Real Answers for Life’s Money Challenges

Im in the process of divorce.

Its been two years since Ive filed.

My husband makes more money than I do.

A woman in her late 50s or early 60s poses for a portrait against a black backdrop.

Im disabled and cant work.

I hardly have an income coming in right now!

Im going to be 62 in four months.

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Would I be able to get his Social Security if I retire at 62?

Hed have to actually be taking them.

You may get more money each month than you would if you took retirement benefits at 62.

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Thats understandable, because getting approved for disability can be a long and cumbersome process.

But starting retirement benefits early instead of applying for disability is a mistake in many cases.

Social Security wouldnt deem you disabled solely based on how old you are.

The rules are even more favorable for people ages 60 and older.

The big advantage of taking SSDI over early Social Security is that you wont permanently reduce your benefits.

Disability checks based on the amount youve paid into Social Security, as if youd already reachedfull retirement age.

Your payment probably wont change.

After 24 months of SSDI, youd also automatically qualify forMedicareParts A and B.

However, if you tookretirement benefits at age 62, your payments will be reduced by about 30%.

To boost your odds of success, consult with a Social Security disability attorney.

Typically, they work on contingency, which means they dont get paid unless you win your claim.

If SSDI doesnt seem feasible, its essential to negotiate for alimony as you finalize your divorce.

Doing so could allow you to hold out for a bigger retirement benefit.

Claiming Social Security is more or less a permanent decision.

It sounds appealing right?

Check it out here!

Robin Hartill is a certified financial planner and a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder.

Send your tricky money questions to[email protected].