How Divorcees Can Collect an Ex-Spouse’s Social Security Benefits

Did you know that if you are divorced, you may be able to receive Social Security benefits based on your ex-spouse’s work record? That might sound shady, but it’s totally legit, according to a recent U.S. News & World Report article. This can be a lifeline for many spouses, especially those who gave up years of working or worked lower-paying jobs while raising children.

Here’s the catch. You can’t double dip when it comes to collecting Social Security. So, you will want to calculate your own Social Security benefits based on your earnings record. Then calculate your ex’s retirement benefits based on their earning record and multiply that by 50 percent. You get whichever is greater — and it does not impact your ex’s benefits one bit.  

Keep in mind, you can only receive Social Security benefits from your ex-spouse if you were married for at least 10 years, you are age 62 or older, and you are not currently married.

The Seniors Trust wants to ensure all Americans receive the Social Security benefits they have earned. It is working diligently to get Congress to pass the Social Security Expansion Act. This landmark bill will increase monthly benefits, establish a fairer cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), and shore up the long-term solvency of Social Security making sure it is there for all retirees — today and tomorrow.