CDA Social Security & Government Benefits in Divorce 2

Question 1

What is the minimum marriage duration required for a divorced spouse to receive Social Security survivor benefits on a deceased ex-spouse's record?

Accepted Answer

10 years

Answer

5 years

Answer

15 years

Answer

20 years

Question 2

A divorced surviving spouse can begin receiving reduced Social Security survivor benefits as early as age:

Accepted Answer

60 (or 50 if disabled)

Answer

62

Answer

65

Answer

Full retirement age only

Question 3

If a divorced spouse qualifies for both their own Social Security retirement benefit and a divorced spouse benefit, Social Security will pay:

Accepted Answer

Whichever amount is higher

Answer

Both amounts added together

Answer

The average of the two amounts

Answer

Only the divorced spouse benefit

Question 4

A divorced spouse survivor benefit can be as high as what percentage of the deceased ex-spouse's benefit?

Accepted Answer

100%

Answer

50%

Answer

75%

Answer

150%

Question 5

Which statement about Social Security benefits and divorce property division is correct?

Accepted Answer

Social Security benefits cannot be divided as marital property

Answer

Social Security benefits can be divided as marital property by state courts

Answer

Social Security benefits are divided equally between spouses upon divorce

Answer

Courts routinely offset Social Security with pension division

Question 6

If a divorced person remarries and the second marriage later ends in death or divorce, their eligibility to collect on the first ex-spouse's Social Security record:

Accepted Answer

May be restored

Answer

Is permanently terminated

Answer

Is automatically restored after exactly 1 year

Answer

Transfers permanently to the second ex-spouse's record only

Question 7

When helping a client develop a Social Security claiming strategy during divorce, a CDA should primarily:

Accepted Answer

Evaluate the client's own benefit versus ex-spouse benefit and optimal age based on health, income needs, and life expectancy

Answer

Always recommend filing at age 62 to lock in the benefit

Answer

Always recommend waiting until age 70 for the maximum amount

Answer

File on the ex-spouse's record first and then switch to the own record