Social Security Benefits for a Divorced Spouse
Social Security Benefits can cause stress and confusion, then add in the questions surrounding eligibility for a divorced spouse and Social Security can become one thing most want to avoid.
Below is a list of the 6 most commonly asked questions I receive surrounding ex-spousal in the hopes that you identify with one question and now have the answer!
1.My husband and I recently divorced, am I eligible to collect social security on his retirement benefits?
- You were married for 10 years or longer, and
- You are unmarried, and
- You are age 62 or older, and
- Your former spouse is entitled to Social Security retirement or disability and
- The benefit you are entitled to receive based on your own work is less than the benefit you would receive based on your ex-spouse’s work.
2. At what age can I collect benefits on my former spouses record?
- At your age 62 or older
- If your ex-spouse has not applied for retirement benefits, but can qualify for them, you can receive benefits on their record if you have been divorced for two years
3. My ex-husband has recently remarried, am I still eligible to collect social security under his record?
- Yes, even if your spouse remarries you can still collect benefits on their record. However, if you decide to remarry then you generally cannon collect benefits on your former spouse’s record.
4.Does receiving benefits on my former spouse’s record affect their ability to receive benefits?
- The amount of benefits you get has no effect on the amount of benefits your ex-spouse or their current spouse may receive
5.Can I collect social security benefits on my first spouses record?
- If you were married for 10 years, and
- If your later marriage has ended either by divorce, death or annulment, and
- You are 62 years old
6.Can I continue to work and receive social security benefits if I have not reached full retirement age?
- If you continue to work while receiving benefits and you have not reached full retirement age, the retirement earnings benefit limit still applies. See ssa.gov for more details.
For additional information, regarding Spousal Retirement Benefits through Social Security, please visit www.ssa.gov/Retirement.
I hope you have found some reassurance in knowing you are not along, and I can help. If you have any questions, call me, 615-369-1611!
Let’s talk soon!
Maleah
