Skip to content
Social Security Online
      Questions?
SSA logo: link to Social Security Online home

Find An Answer to Your Question


Are you an employer? See answers to your W-2 Reporting questions.
 Answers 
 
Ask a Question
 
 My FAQ Update Notifications 
  hide accessible links  
  Help  
 
 Search by Category View Category Hierarchy
    
     Search Tips? 
   
    
  Answer ID  
506

 Printer Friendly Version of This Answer  Print Answer

 Email This Answer  Email Answer
 
  Can my ex-spouse get some of my Social Security benefits?
  Question
  I heard that even if you are divorced, your ex-spouse can get some of your Social Security benefits. Is this true?
  Answer
 

If you are divorced (even if you have remarried), your ex-spouse may qualify for benefits on your record if you are 62 or older. In some situations, he or she may get benefits even if you're not receiving them yet. (If your spouse will also receive a pension based on work not covered by Social Security, such as government work, his or her Social Security benefit on your record may be affected.)

Take a look at the fact sheet, Government Pension Offset, for more information. To qualify on your record, your ex-spouse must:

  • Have been married to you for at least 10 years;
  • Be at least 62 years old;
  • Be unmarried; and
  • Not be eligible for an equal or higher benefit on his or her own Social Security record, or on someone else’s Social Security record.

NOTE: The amount of benefits your divorced spouse gets has no effect on the amount of benefits you or your current spouse may receive.


 
 
 
  
 
  Users who viewed this answer have also viewed
 
Search for Another Answer
  Search for Another Answer  

Privacy Policy | Website Policies & Other Important Information | Site Map         Need Larger Text?