In January 2016, LNWM’s Kristi Mathisen warned about a serious snag in the new Social Security rules:

“Former spouses (in a marriage that lasted for at least 10 years) will not be able to collect the 50% divorced-spouse benefit if their ex-spouse suspends [Social Security]. This makes a former spouse vulnerable to his/her ex’s decision to suspend, a nasty surprise for many no doubt.”

Sound unfair? The Social Security Administration (SSA) now agrees, says Kristi. She tracked down SSA “Emergency Message-16007,” which recently restored the rights of previous spouses to collect benefits, even if their ex’s suspend. Notice the “excluding divorced spouses” text in the revised SSA wording:

“If a Social Security recipient files to suspend benefits, any auxiliary — excluding divorced spouses — will have his/her benefits suspended for the same period.”