A Social Security Secret: Benefits for Divorced Spouses

Key Takeaways

• You can collect divorced spousal benefits even if your ex-spouse hasn't filed yet, as long as you were married 10+ years, divorced 2+ years, and are age 62+—you become an 'independently entitled divorced spouse' (IEDS) and can file on their record regardless of when they file
• If you're an IEDS and reached age 62 before January 1, 2016, you can file a restricted application to collect divorced spousal benefits while delaying your own benefit until age 70, maximizing delayed retirement credits of 8% per year
• Divorced couples can file concurrent restricted applications on each other's records—you can collect a divorced spousal benefit while your ex delays, then switch to your own higher benefit at 70
• Your divorced spousal benefit won't be reduced if your ex-spouse is still working and has earnings-test reductions, since you qualify as an IEDS
• Divorce survivor benefits have different rules than spousal benefits: you can qualify at age 60 (vs. 62 for spousal), and you can choose which benefit to take without deemed filing rules, allowing you to delay your own benefit until age 70