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Sat, February 15, 2025

Liz Weston: Reconciled couple considers remarrying to maximize Social Security benefits


Published on 2025-02-15 11:20:55 - Oregonian
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  • The amount your partner would get as a spouse or a divorced spouse would be the same: up to 50% of your benefit at your full retirement age, assuming that amount is greater than her own benefit. To qualify for a divorced spousal benefit, the marriage must have lasted at least 10 years and two years must have passed since the divorce.

The article from OregonLive discusses a scenario where a couple, Liz and her husband, who had previously divorced but later reconciled, are considering remarrying to optimize their Social Security benefits. Liz, who is 65, has been divorced from her husband for over 10 years, which under current Social Security rules, allows her to claim spousal benefits based on his earnings record without remarrying. However, if they remarry, Liz would lose the ability to claim these benefits as a divorced spouse, but they could potentially increase their combined benefits through other strategies like claiming and suspending benefits or restricted applications. The article explores the financial implications of remarriage, including how it could affect their benefits, the potential for higher survivor benefits for Liz if her husband predeceases her, and the emotional and legal considerations of remarriage. It also touches on the importance of understanding Social Security rules to make informed decisions about their financial future.

Read the Full Oregonian Article at:
[ https://www.oregonlive.com/business/2025/02/liz-weston-reconciled-couple-considers-remarrying-to-maximize-social-security-benefits.html ]
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