Social Security Benefits After Divorce

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[{"selector":"#anim-4f954bb6-0666-45e8-b242-b08dd6452f87 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-2.2032506667085205%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Black Section Separator Image Source: freepik.com To qualify for Social Security benefits based on your ex-spouse's earnings history if you are divorced, you must fulfill the requirements listed below.

[{"selector":"#anim-5fc64062-ed1c-4021-af63-b782f5ac03f5 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(38.93004211660015%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Black Section Separator Image Source: freepik.com While your ex-spouse is still living, you can get Social Security payments based on their earnings. You cannot, however, receive benefits based on your ex's earnings in addition to your own.

[{"selector":"#anim-1211f362-e500-4c3c-a31f-8f28c7faab97 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(-6.016472035297746%, 0%) scale(1.4999999999999998)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Black Section Separator Image Source: freepik.com Your ex-spouse must have been your spouse for at least 10 years, and you must be at least 62 years old and single to qualify.

[{"selector":"#anim-38bb7238-286f-45be-bdc2-7eb36a5a99fb [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(40.89879212854643%, 0, 0) translate(24.99999999999999%, 0%) scale(1.4999999999999998)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Black Section Separator Image Source: freepik.com If you later remarried,won’t be eligible to receive Social Security payments based on your ex-spouse's earnings history unless your subsequent marriage was dissolved through an annulment, divorce, or death.

[{"selector":"#anim-e1791370-71fa-4f18-9b2b-a10ffd4a7ca6 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(5.398371041251545%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Black Section Separator Image Source: freepik.com You are eligible to receive up to 50% of your ex-primary spouse's insurance benefit, which is the monthly payment they would have been entitled to at full retirement age.

[{"selector":"#anim-39c4691e-10ef-4a60-96bd-4fd82e6d99bd [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(11.365102606884763%, 0%) scale(1.4999999999999998)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Black Section Separator Image Source: freepik.com When filing right after reaching full retirement age, ex-spouses are eligible for the highest benefit amount.

[{"selector":"#anim-3758dd38-bfc2-4d3d-9116-65187756ff23 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(28.799251628866728%, 0, 0) translate(24.99999999999999%, 0%) scale(1.4999999999999998)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Black Section Separator Image Source: freepik.com The sum is lowered to as little as 32.5% of the full benefit of your ex-spouse if you apply for the benefits early.

[{"selector":"#anim-20d1b121-3a44-47e9-a2ea-88f5dc357155 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-25.029296420080716%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Black Section Separator Image Source: freepik.com You are still eligible to receive your ex-retirement spouse's benefits even though they are not currently being collected. However, the divorce must have been finalized at least two years earlier.

[{"selector":"#anim-5bd0568b-e7ea-4479-9452-419092b5d8e8 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-49.48702885163076%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Black Section Separator Image Source: freepik.com If you satisfy the conditions, you may still be qualified to receive your ex-benefits spouse's even if they remarry, according to the SSA.