Parental SS Spousal Benefit Question (pension, divorce, spouse, marriage)

[esas]

Good morning. Attempting to arm myself with some data before taking aging parent back to SS office. Have researched as much as I can from SS site, but have a few remaining questions below. Thanks in advance.

Background:

Parent in late 70's....very stubborn, does not discuss money
Married 2 times for approximately 15 years each - now single
SS monthly payout is very low...about $1000
First husband (my father) retired after very successful financial career
Second husband retired after ~40 years federal/state service

Questions:
1. Is she eligible for spousal benefits from either marriage? If so, which one? (assume the higher)
2. Is there an income limit which would prevent her from receiving spousal benefits? (I ask because last time she tried they saw she cashed out a 401K and told her not eligible)

[rjm1cc]

Good to do your research. I have gotten wrong infor from an office visit and spend months getting it corrected. I have also gotten excellent service from a different SS office.

[Lillie767]

Are both the ex-spouse and current spouse still alive?

There are complicated rules regarding collecting a federal pension, a non-federal pension, and social security simultaneously.

You will need the dates of marriages and divorce.

[esas]

Originally Posted by Lillie767

Are both the ex-spouse and current spouse still alive?

There are complicated rules regarding collecting a federal pension, a non-federal pension, and social security simultaneously.

You will need the dates of marriages and divorce.

Yes, both alive.

Apparently she was last told that she isn’t eligible unless one of them is dead.

[Lillie767]

Survivor benefits are payable when the primary SS beneficiary is dead.

Spousal benefits are payable when the primary SS beneficiary is alive.

[esas]

Originally Posted by Lillie767

Survivor benefits are payable when the primary SS beneficiary is dead.

Spousal benefits are payable when the primary SS beneficiary is alive.

Thanks, that was what I determined as well. FYI…I’m 49 so not up to speed on SS yet.

[GWoodle]

Easiest is her own work record. If she worked 35-40 years she can claim on her own. The 401K would have nothing to do with it. Her own work record would cover the 35 best years. She could have started at 62 then at 70 receive the largest payment. If she is past 70 there is money on the table.

Also 10 years of work makes her eligible for free Medicare Part A.

Spousal benefits depend when/if the spouse has filed & is collecting SS. Then the spouse can claim 1/2 of the amount. May have to choose between the 2 since she was married over 10 years to both.

[Okey Dokie]

If spouse #2 worked for ~40 years for state or Federal government and did not pay into Social Security during that time (very likely with Federal, probable with state) there may be no Social Security for her to collect on.