Ask Larry

My ex-spouse and I were married over 10 years (and now divorced for over 20). She began taking reduced early retirement benefits under her own earnings when she turned 62 of $950 monthly.

Now that I have reached full retirement age of 66, my benefits are $2,150 monthly. She is now 67. When my spouse inquired if she could claim ex-spouse benefit of 1/2 my benefit ($1,075), she was told no. The reason given was she took her benefit early. I've always read if ex-spousal benefit was higher, that is what she would get. Can you explain. Are they giving her wrong information?

Hi,

No, Social Security is probably correct about your ex-wife not being eligible for divorced spousal benefits. In order for her to qualify, 50% of your full retirement age rate (PIA) would have to be higher than your ex-wife's own PIA, not her reduced rate. If your wife filed at 62 and receives $950 then her PIA is likely around $1,250, which is apparently more than 50% of your PIA. Assuming that's correct, your ex-wife wouldn't qualify for divorced spousal benefits.

Best, Jerry