Separation and social security

[Itsthatguy]

Jurisdiction

Michigan

My mom has been separated from her husband since 1980. They never divorced. When she started collecting social security they told her she'd receive benefits from her husband's social security. She received them for 2 months then they stopped without warning or explanation. Can anyone give us some indight into why this happened?

 

[Tax Counsel]

Can anyone give us some indight into why this happened?

Unfortunately this one of those questions that only one source can give a solid answer: Social Security. All anyone here could do is make some guesses, and you've probably done that already.

 

[adjusterjack]

Can anyone give us some indight into why this happened?

A visit to the SSA office is in order.

 

[army judge]

Eligibility requirements/benefit information

When a worker files for retirement benefits, the worker's spouse may be eligible for a benefit based on the worker's earnings. Another requirement is that the spouse must be at least age 62 or have a qualifying child in her/his care. By a qualifying child, we mean a child who is under age 16 or who receives Social Security disability benefits.

The spousal benefit can be as much as half of the worker's "primary insurance amount," depending on the spouse's age at retirement. If the spouse begins receiving benefits before "normal (or full) retirement age," the spouse will receive a reduced benefit. However, if a spouse is caring for a qualifying child, the spousal benefit is not reduced.

If a spouse is eligible for a retirement benefit based on his or her own earnings, and if that benefit is higher than the spousal benefit, then we pay the retirement benefit. Otherwise we pay the spousal benefit.

Benefits for Spouses
............

You qualify for spousal benefits if:

Your spouse is already collecting retirement benefits.

You have been married for at least a year.

You are at least 62 years old (unless you are caring for a child who is under 16 or disabled, in which case the age rule does not apply).

You can collect benefits on a spouse's work record regardless of whether you also worked.

If you are eligible for both your own retirement benefit and a spousal benefit, Social Security will pay you the higher of the two amounts.

Collecting Social Security Benefits As A Spouse
............

What are the marriage requirements to receive Social Security spouse's benefits?

Generally, you must be married for one year before you can get spouse's benefits.

However, if you are the parent of your spouse's child, the one-year rule does not apply.

The same is true if you were entitled (or potentially entitled) to certain benefits under Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Act in the month before the month you got married.

A divorced spouse must have been married 10 years.

Benefits For Your Spouse
Even if they have never worked under Social Security, your spouse may be eligible for benefits if they are at least 62 years of age and you are receiving retirement or disability benefits. Your spouse can also qualify for Medicare at age 65.

How Much Will My Spouse Receive?
If your spouse qualifies for benefits on their own record, we will pay that amount first. If the benefit on your record is higher, they will get an additional amount on your record so that the combination of benefits equals that higher amount.

Benefits Planner: Retirement | Benefits For Your Family | SSA

 

[Itsthatguy]

Thank you all

 

[zddoodah]

Can anyone give us some indight into why this happened?

Yes. Someone with the Social Security Administration can do that.

 

[flyingron]

Even if she were divorced she should still get the payments as long as she doesn't remarry. She needs to contact SSA to figure out why it stopped.