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The Social Security Administration (SSA) recommends that if you’re the go-to person in your family, then brush up on your Social Security knowledge before visiting loved ones this holiday season. The SSA  recommends reading the  “Snapshot” publication where you can learn the basics about the most important features of the Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicare programs at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10006.html. You can find more specific information about Social Security Retirement Benefits by reading “Social Security: Maximize Your Benefits“.

Ex-Spouses and the Restricted Application Strategy

Ex-spouses can use the restricted application strategy to increase their retirement nest eggs. For divorced women who plan to work until age 70 the Restricted Application Strategy (for details see the post that includes the summary for Chapter 5:  Maximizing Your Benefits by Claiming Now and Claiming More Later) is ideal for “catching up” on needed retirement funds. The full-retirement age (FRA) ex-spouse can apply for spousal benefits on the earner’s work record and continue to work. The ex-spouse can gain delayed retirement credits (DRCs) until age 70.  At age 70 the ex-spouse can switch to her own larger benefit.