Should my husband of 46 years and I divorce to get more Social Security benefits?

No, you generally should not divorce after 46 years just to get more Social Security; it's a drastic step with complex implications, and there are often better, legal strategies like delaying benefits, coordinating claims (a "split strategy"), and maximizing your own record, as divorcing doesn't necessarily offer a huge advantage over staying married, and benefits for divorced spouses have strict rules. Divorcing can give an ex-spouse access to spousal benefits, but staying married allows for potentially higher spousal benefits (up to 50% of your partner's), especially if one partner delays claiming, which can be more advantageous than getting divorced just for that purpose.

How to maximize spousal Social Security benefits?

Both wait until age 70 to claim benefits

If you or your spouse (or even both of you!) can wait until you're 70, you'll receive your highest Social Security payments—up to 132% of your primary insurance amount (PIA) if your full retirement age (FRA) is 66, and 124% of your PIA if your FRA is 67.

What disqualifies you from Social Security retirement?

In general, you'll need to be at least 62 years old to receive retirement benefits. If you owe back taxes or haven't paid Social Security taxes, your benefits could be garnished or you may not qualify at all. This includes some government employees who don't pay into the Social Security system through payroll taxes.

How many years does the average person collect Social Security?

So we can observe that for men, for example, almost 54% of the them could expect to live to age 65 if they survived to age 21, and men who attained age 65 could expect to collect Social Security benefits for almost 13 years (and the numbers are even higher for women).

What is the split strategy for Social Security?

A “split strategy” is one approach to creating longevity insurance by allowing married couples to increase their Social Security benefits. The split strategy has many variations depending upon the age of each spouse at retirement, income needs, retirement savings and health.

Social Security: Spousal Benefits 101

What percent of Social Security does a divorced spouse get?

You can receive up to 50% of your ex-husband's Social Security benefit if you wait until your own Full Retirement Age (FRA) to claim, but this amount gets permanently reduced if you file earlier (as low as 32.5% at age 62), and you must have been married for at least 10 years and be currently unmarried. The benefit you receive will be the higher of your own retirement benefit or the divorced spousal benefit, and your ex-spouse's payment isn't affected. 

Why is moving out the biggest mistake in a divorce?

Moving out during a divorce is often considered a big mistake because it can negatively affect child custody, finances, and legal standing, as courts may view the person who leaves as abandoning the family or accepting a "status quo" where the other parent stays in the home and appears more stable, leading to harder battles for parental time and marital assets. It creates dual household expenses and can complicate asset division, but it's crucial for safety in cases of domestic violence, where leaving is essential.
 

What is one of the biggest mistakes people make regarding Social Security?

One of the biggest mistakes people make with Social Security is claiming benefits too early, usually at age 62, which results in a permanently reduced monthly check, sometimes by as much as 30%, instead of waiting for a larger, inflation-adjusted benefit that grows significantly until age 70. Other major errors include over-relying on Social Security as primary retirement income (it's only meant to replace ~40% of pre-retirement earnings) and not understanding spousal/survivor benefits or the tax implications.
 

Who qualifies for an extra $144 added to their Social Security?

That extra $144 likely comes from the Medicare Part B Giveback Benefit, a feature in some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans that pays back some or all of your Part B premium, appearing as extra money in your Social Security check if it's deducted from there. To qualify, you need Original Medicare (Parts A & B), pay your own Part B premium (not covered by Medicaid), and enroll in a specific Medicare Advantage plan in your area that offers this local benefit, with the amount varying by plan and ZIP code, not a fixed government amount. 

What is the smartest age to collect Social Security?

The best age to take Social Security depends on your situation, but age 70 maximizes your monthly benefit, with studies suggesting it's optimal for most people, while claiming at Full Retirement Age (FRA) (around 67 for recent birth years) provides 100% of your benefit, and claiming as early as age 62 permanently reduces it but provides income sooner if needed. Waiting until 70 adds roughly 8% annually for each year past FRA, making it ideal for those who live long and can afford to wait, while 62 suits those needing immediate income, and FRA offers a balance. 

How does divorce affect Social Security?

If you're getting Social Security retirement benefits, some members of your family may also qualify to receive benefits on your record. If they qualify, your ex-spouse, spouse, or child may receive a monthly payment of up to one-half of your retirement benefit amount.

Why do most people get denied for Social Security?

One of the most frequent reasons claims are denied is insufficient medical evidence. SSDI benefits are awarded based on medical necessity, so your application must demonstrate that your condition prevents you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

Is $5000 a month a good retirement income?

