Review your yearly benefit estimate to find out what you’re eligible for at different points in
time. To request a free estimate or to apply for benefits, go to www.ssa.gov or call
1(800)772-1213.
Understand that if you divorce, you will only be eligible for spousal benefits if your marriage
lasted at least 10 years and you remain unmarried. Read more about Social Security and
divorce online at www.ssa.gov.
If you’re married, review your husband’s annual benefits estimate together. The longer your
husband works, the higher your benefits will be.
Save as much as you can, and get help making investment decisions if you need it. Social
Security is not supposed to be your only source of retirement income, so don’t rely on it that
way. For help figuring out how much you’ll need in retirement, use the free retirement
planning calculator at www.wiserwomen.org.
When planning for your retirement, factor in the taxes you’ll have to pay on your benefit if
you make above the earnings limit. You can estimate your taxes at www.ssa.gov, under
Retirement Planner.
If you decide to apply for benefits later than age 65, you still have to call and apply for
Medicare benefits three months before your 65th birthday. Call (800) 772-1213.
Pay attention to the Social Security reform debate! We owe it to each other to rally in
support of this program that protects so many women from poverty as they age.
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