The Surviving Divorced Spouse Benefits of Social Security are funded and managed by the federal government. S. Social Security Administration (SSA). The divorced spouse of a deceased worker who had accrued enough work credits is entitled to these benefits.
The Surviving Divorced Spouse Benefits of Social Security are funded and managed by the federal government. S. Social Security Administration (SSA). The divorced spouse of a deceased worker who had accrued enough work credits is entitled to these benefits.
Depending on the details you provided regarding your age, current relationship status, and length of marriage to your departed partner, you may be eligible to receive Social Security benefits for surviving divorced spouses starting at age 60 if all of the following are true:
IMPORTANT NOTE: Your Social Security benefits may be lowered if you receive (or will receive) a pension based on employment for an employer who did not withhold Social Security taxes, such as a government agency or an employer abroad. See A Pension from Work Not Covered by Social Security, Publication Number 05-10045, and Government Pension Offset, Publication Number 05-10007, on the SSA Publications Page.
Applications for survivor’s benefits cannot be made online by widows, widowers, or surviving divorced spouses. For application information, please visit the How To Apply page.
For additional information regarding benefits for surviving divorced spouses, see the Social Security Publication Number 05-10084, “Survivors,” or Chapter 4 of the Social Security Handbook on the SSA Publications Page.
Visit the SSA Publications Page and read “Social Security: How You Earn Credits,” Social Security Publication Number 05-10072, if you would like additional information about Social Security credits.
Yes, an ex-wife can receive death benefits from her deceased ex-husband’s Social Security record under certain conditions.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Marriage duration: The ex-wife must have been married to the deceased ex-husband for at least 10 years.
- Age: The ex-wife must be at least 60 years old.
- Marital status: The ex-wife must be unmarried at the time of application.
- Entitlement to higher benefits: The ex-wife’s own Social Security benefit must be less than the potential benefit she could receive as a surviving divorced spouse.
- Ex-husband’s eligibility: The deceased ex-husband must have been eligible for Social Security retirement or disability benefits at the time of death.
Benefit Amount:
The ex-wife’s benefit amount will be equal to half of the deceased ex-husband’s full retirement benefit. However, the benefit may be reduced if the ex-wife starts receiving benefits before reaching full retirement age.
Application Process:
To apply for surviving divorced spouse benefits, the ex-wife should contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) and provide the following information:
- Social Security number
- Ex-husband’s Social Security number
- Date of ex-husband’s death
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree
Additional Information:
- The ex-wife’s benefit will not affect the benefits received by the deceased ex-husband’s current spouse or children.
- If the ex-wife remarries after age 60, she can still receive surviving divorced spouse benefits.
- The ex-wife can choose to delay receiving benefits until she reaches full retirement age to maximize her benefit amount.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
- Social Security Administration (SSA): https://www.ssa.gov/
- Benefits for Your Divorced Spouse: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/survivors/
- If You Are the Survivor: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/survivors/ifyouarethesurvivor.html
Disclaimer:
I am an AI chatbot and cannot provide financial advice. The information provided above is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute legal advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified financial advisor for specific advice tailored to your individual circumstances.
Would you like more information about surviving divorced spouses benefits? Visit SSAs Publications Page and review the publication “Survivors,” Social Security Publication Number 05-10084 or review Chapter 4 of the Social Security Handbook.
Depending on the details you provided regarding your age, current relationship status, and length of marriage to your departed partner, you may be eligible to receive Social Security benefits for surviving divorced spouses starting at age 60 if all of the following are true:
Would you like more information about Social Security credits? Visit SSAs Publications Page and review “Social Security: How You Earn Credits,” Social Security Publication Number 05-10072.
PLEASE NOTE: If you get (or will get) a pension based on work for an employer who did not withhold Social Security taxes, such as a government agency or an employer in another country, your Social Security benefits may be reduced. Visit SSA’s Publications Page and review A Pension from Work Not Covered by Social Security, Social Security Publication Number 05-10045 and Government Pension Offset, Social Security Publication Number 05-10007.
The Surviving Divorced Spouse Benefits of Social Security are funded and managed by the federal government. S. Social Security Administration (SSA). The divorced spouse of a deceased worker who had accrued enough work credits is entitled to these benefits.
Without a doubt, it can be upsetting to consider an ex-spouse. And even more emotions may surface if your finances have deteriorated since the breakup.
We hope that this news broadens your range of feelings when you consider your “Ex”!
Based on their record, you might be qualified to receive benefits if you are 62 years old, single, and divorced from someone who is entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits.
You have the option to receive only the benefits of your divorced spouse after you reach full retirement age, which could result in a higher monthly payment for you.
Our Benefits Planner gives you an idea of your monthly benefit amount. If your ex-spouse died after you divorced, you can still qualify for widow’s benefits. Visit Retirement Planner: If You Are Divorced to find all the eligibility requirements you must meet to apply as a divorced spouse.
Benefits From A Deceased Ex-Spouse?
FAQ
Is an ex wife entitled to Social Security death benefits?
What is an ex wife entitled to when her ex husband dies?
How do I apply for divorced survivor benefits?
Are you considered a widow if your ex husband dies?
Can a widow and a divorced ex-spouse draw survivor benefits?
A widow or widower and a divorced ex-spouse (or multiple ex-spouses) can draw survivor benefits on the same person’s earnings record without affecting what the other receives. Andy Markowitz covers Social Security and retirement for AARP. He is a former editor of the Prague Post and Baltimore City Paper.
Can I get Social Security if my ex spouse dies?
If you are caring for a child from the marriage who is under the age of 16 or is disabled, you can receive 75 percent of the deceased ex-spouse’s benefit. If you have already claimed Social Security on your own, you can still apply for survivor benefits, but you will not receive both benefits combined.
Who can receive Social Security survivor benefits if a spouse dies?
Anyone who was married to a Social Security beneficiary can potentially receive survivor benefits on the death of that person. That includes divorced former spouses as well as the deceased’s husband or wife at the time of death.
Can a surviving spouse receive a child benefit if a worker dies?
There is, however, one exception: When a surviving spouse or ex-spouse is caring for a child (or children), under age 16 or disabled, of the deceased worker, he or she is eligible to receive 75% of the worker’s benefit amount at any age.