation meaning the woman makes more $ than the men in the relationship?

[@fredswartley9778]

So you can switch from your own personal benefit to your spousal benefit, but not vice versa? If you draw the spousal benefit early, you lock it in for life, right?

[@penelope5500]

Well, I wouldn't so much say "switching" as adding on. The lower SS spouse would still get their benefit (assuming they have some) but then they could just add on the difference.

[@myrnamanansala5745]

Thank you for sharing this information.

[@ErinTalksMoney]

Thanks for watching!!

[@dog2k9]

So, there is nothing to gain if the primary waits to age 70 to collect with the intention of maximizing benefit for the secondary after passing of the primary?

[@JB-gr6om]

How does the new law, Fairness Act, impact spousal benefits for a spouse that has a public school pension?

[@DunRovinRanch-1969]

First timer here. Looking forward to your WEP video. Hopefully the senate will pass the SS Fairness act and it will no longer get matter.

[@kathyrhea242]

What is fairness act?

[@russb8510]

Thanks for the great explanation.

[@ErinTalksMoney]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ryanriddell8376]

If a spouse works part time for public schools and doesn’t pay social security and has a defined contribution (not benefit) plan, do they lose spousal benefits?

[@sopiba]

You do an incredible information, thanks a lot for helping. My question for you hope you can reply to me, I appreciated. My husband for early retirement at 62 and I was about 60 so now I’m getting the corresponding of his retirement income. I worked some years but did not get the enough credits to claim my personal retirement income. I’m now 66, Can I do a claim to the SS to get my personal retirement income? I really appreciate if you have the time to answer.

[@ErinTalksMoney]

If you yourself do not have enough credits to claim your own, Social Security, you should still be able to claim spousal benefits through Social Security. And in that way, yes, you would still have your own Social Security income in retirement. In order to receive spouse of benefits, your husband must first be claiming his own Social Security. But once he claims his Social Security, you would be entitled to spousal benefits on his claim. And assuming you are full retirement age, you would be eligible for up to 50% of his benefits at full retirement age. I hope that helps! 😊

[@dolphfanman]

Stumbled here by asking AI a spousal benefit question.Excellent info and on-point and easy to follow. New rules because WEP and GPO will go bye bye today. Will they allow a recalculation because many took SS early because GPO was never an option? Will they allow a look back on recalculations?

[@cynthialangdon2660]

Great job!

[@ItsEverythingElse]

Just to be clear, if primary is 62 and spouse is 67, the spouse gets 50% of primary's FRA amount and not 50% of primary's 62 amount?

[@ErinTalksMoney]

yes - IF the 62 year old primary earner has already claimed benefits, the 67 yer old spouse would receive 50% of the primary earner's full retirement age benefit. This is contingent on the primary earner having claimed their benefits. If they have not started claiming their benefits yet, you can't claim spousal benefits.

[@penelope5500]

Correct.

[@penelope5500]

Personally, I think the married spousal benefit is the biggest load of garbage ever to come down the SS pike. A woman (usually the woman) could draw higher benefits from this (never having worked or paid in) than a single woman who worked all her life. Very unfair to single people.

[@n-da-bunka2650]

@@ErinTalksMoney for now.. Trump has promised to "drop a bomb" on Social security so it might be appropriate to add the YMMV caveat

[@danromano2146]

Filed at 64 , thinking of suspending benefits at full retirement age and waiting till 70 to turn benefits back on how does that effect my wife’s spousal benefits she is 5 years younger than me can she file at 62 and get my bumped up social security when I turn it back on at 70, I guess what I’m asking is does she get the 24 percent increase in my benefit toward her spousal benefit

[@chrisford5960]

question: my wife is 2 years younger than me. If she starts receiving SS at 62 and I wait to FRA (67) than she can switch to spousal benefits when I start receiving SS? Net she would have 3 years at her 70% rate then switch to spousal benefits when I claim. Is this correct?

