By Elliot Raphaelson
Q: In a recent column, you indicated that if you remarried after age 60, and had been receiving a spousal benefit on the basis of your ex’s Social Security earnings, that benefit ends immediately, and you had to wait a year before you could receive a benefit from your new spouse. I believe there is an exception which your readers should know about in the Social Security Handbook.
A: You are correct, there is an exception which is very important for those who need a continuation of spousal benefits.
It is true that a spousal benefit, which you receive from an ex-spouse if you had been married at least 10 years, ends as soon as you remarry. You are required to inform the Social Security Administration when you remarry if you have been receiving a spousal benefit from your ex….