Common Mistakes to Avoid

Navigating the Social Security system requires precision. A single misunderstanding can cost you permanently. Watch out for these frequent pitfalls:

• Misunderstanding Deemed Filing: Whenever you file for Social Security benefits, you are “deemed” to be applying for all benefits you are eligible for. You cannot choose to take your divorced spouse benefit at 62 while letting your personal worker benefit grow until age 70. The SSA will automatically pay you the higher of the two available amounts.
• Waiting for your ex-spouse to file: Do not delay your own retirement waiting for your ex-spouse to initiate their claim. As long as you have been divorced for two years and your ex is eligible for benefits, you can move forward independently.
• Losing survivor benefits through early remarriage: Many individuals unknowingly forfeit massive survivor benefits by remarrying at age 58 or 59. Waiting until after your 60th birthday preserves your right to claim a deceased ex-spouse’s benefit.
• Overlooking the Government Pension Offset (GPO): If you receive a pension from a government job where you did not pay Social Security taxes, the GPO will reduce your divorced spouse benefit by two-thirds of your pension amount. This can entirely wipe out the spousal benefit in some scenarios.