Do I have to wait until I'm 62 to collect Social Security Benefits from my first husband?

A fellow caregiver asked...

I am 55 yrs. old and have been diabled since the age of 31. Do I have to wait until the age of 62 to collect Social Security Benefits from my 1st husband? We were married for 22 yrs. He retired 3 yrs. ago and remarried 9 1/2 yrs ago.

Expert Answer

Barbara Steinberg is the CEO and founder of BLS Eldercare Financial Solutions, which specializes in helping families pay for long-term care for their loved ones. A registered financial gerontologist, she speaks regularly on the topic of paying for long-term care and is a financial expert for Caring.com.

You are correct. You cannot begin receiving social security benefits based on your first husband until you are 62. The exception to this is if he passes away and you are a surviving divorced spouse. In this case, since you are over 50 and disabled, you would be entitled to social security benefits upon his death.