According to the Stamford Advocate, there is a possibility that a divorce can affect Social Security benefits for Americans. As a divorced spouse, you may be able to benefit up to one-half of your ex-spouse’s full retirement amount. You can then switch to a higher benefit amount in the future if you deem it would be profitable based on your own work history.
If you want to qualify for retirement benefits on your ex-spouse’s work record, there are a variety of different qualifications that you need to meet. First of all, you must be 62 or older in most cases. As well, your marriage must have lasted for at least 10 years in order to experience these benefits. In addition, you must not be married.
You can remarry after your divorce and still collect benefits if your recent spouse passed away or if you received dissolution of marriage by divorce or annulment. As well, you must be sure that your ex-spouse is entitled to Social Security retirement benefits in order for you to receive these finances. You may still qualify if you have been divorced for at least two years. To collect form an ex-spouse, you will need to prove that the benefits that you can collect from him or her are larger than those that you would be able to receive on your own if you used your own work retirement benefits.
Your benefits will not be reduced if you are over the full retirement age, which is 66. Unfortunately, you retirement benefits will terminate at the death of your ex-spouse, but you may qualify for widow/widower benefits after this time so make sure to consult with an attorney concerning this option. With the help of a caring and understanding San Fernando Valley divorce lawyer, you can get the information that you need to make informed decisions regarding divorce and social security benefits in the future.
