Social Security Benefits for Divorcees after 10 Years of Marriage
If your marriage lasted more than 10 years prior to your divorce, it is likely that you are eligible for Social Security benefits based on your ex-husband’s record. Here are some factors to consider if you need Social Security benefits as a divorcee:
Length of Marriage
In order to qualify for benefits based on the ex-spouse’s work record, the marriage must have lasted for at least 10 years.
Current Marital Status
You cannot currently be married if you want to claim benefits on your ex-spouse’s record. If you have multiple divorces but are not currently married, you may still be eligible for benefits based on your previous marriage(s).
Age Requirement
You must be at least 62 years old to begin claiming Social Security retirement benefits. Claiming benefits before reaching full retirement age (FRA), which is between 66 and 67 depending on your birth year, reduces benefits.
Ex-Spouse’s Eligibility
You cannot claim on your ex-spouse’s record until the ex-spouse is eligible for Social Security retirement or disability benefits. They must be at least 62 years old or receiving Social Security benefits themselves.
Benefit Amount
You may be eligible as long as you meet all eligibility requirements. You can receive a maximum of up to 50% of your ex-spouse’s full retirement benefit amount. The actual amount you receive may be reduced if you claim benefits before your FRA or if you have other sources of income.
No Effect on Ex-Spouse’s Benefits
Your ex-spouse won’t even know that you have claimed. You claiming benefits as a divorced spouse does not reduce the amount of benefits your ex-spouse or their current spouse may receive.
To apply for benefits as a divorced spouse, you need to make an appointment at a Social Security office and provide documentation. This includes, your marriage certificate, divorce decree, and your ex-spouse’s Social Security number.
Have more questions? Contact Us
Missie Beach, CFP®, CDFA®
Senior Financial Advisor
You May Also Like
Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!
Wiser Wealth Management, Inc (“Wiser Wealth”) is a registered investment adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). As a registered investment adviser, Wiser Wealth and its employees are subject to various rules, filings, and requirements. You can visit the SEC’s website here to obtain further information on our firm or investment adviser’s registration.
Wiser Wealth’s website provides general information regarding our business along with access to additional investment related information, various financial calculators, and external / third party links. Material presented on this website is believed to be from reliable sources and is meant for informational purposes only. Wiser Wealth does not endorse or accept responsibility for the content of any third-party website and is not affiliated with any third-party website or social media page. Wiser Wealth does not expressly or implicitly adopt or endorse any of the expressions, opinions or content posted by third party websites or on social media pages. While Wiser Wealth uses reasonable efforts to obtain information from sources it believes to be reliable, we make no representation that the information or opinions contained in our publications are accurate, reliable, or complete.
To the extent that you utilize any financial calculators or links in our website, you acknowledge and understand that the information provided to you should not be construed as personal investment advice from Wiser Wealth or any of its investment professionals. Advice provided by Wiser Wealth is given only within the context of our contractual agreement with the client. Wiser Wealth does not offer legal, accounting or tax advice. Consult your own attorney, accountant, and other professionals for these services.
