Implications of divorce, Social Security

With the percentage of divorce for first-time marriages at 50 percent, it’s not surprising that seniors are also part of that statistic. The average marriage today only lasts seven years. Divorce rates for subsequent marriages are even higher, at 60 percent. If you’re a woman, and if you’re considering divorce, there is something you should think about before you file: Social Security spousal benefits.

Spousal benefits mean you collect money based on the income record of your spouse. Let’s face it, most men today are still paid more than women, and especially so for women who only worked part-time while raising a family.

To claim spousal (higher) Social Security benefits:

•You must be married for 10 years or longer. Even missing this by one day makes you ineligible. If you’re about to file, make sure your attorney knows this.

•You do not remarry, or if you do, that marriage ends before you file.

•You are 62 or older (if your spouse is deceased, you can collect at age 60).

•Your own benefit amount is lower than your spouse’s.

If you’re in the middle of a divorce and hope to never see nor hear his name again, think twice about that. At the very least, hang on to a copy of his birth certificate. It has important information you’ll need when it’s time to collect Social Security benefits, including his date and place of birth and his parents’ names.

And if he remarries, don’t worry: Your Social Security spousal benefit isn’t reduced because of it.

If you’re divorced and receiving Social Security now and never considered asking for benefits based on your ex-spouse’s earnings, do so. It might mean an increase in benefits. If your ex-spouse hasn’t applied for benefits, you can still apply if you’ve been divorced for two years.

For more information go to www.socialsecurity.gov, or call 1-800-772-1213.