Social Security benefits for divorcees Own work history factor to consider

least two years. Be aware that if you remarry, you'll lose the spousal benefit, but you can reapply for it if you and your new spouse divorce or he dies.

If you're eligible for the spousal benefit and aren't close to retirement, don't assume that it's your best bet. You may be able to boost your own benefit higher than the spousal one because Social Security bases your own benefit on the 35 years that you earned the most.

Jeannette Bajalia, president and founder of financial-planning firm Woman's Worth, encourages clients to generate more income if their benefits are on the cusp.

“I've shown clients that if they made, say, $18,000 a year, that would throw out some zeros on their earnings record” and tip their benefit over the edge, says Bajalia.

A: If you're collecting Social Security checks when you become eligible for Medicare at age 65, your Medicare Part B premiums are automatically deducted from your benefit. If you aren't receiving Social Security benefits when you're ready to start Part B, you'll have to enroll in Medicare separately, and you'll get a bill for premiums. Medicare Part A, which covers hospital stays, has no premium for most people.

If you have a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, you can have those premiums deducted from your Social Security check, too, but it's not automatic. The amount deducted for Medicare premiums of any kind is considered part of your Social Security benefit and may be subject to tax.