Who gets Social Security benefits first or second wife?

Both a first (divorced) wife and a second wife can potentially get Social Security benefits on the same person's record if they meet separate eligibility rules, but typically only one benefit amount is paid – the higher of the available options – usually the second wife's (current spouse) spousal benefit or a divorced spouse's benefit, and then a survivor benefit if the worker dies, with the higher amount going to the eligible survivor, often the second wife if still married. The key is that benefits are based on the worker's record, and if both are eligible, the SSA pays the highest possible amount, often the second wife's spousal benefit until the worker dies, then her survivor benefit, while the first wife might get a divorced spouse benefit if she qualifies.

Does a second wife get her husband's Social Security?

Yes, a second wife can get Social Security benefits from her husband's record, either as a current spouse (if married at least a year, he's collecting, and she's 62+) or as a widow (if married 9+ months at death, or longer if divorced), but remarriage before age 60 can end survivor benefits unless the new marriage ends, though she can still get spousal benefits from the new husband if eligible, notes ElderLawAnswers, Finivi, and Social Security Administration (SSA). If the husband dies, both the current second wife and a prior ex-wife (if qualified) can potentially receive survivor benefits on his record, as they don't reduce each other's payments, say Reddit users. 

Does the first wife get Social Security?

Yes, a first wife (divorced spouse) can get Social Security benefits on an ex-spouse's record if married at least 10 years, she's unmarried, and meets age/work requirements, potentially getting up to 50% of the ex's benefit, and this doesn't reduce the ex's benefits, notes AARP and Investopedia. Benefits are paid if she's at least 62 and the ex is eligible, with payments starting at her full retirement age for the maximum amount, but it's the greater of her own or the spousal benefit, and benefits are not reduced for the ex-spouse, say Vision Retirement and LawHelpNY. 

Can I prevent my ex-wife from getting my Social Security?

Without a court order requiring your ex-spouse to apply for Social Security benefits, you cannot force her to do so. Continuing alimony payments may be necessary unless modified by the court. To change this, consider filing a petition to modify alimony based on retirement and eligibility for Social Security benefits.

Which spouse should collect Social Security first?

For most couples, the best strategy to maximize lifetime benefits is for the lower-earning spouse to claim their own reduced benefit first (as early as 62) while the higher-earning spouse delays claiming their larger benefit until age 70, letting their payments grow, then potentially switching to spousal benefits for the lower earner if it's more, all to create the biggest survivor benefit. This "split strategy" leverages spousal benefits and delayed retirement credits, but it's complex, so using a Social Security calculator or advisor is recommended, notes Vanguard, Forbes, and AARP. 

When Should a Married Couple Claim Social Security? 1 Crucial Factor to Consider!

What is the spousal rule for Social Security?

Social Security spousal rules allow a spouse (or ex-spouse) to receive benefits based on their partner's earnings, up to 50% of the higher earner's full benefit, if married at least a year (or 10 for divorced), and the spouse is at least 62 or caring for a qualifying child. You'll get the higher of your own retirement benefit or the spousal benefit, and claiming early (before your Full Retirement Age, FRA) reduces the amount, but waiting past FRA (up to age 70) increases it.
 

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

Claiming Benefits Too Early

One of the biggest mistakes people make is claiming Social Security benefits as soon as they're eligible, which is at age 62. While getting money sooner can be tempting, claiming early has a significant downside: your monthly benefit will be reduced.

Can my ex-wife take my Social Security if I remarry?

Yes, your ex-wife can get your Social Security benefits even if you remarry, as long as she meets eligibility rules (married 10+ years, unmarried, age 62+) and your benefit is higher than her own, because divorced spouse benefits are based on your record, not your new spouse's. Remarriage typically ends these benefits, but exceptions exist, and she can still claim survivor benefits on your record if you pass away, even if you're remarried (if she's 60+, or 50+ if disabled). 

What is the Social Security spousal benefits loophole?

The main Social Security spousal benefit loopholes (file-and-suspend & restricted application) were closed by the 2015 Bipartisan Budget Act, affecting most people, but a specific "loophole" allows a caregiver spouse to claim benefits early if caring for a disabled or young child, bypassing normal age/filing rules, though this is a legitimate SSA provision for caregivers, not a true exploit, with benefits subject to family maximums.
 

Does an ex-wife get her ex-husband's Social Security when he dies?

Yes, you can get your ex-husband's Social Security benefits if you were married at least 10 years, are currently unmarried, and are at least 60 (or 50 if disabled) when you apply, receiving up to 100% of his benefit amount, which is often more than your own retirement benefit. You must apply with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and provide documents like the death certificate and your divorce decree. 

Can my second wife get my pension?

Yes, your second wife can likely get a portion of your pension as a survivor benefit, but it depends heavily on your plan's rules, your retirement choices (like selecting a joint survivor option), and if your first spouse had prior rights, often requiring her to waive rights, especially if you're already collecting. Key factors are your pension plan documents, if you selected survivor benefits at retirement, and if your first wife had a court order or waiver for benefits, so checking with your plan administrator or a lawyer is crucial. 

