Love and marriage dont always last forever.
But if your matrimony lasted 10 years or more, the financial benefits can last a lifetime.
Are you struggling to cope with financial stress?
First, take a deep breath.
Then, take a look at our roundup ofresources to help you manage your stress and your money.
Full retirement age is the age at which you qualify for 100% of your benefit.
If you were born in 1960 or later, your full retirement age is 67.
Social Security will give you the bigger benefit, but not both.
Then, theyll use your exs record to make up the difference.
Seeking to get revenge on an ex-spouse by claiming their Social Security?
If theyve been married multiple times, all their exes are allowed to claim on their record.
Such stipulations are utter nonsense.
The Social Security Administration says theyre worthless and never enforced.
If you suspect their record willmaximize your Social Security, follow these five steps.
Be prepared to provide your marriage license and your divorce decree.
Social Security will also need to locate their record.
This will be easiest if you still have their Social Security number.
So theres absolutely no reason to contact them about it.
You dont need their consent to get benefits based on their record.
Social Security will not contact them about your tool.
it’s possible for you to call them at 800-772-1213 or visit yourlocal office.
An appointment isnt required, but scheduling one can cut down on your waiting time.
For every year you claim before then, youll permanently reduce your benefits.
If you claim at 62, youd qualify for only 32.5% of their benefit.
Dont wait too long, though.
But when youre getting spousal benefits, you dont earn delayed retirement credits.
But the rules changed under a 2015 law called the Bipartisan Budget Act.
Now this is only an option if you were born Jan. 2, 1954, or earlier.
Robin Hartill is a certified financial planner and a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder.
She writes the Dear Penny personal finance advice column.
Send your tricky money questions to[email protected].
