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
Comments
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Francesca L.
How does non alimony payment from ex spouse, who is collecting benefits, affect me? Do I get it from my ex spouse social security benefit?
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Ann C.
Hi, Francesca. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. Generally, you will have a shorter wait if you call later in the day. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Louietta J.
Can I received my ex spouse benefits before I retire? Then when I retire can I get my social security? Thank you
Ann C.
Hi, Louietta. Thanks for your question. To be eligible for divorced spouse benefits, you had to be married to your former spouse for at least 10 years, and you cannot be eligible for a higher benefit on your own record. For more information on how to qualify for divorced spouse benefits, visit here. We hope this helps.
Barbara B.
What if you’re married and divorced four months shy of 10 years, do you still qualify for an ex spouse benefit?
Ann C.
Hi, Barbara. Thanks for your question. To be eligible for divorced spouse benefits, you had to be married to your former spouse for at least 10 years. For more information on how to qualify for divorced spouse benefits, visit here. We hope this helps.
Joahua
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Joahua
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Suzanne M.
I was told 9 years ago at my local SS office in Syracuse, NY, that I could not receive any ex-spousal benefits until my ex died. (We were married 15 years and divorced 38 years ago) I did remarry, also for 10+ years, but that marriage also ended in divorce 19 years ago. I have never married again. Both men are now retired and receive considerably higher monthly checks than I do. I would obviously apply for benefits under the higher-earning spouse. Am I eligible now and can I apply online under his benefits?
Ann C.
Hi, Suzanne. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. Generally, you will have a shorter wait if you call later in the day. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Michelle
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Michelle
after convincing me that the psychic love solution spell works like fire. But I didn’t believe because I had given up on my husband.
I do not know how the psychic did it, all I know is that my gay friend said in 12 hours my husband would be back wanting me back irresistibly. Now I am confused, My husband has refused to go back home instead he lives with my parents now in Las Vegas. He said he will not go home until I take him back…isn’t this amazing? everyone experiencing heartbreak should meet that pyschic for solution on how to get ex back. I am happy my family is reuniting back to the way it use to be.