A woman’s birthdate was April 1901, so her normal retirement age for social security purposes was April 1966. She became entitled to early reduced wife’s social security benefits at age 62; however, her benefits terminated when she got divorced in January 1965.

Her benefits were reinstated in September 1965 pursuant to the 1965 amendments to the social security act because she had been married for at least 20 years immediately before the date her divorce became final.

Her benefits until she reached age 65 were reduced by 25/36 of 1% multiplied by the number of months between ages 62 and 65, even the months between January and August 1965, in which she was not entitled to benefits.

However, fortunately for her, beginning with the month in which she reached age 65 her benefits were reduced by 25/36 of 1% multiplied by the number of months between ages 62 and 65, excluding the non-entitlement months, thus increasing her benefits.

See Social Security Ruling 68-1.

This material should not be construed as legal advice for any particular fact situation, but is intended for general informational purposes only. For advice specific to any individual situation, an experienced attorney should be contacted.