Divorced? What you need to know about your Social Security options This content is categorized as: Plan for retirement When couples marry, they dream of building a life together, retiring together and growing old together. Divorce changes plans, alters hopes and dreams, impacts finances and disrupts strategies for retirement. However, your Social Security options may not change as much as you expect. Starting a Social Security conversation with a financial professional can be both helpful and reassuring. The good news You will have virtually the same Social Security options that you were eligible for when you were married, provided you meet certain criteria. When spouses have substantial differences in their earnings, the lower-earning spouse can receive the higher of their own earned benefit or a spousal benefit 鈥� up to 50 percent of the higher-earning spouse鈥檚 full benefit amount at full retirement age (FRA). Divorced spouses who qualify can claim the same benefits on the ex-spouse鈥檚 earnings record (up to 50 percent of
