Navigating Spousal Social Security Benefits After Divorce

Divorced individuals may be eligible for spousal Social Security benefits if they were married for at least 10 years and have not remarried. These benefits could provide more income than their own retirement benefits, especially if their ex-spouse earned more. Eligible individuals can start receiving spousal benefits at age 62, but claiming before full retirement age will result in a reduced amount. Unlike married couples, divorced individuals do not need to wait for their ex to claim their own benefits before receiving spousal benefits. It's important to understand the eligibility requirements and make strategic decisions about when to claim these benefits, as they can be a significant source of income in later years.