Remarried? Here’s What Happens to Social Security Spousal Benefits

With the high divorce rate in this country, many ex-spouses might be wondering if they are eligible to receive Social Security survivor benefits if their ex-spouse remarried. According to a business column in the Los Angeles Times, it depends upon how long the marriage lasted before the divorce — and the deceased’s work record.

The rule is that you must be married for at least nine months to qualify for survivor benefits on a current spouse’s record. If divorced, the marriage must have lasted at least 10 years. In the case that there is both a current and ex-spouse, each survivor can receive up to 100 percent of benefits; the amount is not reduced because of a remarriage.   

The Seniors Trust is committed to improving the financial well-being of America’s retirees through the passage of The Social Security Expansion Act. It will give retirees an immediate benefits increase of about $200 a month, a fair annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), and increased minimum benefits.