Can a divorced spouse still receive Social Security benefits?

Finally, the earning former spouse must be entitled to receive his or her own benefit, and, if he or she has not yet applied for it, the ex-spouse must be divorced for at least two years before divorced spouse benefits are paid. The divorced spouse benefits your ex-wife receives have no effect on the benefits you receive. But that is not all.

Do you have to be a spouse to get Social Security?

If you have not worked or do not have enough Social Security credits to qualify for your own Social Security benefits, you may be able to receive spouse’s benefits. To qualify for spouse’s benefits, you must be:

What’s the difference between spouses Social Security benefits and your own?

If your benefits as a spouse are higher than your own retirement benefits, you will get a combination of benefits equaling the higher spouse benefit. Here is an example: Mary Ann qualifies for a retirement benefit of $250 and a spouse’s benefit of $400.

When is an ex spouse entitled to Social Security benefits?

Furthermore, if the ex-spouses have been divorced for at least two years, then one ex-spouse is “independently entitled” to claim benefits based upon the other’s earnings, even if the other spouse has yet to file for benefits.

When can my spouse draw Social Security?

Just like with standard Social Security retirement benefits, you can collect a spousal benefit as early as age 62, as long as your spouse is collecting their own retirement benefit. However, also like standard Social Security retirement benefits, your spousal benefit can be permanently reduced if you claim it before your full retirement age.

Can a former spouse get Social Security?

In some cases, a former spouse may still collect some Social Security benefits of an ex-spouse. Generally, retirement accounts are part of the marital settlement discussion, but Social Security usually isn’t. Upon reaching full retirement age, a divorced spouse may receive up to half of their ex-spouse’s Social Security benefit amount.

What happens to a pension when an ex-spouse dies?

The DRO will be vacated upon the death of your ex-spouse. You will need to provide the Retirement System with a certified copy of the death certificate. If your ex-spouse dies after you retire, distributions to him or her will cease when we receive a copy of the death certificate.

How do I apply for my ex spouse Social Security benefits?

Applying for Social Security Benefits. Eligible ex-dependent spouses do not automatically begin receiving Social Security. They must file an application with the Social Security Administration. This can be done in-person at a local SSA office, at www.ssa.gov or by calling 800-772-1213.

If you have a divorced spouse who qualifies for benefits, it will not affect the amount of benefits you or your family may receive. Even if they have never worked under Social Security, your spouse may be eligible for benefits if they are at least 62 years of age and you are receiving retirement or disability benefits.

How old do you have to be to get Social Security survivor after a divorce?

The rule about not switching benefits does not apply to Social Security survivor benefits, which divorced spouses may be eligible for if their former partner is deceased. Divorced spouses can file for survivor benefits as early as age 60 (age 50 if they are disabled) and switch over to their own benefit as early as age 62.

How can I collect spousal Social Security benefits?

This makes you eligible to file a “restricted application,” which allows you to collect a spousal benefit while delaying benefits on your own earnings record. To do so, you should state in the remarks section of the application form that you wish to exclude your retirement benefit from the scope of your Social Security claim.

What happens to your ex spouse’s Social Security benefits?

The same rules apply for a deceased former spouse. The amount of benefits you get has no effect on the benefits of your ex-spouse and his or her current spouse. Visit Retirement Planner: If You Are Divorced to find all the eligibility requirements you must meet to apply as a divorced spouse.

Can my spouse claim my social security?

As a spouse, you can claim a Social Security benefit based on your own earnings record, or collect a spousal benefit in the amount of 50% of your spouse’s Social Security benefit, but not both. You are automatically entitled to receive whichever benefit provides you the higher monthly amount.