Receiving Social Security Benefits from Ex-Spouse | GovFacts
The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides specific benefits for divorced individuals, recognizing the economic partnership that existed during a long-term marriage. These benefits, often called “ex-spouse benefits,” can provide crucial retirement income, especially for individuals ... Getting divorced doesn’t automatically disqualify you from receiving Social Security benefits based on your former spouse’s work record. The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides specific benefits for divorced individuals, recognizing the economic partnership that existed during a long-term marriage.This generally means they must be at least age 62 or receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The ex-spouse needs to have worked long enough under Social Security (typically earning 40 credits, equivalent to about 10 years of work) to qualify for benefits.You can only receive benefits as a divorced spouse if the benefit amount you would receive based on your ex-spouse’s record is greater than the retirement or disability benefit you are entitled to based on your own work record. Social Security will calculate both potential benefits and pay you the higher amount, but not both combined (this is often referred to as dual entitlement).See also How to Change Your Address with Social Security: Guide for All Benefit Types · If you wait until your full retirement age (FRA) to claim benefits, you can receive an amount equal to 50% of your ex-spouse’s full retirement benefit amount, also known as their Primary Insurance Amount (PIA).