[@suzannescherrsteger995]

I waited until age 70 to take benefits. I’m now 71 but I never stopped working. I’m now a public school teacher (was a college teacher before paying into SS). Does my current income affect my SS benefits which I waited so long to receive?

[@justaviewer111]

I was aware of the spousal benefits. You covered this subject very well. My spouse started collecting at FRA (spouse is older). I have a question: Do you know any details about the actual filing process? Can it be done online? Do you know what form(s) are required? Is there a window for applying like with Medicare Part B or any specific rules on when the spouse can start the process? Can my spouse apply for it on the same day I apply for benefits or do I have to actually start receiving my benefit in the bank?

[@Lyfestyle.Health]

I am retire and aim collecting SS and my ex is 62 and she still working can i get spouse benefits

[@jlholm60]

I had claimed my benefits at 62, but my spouse waited until 70 to claim. Can I now change my benefits to spousal benefits? It would be significantly more than I get now.

[@treasurehuntinggrandma5925]

I am 64 and on on SSDI… my spouse is 67 and on regular SS. Can I switch to spousal benefits now or do I have to wait till we are both full retirement age?

[@treasurehuntinggrandma5925]

Thank you!

[@EricSpidle]

What if your spouse is deceased…and you did not pay into social security ? Now it’s past my retirement age and I have re- married… collecting Pers retirement!

[@outingsforoldladieswhoaren7664]

Okay. I was married 27 years and divorced. I have not remarried. I earn about 75K per year. I am 65 and my ex has been taking social security for about 7 years. Am I able to claim spousal benefits if I am still working and earning 75K?

[@christiansailor2880]

Thanks, Erin!

[@michaelt2974]

So if I claim reduced benefit at age 62 and then years later my wife wants to retire at 62 and claim benefits she is eligible for her own reduced age 62 benefit or 50 percent of what my benefit would have been if I had waited until full retirement age? And she is supposed to file for both and the social security figures out which is higher ?

[@jimkrone7707]

Ok, I just applied for SS benefits at full age 66and 8 months. My wife it older and she has been receiving her personal full benefits. She receive less than 50% of mine. How can she get spousal benefits ?

[@mjndfriends6720]

Long time follower. What do you use to edit your videos? Thank you .

[@nicstevens6499]

Good video.. As a retired police officer I'm watching closely is the US senate takes up the WEP/GPO bill that looks to end this foolish law. We will know in the next 1-2 weeks.

[@breehartley1627]

My wife and I are both teachers, we will both have pensions, and I am 8 years older than she. I retired this year at age 56 with 35 years of total income paid into SSA. My wife will have 35 years of her teaching salary calculated into SSA when she retires at 57. My question is when is the optimal time for us to both take our social security? My wife should make more in her SS payment than I will. Should I just take mine at 62 and have her wait until FRA or should I wait to take mine later? I do not think any spousal benefit will be advantageous to either of us but I have a hard time trying to figure out an optimal withdrawal age for both of us to take. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[@alejandrarivera1087]

What happens if my husband claim his SS at 65? Do I have to wait until he is 67 to claim spousal benefits?!!

[@briankowald6465]

So to confirm, my wife claim her own benefit at age 62 and then file for spousal benefit 3 years later once I reach FRA?

[@russb8510]

You mention that you can't claim against your ex spouse's record until they start taking their benefit themselves. I got confused when you mentioned the two-year waiting period after the divorce. If I am 62 and it's been 15 years since the divorce can I claim now? Or do I have to wait until my ex spouse starts claiming.?

[@penelope5500]

The ex spouse does not have to be claiming. They do, however, have to be 62.

[@russb8510]

​@@penelope5500 @erintalksmoney Thank you! If I get remarried at age 66, can I switch to take the spousal benefit of my husband after being married for a year? Is the spousal benefit 50% or is it calculated differently because I started taking SS at 62?

[@mikerose7100]

How do I find out if my ex spouse is filing yet and what their benefit is if asking them is not an option? Is there a maximum amount that they could be getting?

[@ErinTalksMoney]

You can contact the Social Security Administration- you shouldn’t have to contact your ex