The Benefits Blog

I know in the NSSA® class in Kansas City you said that someone could still do a Claim and Suspend (really means Restricted Application!) on a Divorced spouse. I think I had it come up recently at a SS workshop, asking if a person could do a Restricted application on a Divorced spouse.

Yes, a divorc...

A new case has come to my attention where the ex-wife of over 10 years died. The ex-husband has remarried but remarried after age 60. He went to SSA to file on the ex-wife’s record (widower benefits) and was denied.

• Married over 10 years
• Divorced more than 2 years (not an issue-MDK)
• Remarried a...

I have a client who is going to be 65 in Jan. She’s divorced and no longer speaks to her ex. He’s an immigrant, but has worked long enough to get SS and is a little older.  He is already receiving his benefit. Let’s say his benefit is $1,000 per month and she’s entitled to 50%.  If she claims off ex...

Will the wife of an incarcerated ex-husband be eligible for a spousal benefit on her ex-husband’s work history? Would it make a difference if they were not officially divorced?

 The wife of an incarcerated ex-husband may still be eligible for a spousal benefit on her ex-husband’s work record, provi...

I had a gentleman in a class yesterday with this scenario that I want to confirm with you. He is age 62 and will be 63 in Oct – Birthdate is 10/13/1960. He was married for 15 years and has been divorced 3 years. Neither ex-spouse is remarried. Ex-spouse birthday is 06/27/1973. They have four childre...

Hope all is well. I have a case that I’m working on right now where I’m trying to estimate a clients social security benefit. Could you possibly help point me in the right direction. Here’s info about the client

• She just turned age 65 and is divorced (divorce happened more than 2 years ago) and...

It’s been several years since I’ve had a divorcee! Since the rules changed regarding spouses where one cannot file and suspend and must file for benefits for the other to file on their record, does the same hold true for ex-spouses? Are there any other requirements that I should know about?

For div...