CDA Social Security & Government Benefits in Divorce

Question 1

To qualify for Social Security benefits on an ex-spouse's record, how long must the marriage have lasted?

Accepted Answer

10 years

Answer

The SSA requires the marriage to have lasted at least 10 years for a divorced spouse to claim benefits on the ex-spouse's record.

Question 2

What is the maximum Social Security divorced spouse benefit as a percentage of the ex-spouse's full retirement benefit?

Accepted Answer

50%

Answer

A divorced spouse can receive up to 50% of the ex-spouse's full retirement benefit when claimed at the divorced spouse's own full retirement age.

Question 3

If the ex-spouse has not yet filed for Social Security, how long must the divorce have been final before the divorced spouse can independently claim benefits?

Accepted Answer

2 years

Answer

If the ex-spouse has not filed for benefits, the divorced spouse must have been divorced for at least 2 years before claiming independently.

Question 4

How does a divorced spouse collecting benefits on an ex-spouse's Social Security record affect the ex-spouse's own benefit?

Accepted Answer

Does not affect it at all

Answer

Social Security benefits paid to a divorced spouse do not reduce or affect the ex-spouse's own benefit in any way.

Question 5

At what age can a divorced spouse first receive reduced Social Security benefits based on an ex-spouse's record?

Accepted Answer

62

Answer

A divorced spouse can begin receiving reduced benefits as early as age 62, with the amount reduced for each month claimed before full retirement age.

(CDA) Certified Divorce Advisor Practice Test

(CDA) Certified Divorce Advisor Practice Test

CDA Social Security & Government Benefits in Divorce