Divorced? You May Still Qualify for Ex-Spouse’s Social Security

Divorced? You May Still Qualify for Ex-Spouse’s Social Security Benefits

Retirement planning presents significant challenges for many Americans who reach their senior years with insufficient savings. For these individuals, Social Security benefits often serve as their primary financial resource during retirement. However, a common misconception exists that those without substantial work history cannot access these valuable spousal benefits through Social Security.

This assumption is incorrect. Even without personal contributions to the Social Security system, individuals may qualify for claiming benefits on an ex-spouse’s record.—including those who are divorced.

Understanding Social Security Spousal Benefits After Divorce

A recent case highlighted on social media involved a 68-year-old divorced woman receiving minimal Social Security payments based on her limited work history. Her adult child inquired whether the mother could potentially claim higher Social Security benefits through her ex-husband’s record.

The answer is affirmative. Divorce does not eliminate eligibility for Social Security spousal benefits under specific circumstances.

Social Security’s Protection Extends Beyond Current Marriages

Social Security’s framework includes provisions to protect spouses who may have limited individual benefits. This protection extends to former spouses as well, provided certain eligibility requirements for Social Security are met.

Furthermore, divorced individuals have an advantage over current spouses in one respect: they need not wait for their former spouse to file for benefits before claiming their own Social Security spousal benefits.

These spousal benefits can provide up to 50% of what the current or former spouse would receive at their full retirement age.

Claiming Higher Social Security Benefits: Practical Steps

For situations similar to the case mentioned, the solution requires direct action. The individual should contact the Social Security Administration to request an evaluation for spousal benefits.

It is important to understand that beneficiaries receive either their individual benefit or the spousal benefit—whichever amount is greater. For instance:

• If your individual Social Security benefit equals $1,400 monthly
• While your ex-spouse’s full retirement age benefit is $3,200
• Your potential Social Security spousal benefit would be $1,600
• You would receive the higher amount of $1,600

Although the Social Security Administration typically makes these adjustments automatically, verification is advisable if there is uncertainty about benefit amounts.

Documentation Requirements for Ex-Spouse Benefits

The Social Security Administration may require specific documentation to process spousal benefit claims for divorced individuals. This typically includes:

• Marriage certificates
• Divorce decrees to establish eligibility
• Proof of age
• Social Security numbers for both parties

If the potential spousal benefit exceeds the current payment, the monthly amount should be adjusted accordingly. Scheduling an appointment with a Social Security representative is recommended to ensure proper processing.

To clarify: recipients receive either their own benefit or the spousal benefit—not both combined. The benefit increase represents the difference between these amounts. For more details on eligibility, how benefits are calculated, and how to apply, refer to the official SSA publication.

For retirees managing limited resources, securing the maximum entitled Social Security benefit can significantly impact long-term financial stability and retirement planning.