Divorced? Widowed? Your Social Security Options May Be Different | Guiding You Forward

Social Security has many rules and regulations. It can be difficult to navigate, especially when you add in relationship changes and life transitions. Today in the podcast lounge, we’re talking to our resident expert about what you need to know.

Tune in to this episode of the Guiding You Forward podcast to learn:

• About Social Security spousal boosts. 

• How an ex-spouse could claim benefits against your Social Security.

• Whether or not your Social Security benefits are taxed.

Sabrina Vienneau, financial education program manager at Mountain America Credit Union, sits down with our host to explain some of the options if you or your spouse have been divorced or widowed.

Have you ever heard of a spousal boost? That’s when a stay-at-home spouse or lower income wage earner receives a percentage of the monthly amount you draw for Social Security. You don’t receive less, but your spouse is entitled to a benefit of their own. Sabrina shares more details in the video above.

But here’s something you may not know—an ex-spouse may also be eligible to claim a boost against your Social Security benefits. There are certain qualifications, including the length of the marriage, that apply in these situations. Our expert reviews the qualifications and explains how the amount of time since the divorce can also make a difference.

Are your Social Security benefits taxed? Maybe yes, maybe no. Sabrina provides a little insight into how this works. She also explains why you should go to secure.ssa.gov and sign up for an account today—no matter how old you are!

Watch the full podcast video to get all of Sabrina’s Social Security tips. If you still have questions, reach out to the financial advisors at Mountain America. It’s a free consultation—whether or not you’re a member.