Yes, $5,000 a month ($60,000/year) is generally considered a good, average benchmark for a comfortable retirement in the U.S., covering basic living, healthcare, and some leisure, but it depends heavily on your lifestyle, location (high vs. low cost-of-living), and if housing is paid off, with some needing more and others less. While the national average retiree spending hovers around this figure, factors like inflation, healthcare costs, and desired travel significantly impact if it's truly sufficient for you. 

What is the highest spousal benefit?

The maximum spousal benefit is 50% of your spouse's retirement benefit at their FRA. If the maximum spousal benefit is greater than your retirement benefit at your FRA, you may be eligible for a spousal benefit. HAS YOUR SPOUSE APPLIED FOR THEIR RETIREMENT BENEFIT?

Can a divorced woman get her ex-husband's Social Security?

Yes, a divorced wife can get her ex-husband's Social Security benefits if the marriage lasted at least 10 years, she is unmarried, she's at least 62 (or 60 if disabled), and the benefit on his record is higher than her own, with the ex-spouse's benefit not affected. The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers these benefits on a case-by-case basis, and it's a way to boost retirement income if her own record is lower. 

What does Suze Orman say about when to take Social Security?

Suze Orman strongly advises waiting as long as possible to claim Social Security, ideally until age 70, because it results in significantly higher monthly payments, which can be life-changing for a longer retirement and benefit a surviving spouse, arguing that the fear of not living long enough to benefit isn't a good reason to accept a permanently reduced check. She believes delaying provides the most financial security, even if it means relying on retirement savings (like 401(k)s) in the meantime, as the increased benefit at 70 is mathematically superior to claiming early and investing, according to her analysis. 

How to get $3000 a month in Social Security?

To get around $3,000 a month from Social Security, you generally need a history of high, consistent earnings (near the taxable maximum) for at least 35 years, combined with waiting to claim benefits until age 70 to maximize delayed retirement credits, as this strategy significantly boosts your monthly payment above the average. 

Who qualifies for extra SS benefits?

Adults and children might be eligible for SSI if they have: Little or no income, and. Little or no resources, and. A disability, blindness, or are age 65 or older.

What to do when Social Security is not enough to live on?

When Social Security isn't enough, focus on maximizing benefits (like delaying claiming), exploring other government aid (SSI, SNAP, Medicaid), reducing expenses (relocating, downsizing, sharing housing), supplementing income (part-time work, annuities, other investments), and seeking professional financial help to create a comprehensive plan. 

What is the number one regret of retirees?

The #1 regret of retirees is not saving enough money, with studies showing a large majority wish they had saved more and started earlier, leading to financial stress and limitations in their desired lifestyle. Other major regrets often center around a lack of planning for time, health, and experiences, such as working too long, putting off travel, or not planning for future healthcare costs, says financial experts and financial planning sources. 

What is going on with Social Security in 2025?

In 2025, Social Security saw a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), increasing average benefits, alongside ongoing discussions about long-term solvency, with the trust fund still projected to deplete by 2033, potentially leading to benefit cuts, while new legislation, the Social Security Fairness Act, began adjusting payments for some affected by WEP/GPO. Key changes for 2025 included higher SSI rates, increased taxable maximums for Social Security, and continued pushes for better online services and electronic payments from the SSA. 

What is the $1000 a month rule for retirement?

The $1,000 a month rule for retirement is a simple guideline stating you need $240,000 saved for every $1,000 in monthly income you want, based on a 5% annual withdrawal rate ($240,000 x 0.05 = $12,000/year or $1,000/month). Popularized by financial planner Wes Moss, it helps estimate savings goals but doesn't account for inflation, taxes, or variable market conditions, requiring adjustments for a complete plan, notes as it's a rule of thumb, not a guarantee. 

What is the 10 10 10 rule for divorce?

The 10/10 rule in a military divorce determines if the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) will pay a former spouse directly from a military pension, requiring 10 years of marriage overlapping 10 years of the service member's creditable military service; if met, DFAS sends a portion of the pension; if not, the service member pays the ex-spouse directly, though child support/alimony can still be garnished. This rule simplifies pension division, but meeting it allows the former spouse to receive payments from the government, not just the ex-partner, notes aaml.org and Stateside Legal.
 

How do I accept my marriage is over?

Accepting your marriage is over involves allowing yourself to grieve the loss, seeking support (therapist, friends), being kind and patient with yourself, focusing on self-care (exercise, healthy eating), creating new routines, and gradually embracing new possibilities while acknowledging the end of a significant chapter in your life. It's a process, not a single event, requiring honesty with your feelings and a focus on personal growth.
 

What is the biggest regret in divorce?

Why We Feel Regret After Divorce

• Many people regret not trying harder to save their marriages.
• Not taking their ex-partner more seriously when they voiced their unmet needs.
• Not getting into high-quality marriage counseling before things became irreparable.
• Overlooking red flags or compatibility issues early on.