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July 29, 2017
Category:
Can I File For Divorced Spousal Benefits Now And Switch To My Own Record Later?
I am 62 years old (born in 1955) and plan to retire next year at age 63. I have been working for 40+ years, married for 19 years and divorced for 8 years, not remarried. I would like to delay using my Social Security benefits until after age 67. Can I access my ex-husband's Social Security benefits and then switch at age 67 without affecting my own Social Security payments later? My Social Security is higher than half of my ex-husband's. I would like to supplement my pension with half of my ex-husband's Social Security now and draw a higher Social Security from my own benefits at age 67 - is that possible?
Hi,
No. Since you were born after January 1 1954, you will be deemed to be filing for both divorced spousal benefits and retirement benefits on your own record whenever you file for either one (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/deemedfaq.html).
You may want to consider using the maximization software available on this website in order to explore all of your filing options and determine your best strategy.
Best, Jerry