Divorced Spouse Benefits (Social Security)
Social Security benefits you may be able to claim on your ex-spouse's work record after a divorce, if your marriage lasted at least 10 years.
Official source: ssa.gov
## Requirements
- You were married at least 10 years, are currently unmarried, are age 62 or older, and your own retirement benefit is less than 50% of your ex's full retirement benefit. - If you have been divorced at least 2 years, you can collect even if your ex has not yet filed for their own benefit. - Deemed filing rules: if you file before your own full retirement age, you are deemed to have also filed for your own retirement benefit and you receive the higher of the two. - If your ex-spouse dies, you may qualify for Surviving Divorced Spouse benefits (the 10-year marriage rule still applies). - This benefit does NOT reduce your ex's benefit. It is paid in addition, from their earnings record.
## Why this matters
Many divorced people assume they lost any claim on their ex's Social Security. They often did not.
Frequently asked questions about Divorced Spouse Benefits (Social Security)
Will my ex-spouse know if I claim divorced spouse benefits?+
No. SSA does not notify your ex when you claim on their record, and your claim does not change their benefit or their current spouse's benefit.
Can I claim if I remarried?+
Generally no. Remarriage ends divorced spouse eligibility unless the later marriage also ends in divorce, annulment, or death.
Source: ssa.gov