Retirement
Here is your information on Social Security:
DIVORCED SPOUSE: A person who is divorced after at least 10 years of marriage keeps certain benefit rights on the former spouse's Social Security record. To receive benefits, the divorced spouse must be at least age 62 and his/her former spouse must be entitled to (receiving) benefits.
INDEPENDENTLY DIVORCED SPOUSE: Independently divorced spouse's benefits are payable regardless of whether the former spouse has applied for benefits or has benefits withheld because he/she is working. However, he or she must be eligible for retirement benefits. To receive benefits, the divorced wife or husband must be at least age 62.
The divorced wife or husband also must have been married to the former spouse for at least 10 years and divorced for at least 2 years. The 2-year divorce requirement can be waived if the former spouse was entitled to benefits in the month before the month of divorce, but was not receiving the benefits because of work deductions.
Benefits usually cannot be paid to a remarried divorced spouse on the former spouse's record unless the latter marriage ends (whether by death, divorce, or annulment). On the other hand, benefits can be paid to a remarried divorced widow(er) if:
--He/she remarries at age 60 or later; or
--He/she remarries at age 50 and after becoming disabled. (If he/she is already entitled to disabled widow(er's) benefits and remarries, benefits can continue regardless of age.)
A divorced spouse or widow(er) who is entitled to benefits other than those on their former spouse's record cannot receive both benefits in full. For example, if a divorced spouse worked under Social Security and is entitled to higher benefits based on their own earnings, they would receive benefits based on their record only. Also, the benefits paid to a divorced spouse will have no affect on the benefit amount paid to other beneficiaries on the record.
NOTE: A divorced spouse's eligibility to Social Security benefits is not an issue that can be appealed since the regulations are set forth by Congress and the provisions are contained in the Social Security Act.
If you would like to receive an estimate of benefits you may receive as a divorced spouse, you may contact our representatives at our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213. They may be able to provide you with this information over the telephone. If you prefer, you may visit one of our offices. You can get the address and directions to your nearest office from the Social Security Office Locator that is available on the Internet at:
http://www.ssa.gov/locator/
If you need more information go to the Social Security and click on frequently Asked Questions
http://www.ssa.gov/ where there are hundreds of answers.
Good Luck Girl...
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