I read about receiving Social Security spousal benefits at age 62 and 65 in your column last month. My husband is divorcing me next month after 37 years of marriage. Will I be able to qualify for half of his benefits? I was a housewife for ten years and have started looking for a job. At 56 years old, I am having trouble finding anyone to hire me. I am worried about my future, as you can tell.
It looks like you don't need to worry about Social Security benefits. Even after you're divorced, you can still qualify for spousal benefits as long as you are at least 62 years old and were married for at least ten years, are unmarried now and are not eligible for a higher benefit based on your own or someone else's Social Security record.
As a spouse, you can receive up to 50% of your husband's full Social Security benefit -- or less if you take benefits before your full retirement age (see this age-reduction chart for details).
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Or you can receive benefits based on your own earnings history, if the number is higher. To calculate how much you could qualify for benefits based on your own earnings history, see the Social Security Administration's retirement benefits calculator. You can also receive a benefit estimate by calling Social Security at (800)772-1213.
The amount the divorced spouse receives in benefits has no effect on how much the worker and any new spouse receives. For more information about Social Security and divorce, see Benefits For Your Divorced Spouse.
-
Getting Out of an RMD Penaltyretirement When your brokerage firm miscalculates your required minimum distributions, you have recourse.
-
Borrowers Get More Time to Repay 401(k) Loans
retirement If you leave your job while you have an outstanding 401(k) loan, Uncle Sam now gives you extra time to repay it -- thanks to the new tax law.
-
It’s Not Too Late to Boost Retirement Savings for 2018
retirement Some retirement accounts will accept contributions for 2018 up until the April tax deadline.
-
How to Correct a Mistake on Your RMDs from IRAsretirement If you didn't take out the correct required minimum distribution because your brokerage firm made a mistake, the IRS may show some leniency.
-
Making the Most of a Health Savings Account Once You Turn Age 65
Making Your Money Last You’ll face a stiff penalty and taxes if you tap your health savings account for non-medical expenses before the age of 65. After that, the rules change.
-
Reporting Charitable IRA Distributions on Tax Returns Can Be Confusing
IRAs Taxpayers need to be careful when reporting charitable gifts from their IRA on their tax returns, or they may end up overpaying Uncle Sam.
-
Make the Most of the New Military Retirement Plan
retirement The government is offering a new retirement option so that service members who leave the military before qualifying for a pension can still receive some benefits.
-
How Changes in Income Affect Medicare Premiums
Medicare Medicare beneficiaries can see their premiums go up if their income rises, although for some that increase will be only temporary.
