Ex-Spouse Benefits and You
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: March 28, 2022
No doubt about it — thinking of an ex-spouse can be emotional. And, if your finances have changed for the worse since the breakup, even more emotions can surface.
We have news that may relieve some of your stress.
If you are age 62, unmarried, and divorced from someone entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits, you may be eligible to receive benefits based on their record.
There are other rules, of course. You must have been married to your ex-spouse for 10 years or more. If you’ve remarried, you can’t collect benefits on your former spouse’s record unless your later marriage ended by annulment, divorce, or death. Also, if you’re entitled to benefits on your own record, your benefit amount must be less than you would receive based on your ex-spouse’s work. In other words, we’ll pay the higher of the two benefits for which you’re eligible, but not both.
You can apply for benefits on your former spouse’s record even if they have not retired, as long as you have been divorced at least two years before applying.
After you reach full retirement age, you can elect to receive only the divorced spouse benefits and delay benefits on your own record, which may mean a higher monthly amount for you.
If you were born before January 2, 1954 and reach full retirement age, you can elect to receive only the divorced spouse benefits and delay benefits on your own record. This may mean a higher monthly amount for you.
The same rules apply for a deceased former spouse. The amount of benefits you get has no effect on the benefits your ex-spouse or their current spouse receives. If your ex-spouse died after you divorced, you can still qualify for widow’s benefits.
Our Benefits Planner gives you an idea of your monthly benefit amount. If your ex-spouse died after you divorced, you can still qualify for widow’s benefits. Visit Retirement Planner: If You Are Divorced to find all the eligibility requirements you must meet to apply as a divorced spouse.
We hope this news adds some joy to the range of emotions you feel when thinking of your “Ex”!
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Tags: Disability, full retirement age, General Information, retirement, social security disability benefits, survivors benefits
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Doug Walker, Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Deputy Commissioner, Office of Communications
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rita
Ever since my husband left me my love life was in a mess. And i always through and wish we were together and that he would come back to my life and our love could stay endless. I wanted to fight this war of love without weapons, but then i realize that he has fully made up his mind against me. He no longer call nor text me, i stay up through the whole night all alone without him to talk with. I was ready to walk through hell to save and restore peace back to my marriage. I finally thank God and the whole universe for sending
Barbara
I’m trying to find out if I’m entitled to any of my x husband’s SSI. I’m on SSDI and wanted to know if it’s correct and he’s remarried .
V.V.
Hi Barbara, thank you for using our blog to ask your question. If you are divorced and currently unmarried, you may be able to receive benefits on your ex-spouse’s record if your marriage lasted 10 years or longer and you’re 62 or older. See our Retirement Planner: If You’re Divorced for other eligibility requirements and more detailed information. We hope this helps.
Anne H.
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Donna
My ex-husband of 17yrs is retired and is receiving his full SS. I now want to apply for the spousal retirement benefit which I understand will be half of what he is receiving.
I plan on taking my retirement in Sept. 2021. My benefit will be much more than his total benefit. How will my monthly payment be calculated ?
Will the half amount of his benefit be added to my benefits? or will I only receive what my SS amount (which is higher)?
Is it possible to receive his benefit for 1 yr. than switch to my full benefit a year later?
How long does it take to receive spousal benefit once I apply?
sherri r.
i was married 9 years and 5 months but we continue living togher shortly after the divorce then he had an accidential death would i receive any widows benefit i am 56 receiving ssid
V.V.
Hi Sherri. If you are the divorced spouse of a worker who dies, you could get benefits the same as a widow or widower, provided that your marriage lasted 10 years or more. For more information, please visit our Surviving Divorced Spouse webpage. We hope this helps.
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