Social Security Benefits for Divorced Spouses

When you get married, you imagine forever. In last week’s blog, we celebrated new beginnings and walked you through the steps to change your name on your Social Security card. Every marriage begins with the hope of a lifetime together.

Sometimes, forever doesn’t last as long as you planned. Divorce changes the landscape of the future you once imagined and can leave you with questions about your financial security.

Here’s the good news: your marriage may be in the past, but Social Security benefits may still be in your future.

Benefits for Divorced Spouses

If you are age 62 or older, unmarried, and divorced from someone entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits, you may be eligible for benefits based on their record. You must also meet the following requirements:

• You must have been married for at least 10 years.
• If you’ve remarried, you cannot collect benefits on your former spouse’s record unless your later marriage ended.
• If you’re entitled to benefits on your own record, we will pay the higher of the two benefits, not both.
• If you have been divorced for at least two years, you can apply for benefits on your former spouse’s record even if they have not filed for benefits.
• If you were born before January 2, 1954, and reach full retirement age, you can elect to receive only divorced spouse benefits and delay your own retirement benefit, which may result in a higher monthly amount.

If your former spouse dies

You may be eligible to receive widow’s benefits if your ex-spouse dies, as long as you meet the following requirements:

• You are at least 60 years old (or at least 50 and have a disability).
• You were married to your ex-spouse for at least 10 years.
• You are not currently married.
• You are not eligible for a higher benefit based on your own work record.

You may also qualify for benefits at any age if you are caring for your ex-spouse’s child who is under 16, or who is older and has a disability and is entitled to benefits.

The amount you receive will not reduce the benefits paid to your ex-spouse’s current spouse or other family members.

Resources and Next Steps

• Visit the Family Benefits page for more information.
• To schedule an appointment or ask questions about Survivor Benefits, call us at 1-800-772-1213. We have made it easier to get help when you call our National 800 Number. If you are reporting a death or applying for survivor benefits, you will be connected faster to staff who are trained to assist you.

Forever may not always go as planned, but the next chapter is still yours to write.

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