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”!
Did you find this Information helpful?
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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JANICE S.
My spouse passed away 2.5 years ago. I am 69 years old born 1949. I am still working. I applied for his social security and will change over to mine next year when I am 70 (mine will be more). Why question is can I get any retro active money from his account that I should of applied 2.5 years ago? If so, do I need to go down to the SS office or can I do it online?
I wasn’t thinking clearly until the last couple of months.
Thank you
V.V.
Hi Janice, thank you for using our blog. For your security, we do not have access to your information in this venue. To inquire about potential benefits, please call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Representatives are available between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday or contact your local Social Security office.
VIRGINIA P.
I AM CURRENTLY ON MY EX-HUSBAND’S SOCIAL SECURITY. I HAVE TURNED 70 AND WOULD LIKE TO CHANGE TO MINE
Shurlean
if i get social security can i also get my dead ex-spouses social security?
V.V.
Hello Shurlean, thank you for your question. If you’re already receiving retirement benefits, you would only apply for benefits as a surviving divorced spouse if your retirement benefit is less than the benefit you would receive as a survivor. You cannot receive both at the same time. To inquire about receiving a higher benefit and your options on switching, please call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. to speak to one of our representatives. For more information, please visit our “Surviving Divorced Spouse” page. We hope this helps.
Rita. T.
I would like to know my monthly payment as I am having a discrepancywith my paycheck
Rita Todd
R.F.
Hello Rita. Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog.
Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Thanks!
Joan K.
My ex husband and I were married for 13 years…he passed away 10 years ago…and I was just told I was entitled to his social security. ..please help me out on this and contact me asap. I never married again…
Thank you,
Joan
V.V.
Hi Joan. If you are the divorced spouse of a worker who died and you are not married, you could get benefits just the same as a widow or widower. For more information, please visit our Surviving Divorced Spouse webpage.
DennisEvanigelista
I am so glad I searched this ! I never thought of this until today when my daughter asked me to check it out ! I am going to Call her right Now !
Tekgur
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Dan
That’s real nice….NOT!!!t! Or fair!
How do I stop her from getting it?!
Marsha S.
How can I apply for part of my ex-husband’s benefit ?can I apply online on this website or do I have to go to a social security office.
V.V.
Hi Marsha. You can complete an application for Retirement and Divorced Spouse’s benefits online. If your ex-spouse is deceased and you want to file for surviving divorced spouse’s benefits, you cannot apply online. To apply for survivor benefits, please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to make an appointment with your local Social Security office. Representatives are available 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can also call or visit your local Social Security office.
Susan A.
How do I switch from ex-spouse benefits to my benefits? I’m going to be 70 years old in a few days.
R.F.
Hello Susan, you can apply for your benefits online at any time now. Remember that the benefit increase no longer applies when you reach age 70, even if you continue to delay taking benefits.
Please visit our Social Security Retirement Planner for more information. Thanks!