How much money does a divorced spouse get from Social Security?

A divorced spouse can receive up to 50% of their ex-spouse's full retirement benefit, provided the marriage lasted at least 10 years, the ex-spouse is entitled to retirement/disability benefits, and the former spouse is unmarried and at least 62 (or caring for the ex's child). Benefits are paid on the ex's record if it's higher than their own, starting as low as 32.5% at age 62 and increasing to 50% at full retirement age (FRA), with no impact on the ex-spouse's benefit amount. 

How long can a widow collect her husband's Social Security?

A widow can collect her husband's Social Security benefits for the rest of her life, starting as early as age 60 (or 50 if disabled, or any age if caring for a minor/disabled child), but benefits continue until death unless she remarries before age 60 (or 50 if disabled) or starts collecting a higher retirement benefit on her own record, with optimal strategy often delaying her own claim to maximize lifetime income. 

Who gets Social Security, new wife or ex-wife?

Divorced spouses are entitled to the greater of their own benefit or the ex-spouse's benefit. The maximum ex-spousal benefit is up to 50% of the higher earner's benefit and capped at their full retirement age (FRA) amount, also known as the Primary Insurance Amount or PIA.

What is the 5 year remarry rule?

Waits 5 years from the date of obtaining status to file the petition; Establishes by clear and convincing evidence that the prior marriage was not entered into with the purpose of evading immigration laws; or. Establishes that the prior marriage ended through death.

What are the three ways you can lose your Social Security benefits?

You can lose Social Security benefits by working while collecting early, leading to earnings limits; incarceration, which suspends payments; or through garnishment for federal debts like taxes, student loans, or child support, along with other factors like remarriage or changes in disability status. 

What is the new law for Social Security spousal benefits?

The biggest recent change for spousal benefits is the Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA) of 2023, effective January 2024, which eliminates the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) for many, meaning spouses and survivors with government pensions won't have their benefits reduced as much, if at all. Key rules remain: spouses can get up to 50% of the primary earner's benefit, can claim at 62 (with reductions), or care for a qualifying child (no reduction). Deemed filing still means applying for one benefit usually means applying for both.
 

How much do you have to make to get $3,000 a month in Social Security?

To get around $3,000/month in Social Security, you generally need a high earning history, around $100,000-$108,000+ annually over your top 35 years, but waiting to claim until age 70 maximizes this amount, potentially reaching it with lower yearly earnings, say under $70k if you wait long enough, as benefits are based on your highest indexed earnings over 35 years. The exact amount depends heavily on your specific earnings history and the age you start collecting benefits. 

What does Suze Orman say about taking Social Security at 62?

Orman explained that you can start Social Security as soon as 62, but that you shouldn't. She said: "Don't settle for a reduced Social Security benefit. If you are in good health, the best financial move you can make is to not claim Social Security before you reach your full retirement age."

Can I stop my ex-wife from getting my Social Security benefits?

As long as you are at least age 62 and he is at least age 62, you can draw off of him even if he chooses to wait to start his own Social Security at 67 – 70. This is good news when former spouses are not on good terms. Your ex cannot “block” you from drawing your spousal benefit.

What is a second wife entitled to Social Security?

A second wife can get Social Security spousal benefits, usually up to 50% of her current husband's full benefit, if they've been married for at least one year, or if she's caring for his child under 16 or disabled. If she's divorced, she might get benefits from an ex-spouse if married 10+ years, but remarriage usually stops that unless she remarries the same person, divorces again, or remarries after age 60 for survivor benefits. She'll get the higher of her own earned benefit or the spousal benefit, but can't choose both. 

Can a divorced man get his ex-wife's Social Security?

Yes, an ex-husband can collect Social Security benefits on an ex-wife's record, provided certain conditions are met, such as the marriage lasting at least 10 years, the ex-husband being unmarried and at least 62, and the ex-wife being eligible for her own Social Security benefits. The benefit is generally up to 50% of the ex-wife's full retirement amount, and it doesn't affect her benefits or those of a current spouse. 

What is the $1000 a month rule for retirement?

The $1,000 a month retirement rule is a simple guideline stating you need about $240,000 saved for every $1,000 of monthly income you want from your investments in retirement, based on a 5% annual withdrawal rate ($240k x 0.05 / 12 = $1k/month). It's a motivational tool to estimate savings goals (e.g., $3,000/month needs $720k), but it's one-dimensional, doesn't account for inflation, taxes, or other income like Social Security, and assumes steady 5% returns, making a personalized plan essential. 

What is happening on March 31, 2025 with Social Security?

At the conclusion of the transition period, on March 31, 2025, SSA will enforce online digital identity proofing and in-person identity proofing. SSA will permit individuals who do not or cannot use the agency's online “my Social Security” services to start their claim for benefits on the telephone.

What is the number one regret of retirees?

Among the biggest mistakes retirees make is not adjusting their expenses to their new budget in retirement. Those who have worked for many years need to realize that dining out, clothing and entertainment expenses should be reduced because they are no longer earning the same amount of money as they were while working.