What Most Divorced People Don't Know
The Basic Rule
Up to 50% of Your Ex's Benefit
If you were married at least 10 years, are currently unmarried, and are at least 62 years old, you may claim SS benefits based on your ex-spouse's record — up to 50% of their full benefit. Your claim does not reduce their benefit or affect anyone else on their record.
Survivor Benefits
Up to 100% If They Pass Away
If your ex-spouse has died, you may be entitled to a survivor benefit of up to 100% of their benefit — the same as a current widow or widower. You must have been married at least 10 years and must be at least 60 (or 50 if disabled). Even if they remarried, you can still claim.
Key Rule
Your Ex Doesn't Have to Know
You can file for divorced spouse benefits without your ex's knowledge or permission. SSA will not notify them. Your claim is completely independent and has no effect on their benefit amount or anyone else claiming on their record.
The Catch
Your Own Benefit Comes First
SSA always pays your own SS benefit first. You only receive the difference if the divorced spouse benefit is larger. If your own benefit already exceeds 50% of your ex's, you won't receive any additional divorced spouse benefit on top of it.
Check Your Eligibility
Answer the questions below to find out whether you qualify for divorced spouse benefits and how much you may be entitled to.
About You
Must be at least 62 to claim divorced spouse benefits (60 for survivor benefits).
You must be currently unmarried to claim on an ex-spouse's record.
Your own estimated SS retirement benefit. Enter 0 if you have no SS work history.
Calculated from your birth year.
Your Marriage
Must be at least 10 years to qualify. Count from marriage date to final divorce date.
If divorced less than 2 years, your ex must already be collecting SS for you to claim early.
About Your Ex-Spouse
Their full SS retirement benefit at their FRA. Check their SSA statement or estimate from SSA.gov.
Used to determine if they're eligible to collect SS (must be at least 62).
If divorced less than 2 years, your ex must be collecting for you to claim now.
Your Divorce Benefit Results
Important: These results are estimates based on SSA rules. Your actual eligibility and benefit amount depends on your complete earnings record and your ex-spouse's record. Contact SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit SSA.gov to apply or get a personalized estimate.
This tool is for educational purposes only. Divorced spouse benefits involve complex SSA rules. Consult SSA directly for a determination based on your actual records.