#85 - Social Security: Essential Rules for Women and Divorcees
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“If you don’t know the rules, you don’t know what you’re entitled to—and that’s how people leave money on the table.” - Eric Blake
Understanding Social Security can feel complicated, especially when life events like divorce or widowhood come into play.
In this episode, I join Karen Covy on her podcast, Off The Fence, to walk through the rules that often matter most for women.
We discuss how full retirement age works, how spousal, ex-spousal, and survivor benefits are determined, and what to know about the 10-year marriage rule. Our conversation also covers the Social Security Fairness Act and how it affects certain workers with pensions.
Together, we outline key considerations that can help listeners better understand their options when planning for future income.
EPISODE SUMMARY
- How full retirement age determines your benefit amount and why this number is critical to every Social Security decision
- The difference between spousal, ex-spousal, and survivor benefits, and how remarriage affects your eligibility
- The 10-year marriage rule for divorced individuals, and what documentation you need to claim benefits
- How the Social Security Fairness Act eliminated penalties that primarily affected women with pensions
- Strategic timing considerations when you're still working and approaching retirement age
- And more!
HOW TO ENJOY TODAY'S EPISODE
EPISODE LINKS & RESOURCES
- 👉 Get Your Complimentary Retirement & Tax Analysis
- Ultimate Guide to Women's Social Security Success
- Karen Covy
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Connect & Participate