Must I Stop Working to Get Social Security?

Q. I was married for 11 years to my first husband and three years to my second. I’m now 58 and single. Can I claim Social Security benefits based on my first husband’s record? Must I stop working to get Social Security benefits?

A. You can receive benefits as a divorced spouse on your first husband’s record when you turn 62 if you’re still unmarried. You don’t have to stop working. But if you work and you’re younger than full retirement age, Social Security will deduct $1 from your benefits for each $2 you earn above the annual limit ($13,560 in 2008, $14,160 in 2009). In the year you reach full retirement age (66), your benefits will be reduced $1 for every $3 earned above the limit ($36,120 in 2008; $37,680 in 2009) until the month you turn 66. After that, you can work without penalty.

For more information about earning income while receiving benefits, go to the Social Security Administration at www.ssa.gov/pubs/10069.html.

Source: Stan Hinden