Navigating the complexities of Social Security benefits can be challenging, especially when divorce is involved. If you’re wondering how much Social Security you might receive from your ex-husband, this guide will help you understand the key factors and eligibility requirements.
Eligibility Requirements for Ex-Spouse Benefits:
- Duration of Marriage: You must have been married to your ex-husband for at least 10 years.
- Age: You must be at least 62 years old.
- Marital Status: You must be unmarried at the time of claiming benefits.
- Ex-Husband’s Benefits: Your ex-husband must be receiving retirement or disability benefits.
- Benefit Comparison: Your benefit amount based on your ex-husband’s record must be higher than your own retirement benefit.
Benefit Calculation:
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can receive up to 50% of your ex-husband’s full retirement benefit. However, the actual amount you receive will depend on several factors:
- Your Ex-Husband’s Full Retirement Age: This is the age at which your ex-husband would receive his full benefit amount.
- Your Age at Application: If you claim benefits before your full retirement age, your benefit will be permanently reduced.
- Your Ex-Husband’s Work History: The amount your ex-husband has contributed to Social Security throughout his working years will impact his benefit amount and, consequently, your potential benefit.
- Your Own Work History: If you have a significant work history and are eligible for your own retirement benefits, you will receive the higher of the two benefit amounts.
Claiming Benefits:
You can claim ex-spouse benefits online through the Social Security Administration (SSA) website. You will need to provide information about your marriage, your ex-husband’s Social Security number, and your own work history.
Important Considerations:
- Ex-Husband’s Current Spouse: Your ex-husband’s current spouse will not be affected by your receipt of ex-spouse benefits.
- Remarriage: If you remarry, you will still be eligible for ex-spouse benefits as long as you meet the other eligibility requirements.
- Divorce Date: You can apply for ex-spouse benefits even if you have been divorced for less than two years, as long as you meet the other eligibility requirements. However, if you wait until your full retirement age to apply, you will receive your full benefit amount.
Additional Resources:
- SSA Retirement Planner: This online tool allows you to estimate your potential retirement benefits, including ex-spouse benefits.
- SSA Publication on Ex-Spouse Benefits: This publication provides detailed information about eligibility requirements, benefit amounts, and claiming procedures.
Understanding the intricacies of ex-spouse benefits can be crucial in planning your retirement income. By carefully reviewing the eligibility requirements and benefit calculation factors, you can determine if you qualify for benefits and estimate the potential amount you might receive. Remember, claiming benefits before your full retirement age will result in a permanent reduction, so carefully consider your options before making a decision.
How Do I Apply for Benefits As a Divorced Spouse?
You can apply for benefits online by going to SSA. gov, or scheduling a meeting at the Social Security office in your community You will require the former spouse’s Social Security number, birthdate, place of birth, and parents’ names in order to file an application for benefits on their employment record.
Social Security will consider that you are applying for benefits on your own work record when you file for spousal benefits as a divorced spouse. You will be eligible for the larger amount of the two. If Social Security determines that your benefit is less than what you are eligible for based on your record, they will first pay you the difference and then make up the difference based on your ex-spouse’s record.
Based on your former spouse’s record, you might be qualified to receive benefits if you are 62 years old, single, and divorced from someone who is eligible for Social Security retirement or disability benefits. You have to have been married to your ex-spouse for ten years or longer in order to be eligible. You are not eligible to receive benefits on your former spouse’s record if you have since remarried unless your subsequent marriage ended in annulment, divorce, or death. Furthermore, your benefit amount must be lower than what you would receive based on your ex-spouse’s work if you are eligible for benefits under your own record. Stated differently, we will only pay the greater of the two benefits for which you qualify.
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. Our benefits planner gives you an idea of your monthly benefit amount. If your ex-spouse died after you divorced, you may still quality for widow’s benefits. You’ll find information about that in a note at the bottom of the website.
Visit Retirement Planner: If You Are Divorced today to learn whether you’re eligible for benefits on your ex-spouse’s record. That could mean a considerable amount of monthly income. What you learn may bring a smile to your face … even on tax day!
Just like during tax season, it’s good to have all the information you need early so you can prepare and get any money you are due.
Even if your ex-spouse hasn’t retired, you can still apply for benefits on their record as long as you separated for at least two years prior to applying. However, your benefit will be half of your ex-spouse’s full retirement amount or disability benefit if you choose to wait until full retirement age to apply as a divorced spouse. The same rules apply for a deceased former spouse.
How To Find Out Your Ex Spouse’s Social Security
FAQ
What percent of Social Security does a divorced spouse get?
At what age can I collect my ex husband’s Social Security benefits?
Can I collect Social Security if I am separated from my husband?
How do I find out how much Social Security I get from my ex husband?
Can my ex-spouse collect Social Security benefits?
Your ex-spouse is entitled to collect Social Security retirement or disability benefits . Am I Entitled To My Ex-Spouse’s Social Security? Your former spouse doesn’t have to be collecting his or her retirement benefits yet for you to claim ex-spousal benefits. However, if this is the case, the divorce must be at least two years old.
Can I Collect my Ex spouse’s social security if I’m remarried?
If you’re already getting Social Security benefits based on your own work record, you can also claim ex-spouse benefits, but you will only receive the higher amount. You will not be paid the combined amount. Can I Collect My Ex-Spouse’s Social Security if I am Remarried? You cannot get remarried and collect benefits on your ex-spouse’s record.
How much of my ex spouse’s retirement benefit will I receive?
There are several factors that determine exactly how much of an ex-spouse benefit you will receive, but in general, at full retirement age, you will receive one-half of your former spouse’s retirement benefit assuming you meet all criteria. If your former spouse is deceased, you will receive his or her full retirement benefit.
Can I get Social Security if my ex-spouse dies?
You are required by law to report your change in marital status to Social Security. If your ex-spouse has passed away, you could be eligible for survivor’s benefits if the marriage lasted 10 years or more. You can receive reduced benefits starting at age 60 or full benefits at your full retirement age.