--- title: Social Security Strategies for Divorced Spouses description: A guide to social security strategies for divorced spouses. You can potentially use these strategies to boost your retirement income. image: https://www.letsassemble.com/hs-fs/file-2461912873-jpg/images/Social-Security-Strategy-Divorced-Retirees.jpg --- [![Assembly Wealth](https://www.letsassemble.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Assembly/logos/Assembly-Wealth-Logo-Orange-500px.png?width=300&height=70&name=Assembly-Wealth-Logo-Orange-500px.png "Assembly Wealth")](https://www.letsassemble.com/) The Money Manager People TM [800-541-7774](tel:+18005417774) [![RESEARCH MONEY MANAGERS](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/10700/7ecbcb66-3fbb-41e3-b219-c24fb3c769c5.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/10700/7ecbcb66-3fbb-41e3-b219-c24fb3c769c5) [![Client Center](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/10700/8691dcb4-caa3-42c2-a810-77b59f461fd2.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/10700/8691dcb4-caa3-42c2-a810-77b59f461fd2) [Home](https://www.letsassemble.com/) WrapManager's Wealth Management Blog When life changes, we can help you thoughtfully respond. [< Back to read another post](https://www.letsassemble.com/wealth-management-blog) # Social Security Strategies for Divorced Spouses Posted by [ Michael J. O'Connor | CWS®, Vice President Investments](https://www.letsassemble.com/wealth-management-blog/author/michael-j-oconnor) October 1, 2014 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![Social Security Strategy for Divorced Retirees](https://www.letsassemble.com/hs-fs/file-2461912873-jpg/images/Social-Security-Strategy-Divorced-Retirees.jpg?width=205&name=Social-Security-Strategy-Divorced-Retirees.jpg "Social Security Strategy for Divorced Retirees")Planning for Social Security benefits is complex, and if you’re divorced, you may have wondered how spousal benefits will work for you in your retirement years. One thing is for certain: when it comes to Social Security, timing is everything. Knowing and understanding your options can help improve your retirement income plan. ### General Options Just as there is flexibility for married retirees, divorced retirees have several options when it comes to Social Security. Spousal benefits are generally 50% of your ex-spouse’s full retirement benefits if you file at your full retirement age (66). ### Social Security Retirement Age To collect full benefits from Social Security, you must wait until Age 66. It’s possible to begin collecting benefits at Age 62, but your benefits will be reduced. If you delay collection of your benefits until Age 70, you will be eligible for higher benefits. Working with your Financial Advisor, you can look at your individual situation and decide which age works best for you to begin collecting Social Security benefits.1 ### Requirements to File for Spousal Benefits Are you eligible to file for Social Security spousal benefits on your ex-spouse’s work record? Yes, if you meet the following criteria: - You were married for at least 10 years. - You are both at least 62 years old. There are a few other rules you need to be aware of when making plans about Social Security: - If you have been divorced for less than two years, your ex-spouse has to file for individual benefits in order for you to receive spousal benefits. - If you have been divorced more than two years, your ex-spouse doesn’t need to file for individual benefits. - In most cases, if you are remarried, you cannot receive spousal benefits on your former spouse’s work record. However, if your second marriage ends in divorce or death, it’s possible that your eligibility on your first spouse’s work record could be restored. - If you are not remarried before Age 60 and your ex-spouse passes away, you may be able to receive survivor benefits.1 ### Delay Yours While Taking Spousal Benefits, Collect More Later You can delay your own benefits while receiving some of your ex-spouse’s benefits by [filing a Restricted Application](https://www.letsassemble.com/wealth-management-blog/increasing-your-social-security-check-the-restricted-application-for-spousal-benefits). This strategy can help you delay collection of your own benefits until Age 70. For every year after Age 66 that you delay collection of your own benefits, you gain 8% annually until Age 70. Be aware that you will not be able to claim spousal benefits until your ex-spouse is at least 62. In order to receive full spousal benefits, you’ll need to file for them when you are at least 66.1 Form more social security strategies and examples, [download JP Morgan’s Strategies for Divorced Individuals here](http://www.wrapmanager.com/hubfs/docs/Social-Security-Strategy-for-Divorced-Retirees.pdf). Whichever social security option you choose should fit in to your overall retirement income plan. One of our Wealth Managers can answer your questions about your social security and retirement income situation. Give us a call at (900) 541-7774, or [click here to get started on your comprehensive investment plan](https://www.letsassemble.com/free-money-manager-recommendation). [![Like What You've Read? 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