"Question :
How much can a divorced spouse receive?
Answer
A man/woman who is divorced after at least 10 years of marriage keeps certain benefit rights on their former husband/wife's Social Security record. In order for him/her to get benefits, a divorced husband/wife must be at least age 62 and the former spouse must be eligible for benefits, but not necessarily receiving them. The maximum benefit is 50% of the benefit the worker would receive at full retirement age. However, benefits paid prior to full retirement age are reduced based upon the age of the spouse at the time benefits are received. "

So, if you qualify to receive a $750/month payment (based on 50% of his benefit)at full retirement age and take an early distribution at age 62, you may lose up to 25% of that benefit leaving you with $565/month.

Pat

I don't know why I bother to explain this to you but here goes----

I have been married twice. If my first husband and father of my children were to file on my SS, it would not bother me in the least. Even though he left me for the "younger woman". He was always a good father and provider and I harbor no animosity toward him now. But- my second husband couldn't hold down a job for more that 6 months at a time, worked harder at not paying taxes than he did actual work. Which, by the way, means he has virtually zero dollars paid into social security. He, unlike all SAHM's did not even work in the home to offset household and childcare expenses. If he had worked half as hard actually holding down a job as he did trying to get out of work, he would be a wealthy man today. The thought that he could draw SS on my work record is most distasteful and I am willing to bet that under these circumstances, I am not alone.