SS: ex-spouses still get benefit

[Focus]

This doesn't apply to me, but it's worth posting here in case it affects someone else. From this Oblivious Investor (Mike Piper) page:

One thing that is particularly interesting, however, is what the voluntary suspension memo says about ex-spouse benefits. Specifically, it says that, even for people affected by the new rules, if a person suspends his/her retirement benefit, that will not stop an ex-spouse from receiving a spousal benefit on that person’s work record.

The reason this is noteworthy is because it’s directly contrary to the text of the law itself.

 

[pb4uski]

Why let statute get in the way?

 

[springnr]

"If your ex-spouse has not applied for retirement benefits, but can qualify for them, you can receive benefits on his or her record if you have been divorced for at least two years."

The above policy is not new, it serves the function of preventing an ex spouses SS choices affecting the other ex spouses SS benefits choices.

https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/divspouse.html

 

[Calico]

I can only imagine the havoc that a vindictive ex-spouse could wreak if they were able to hold up benefits for their ex. Not a pretty picture.