Q. I am divorced and several years older than my ex-husband. Because his earnings always were higher, can I start Social Security from his record before he does?
A. Maybe. If your marriage lasted 10 years or longer, you might be able to receive benefits on your ex-spouse's record, even if he or she has remarried. General requirements for Social Security benefits to a divorced spouse are that you are unmarried, age 62 or older, your own benefits are less than the amount you would receive on your ex-spouse's work, and your ex-spouse is entitled to retirement or disability benefits.
But if your ex-spouse has not applied for retirement benefits but can qualify for them, you can receive benefits on his record if you have been divorced for at least two years. More information for divorced spouses is at www.socialsecurity.gov .
Q. When is open season for enrolling in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan?
A. The Medicare Part D open season is from Nov. 15 to Dec. 31. Anyone on Medicare can sign up for prescription drug coverage. Doing so is voluntary, and you pay a monthly premium for the coverage.
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People with limited income and resources might be eligible for the Part D Extra Help low-income subsidy. Apply for Extra Help online at www.social
security.gov/extrahelp.
General information questions can be sent to Howard I. Kossover, SSA, 402 DeMers Ave., Suite 300, Grand Forks ND 58201; phone (701) 772-5518 ext. 200; fax: (701) 772-8622; e-mail: howard.
kossover@ssa.gov . Please include the name of the paper in which you read the article. General information also is available on the agency website, www.socialsecurity.gov , or by calling the national toll-free number, (800) 772-1213.
