Under this rule, anyone can file early for a reduced Social Security benefit and still suspend benefits at full retirement age until age 70. In most cases, that will put a stop to any additional benefits paid to spouses or dependent or disabled children. But it will not stop spousal benefits from being paid to an ex-spouse.

When do you have to file your divorce if you are still married?

Under IRS rules, you’re technically still married if your divorce is not yet final as of Dec. 31, even if you or your spouse filed for divorce during the year. Likewise, if the court issued your divorce decree on Dec. 31, you’re considered unmarried for the whole year and you must file your taxes as a single person.

How often do first marriages end in divorce?

How’s this for a not-so-fun fact: between 42 and 45 percent of first marriages in the United States end in divorce. For second marriages, that figure jumps to 60 percent.

When do you file for Social Security after a divorce?

However, under the new rules, divorced spouses who were born on or after Jan. 2, 1954, are now deemed to be filing for all available benefits (spousal as well as their own) at the same time when they apply for Social Security.

Do you get alimony if you divorce at retirement age?

You’re entitled to a share of your spouse’s retirement benefits earned from the date of your marriage until the date of your divorce, but keep in mind that many states consider the division of benefits when deciding whether to order alimony if you divorce at retirement age. If you receive retirement benefits, you may not be entitled to support.

What happens to your social security if you divorce your spouse?

If, however, you decide to wait until full retirement age to apply as a divorced spouse, your benefit will be equal to half of your ex-spouse’s full retirement amount or disability benefit. The same rules apply for a deceased former spouse.

Can You claim spousal Social Security at age 70?

You can boost your retirement benefit by putting off claiming Social Security until age 70 and accruing delayed retirement credits, but they do not apply to spousal benefits.