Social Security & Retirement: What Divorced and Widowed Women Should Know
At CURO, we work closely with women navigating major life transitions — including divorce and the loss of a spouse. We know these moments often come with financial uncertainty, emotional stress, and a long list of decisions that suddenly feel very real. Social Security is one of the most important (and misunderstood) parts of retirement income. The choices you make about when and how to claim benefits can shape your financial independence for decades to come. Our goal is to help you understand your options, feel empowered by knowledge, and build a strategy that supports the next chapter of your life.
How Social Security Works — and Why Claiming Age Matters
Your Social Security retirement benefit is based on your highest 35 years of earnings and the age at which you begin benefits. Your Full Retirement Age (FRA) is between 66 and 67 for most women today. You may begin benefits as early as 62, but doing so permanently reduces your monthly income. If you delay beyond FRA (up to age 70), your benefit increases each year you wait. Because Social Security provides guaranteed, inflation adjusted income for life, the timing of your decision is especially important — particularly for women, who statistically live longer and often rely more heavily on Social Security in retirement.
If You’re Divorced: Benefits You May Not Know You Have
If your marriage lasted 10 consecutive years or longer, you may be eligible for Social Security benefits based on your former spouse’s work record — even if they have remarried. You may qualify if you are age 62 or older and currently unmarried (or remarried after age 60 in the case of survivor benefits). You may receive the greater of your own benefit or a spousal or survivor benefit based on your ex spouse’s history. Importantly, claiming benefits on an ex spouse’s record does not reduce their benefit or their current spouse’s benefit. If your former spouse has passed away, you may be eligible for survivor benefits — potentially up to 100% of what they were receiving or entitled to receive.
If You’re Widowed: Flexible Claiming Options Exist
Widows often have some of the most flexible Social Security choices available. You may be able to begin survivor benefits as early as age 60 (50 if disabled). In many cases, you can start with one benefit and later switch to another. Some women choose to begin survivor benefits earlier and allow their own retirement benefit to grow. Others start their own benefitfirst and later step into a larger survivor benefit. This flexibility can create income when you need it most — while preserving future financial security.
Working and Taxes: Important Planning Factors
If you claim Social Security before reaching Full Retirement Age and continue working, an earnings limit applies. Some benefits may be temporarily withheld — but they are not lost. Your benefit is recalculated at Full Retirement Age to account for those months. Taxes are another key factor. Depending on your total income, up to 85% of Social Security benefits may be taxable. Strategic timing of Social Security and thoughtful retirement income planning can significantly impact how much you keep.
Why Social Security Planning Matters So Much for Women
Women are more likely to live longer, experience career interruptions, and transition from two incomes to one. That makes Social Security one of the most powerful foundations of long term financial stability. At CURO, we don’t believe Social Security is just about starting a check. We believe it’s about building confidence, protecting independence, and creating clarity around what’s possible in your retirement years.
Before You Claim, Ask Yourself:
What are my income needs now and in the future?
What benefits am I eligible for based on my own work or a former spouse’s?
Would a phased strategy make sense for me?
How will taxes affect my retirement income?
How long do I need this income to last?
A Final Word from CURO
Social Security decisions are permanent — and they deserve thoughtful, personalized planning. If you are divorced or widowed, there may be powerful benefits available to you. Understanding them can change the way you experience retirement. At CURO, we specialize in helping women move forward with clarity and confidence. We are here to help you understand your options and build a strategy aligned with your goals, your values, and your next chapter.