At what age can I start collecting my ex husband's Social Security?

You can start collecting your ex-husband's Social Security benefits as early as age 62, provided you were married for at least 10 years, are currently unmarried, and your own benefit is less than what you'd get from his, with the divorce finalized for at least two years if he hasn't claimed yet. If he passes away, you might qualify for survivor benefits at age 60 (or 50 if disabled), even if remarried after age 60, with different rules applying.

At what age can you draw on your ex-husband's Social Security?

You can start collecting your ex-husband's Social Security benefits as early as age 62, provided you were married for at least 10 years, are currently unmarried, and he is eligible (or already receiving benefits). While you can file at 62, your benefit amount will be higher if you wait until your full retirement age (FRA), which is 67 for those born in 1960 or later, and even more if you delay past FRA, but new rules mean you can't collect just the spousal benefit if you're eligible for your own higher benefit at FRA. 

Can a divorced woman collect her ex-husband's Social Security?

Yes, a divorced woman can often collect Social Security on her ex-husband's record if the marriage lasted at least 10 years, she's currently unmarried (unless she's a widow), is age 62 or older, and her benefit on her own record is less than half of his, with the ex-spouse's benefit being at least 62 and eligible for retirement. These payments don't reduce his or his current spouse's benefits, and remarriage after age 60 (or 50 for disability) doesn't stop payments from a deceased ex-spouse. 

What is the new law for Social Security spousal benefits?

The biggest recent change for spousal benefits is the Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA) of 2023, effective January 2024, which eliminates the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) for many, meaning spouses and survivors with government pensions won't have their benefits reduced as much, if at all. Key rules remain: spouses can get up to 50% of the primary earner's benefit, can claim at 62 (with reductions), or care for a qualifying child (no reduction). Deemed filing still means applying for one benefit usually means applying for both.
 

How much Social Security does a divorced spouse get after?

A divorced spouse can receive up to 50% of their ex-spouse's full Social Security retirement benefit, provided the marriage lasted at least 10 years, the claimant is unmarried and at least 62 (or caring for a minor/disabled child), and the ex-spouse is entitled to benefits. You receive the higher of your own benefit or the ex-spousal benefit, but claiming early (before your Full Retirement Age) results in a permanent reduction, potentially down to 32.5% of the ex-spouse's amount. 

Social Security: Spousal Benefits 101

Can my ex-wife get my Social Security if I remarry?

Yes, your ex-wife can get your Social Security benefits even if you remarry, as long as she meets eligibility rules (married 10+ years, unmarried, age 62+) and your benefit is higher than her own, because divorced spouse benefits are based on your record, not your new spouse's. Remarriage typically ends these benefits, but exceptions exist, and she can still claim survivor benefits on your record if you pass away, even if you're remarried (if she's 60+, or 50+ if disabled). 

How do I find out how much my ex-husband's Social Security benefits are?

To find out your ex-husband's potential Social Security benefit amount, create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount/, use the "Calculate a benefit for a current or former spouse" tool, or contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) directly, as they can provide estimates based on his earnings record, but you'll need your marriage/divorce documents and potentially his SSN. 

At what age can a wife start collecting her husband's Social Security?

You can collect your husband's Social Security (spousal benefits) as early as age 62, or any age if caring for a young child (under 16 or disabled), provided you've been married at least a year, and he's already receiving benefits; however, waiting until your own full retirement age (FRA) gives you up to 50% of his benefit, while claiming earlier results in a reduced amount. You'll receive the higher of your own retirement benefit or the spousal benefit. 

What is the Social Security spousal benefits loophole?

The "Social Security spousal benefits loophole" referred to strategies like "file and suspend" and "restricted application" that allowed couples to maximize benefits by having the higher earner suspend their own claim (after full retirement age) so the lower earner could claim a spousal benefit, while the higher earner's benefit grew, but these were largely closed by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 for most new applicants, making it harder to get spousal benefits without also claiming your own. A separate, lesser-known "loophole" exists for caregivers of disabled children, allowing a parent (often the mother) to receive spousal benefits earlier than usual.
 

What changes are coming to Social Security in 2025 for spouse?

For spouses in 2025, the biggest changes involve the Social Security Fairness Act, which removes benefit reductions (WEP/GPO) for those with government pensions, and a modest 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), increasing average payments, plus the Full Retirement Age (FRA) inching up to 66 years, 10 months for some, affecting early claiming strategies for spousal benefits. Expect more stringent online identity verification and clearer COLA notices, while long-term projections suggest more women will claim on their own work record. 

Can I stop my ex-wife from getting my Social Security benefits?

As long as you are at least age 62 and he is at least age 62, you can draw off of him even if he chooses to wait to start his own Social Security at 67 – 70. This is good news when former spouses are not on good terms. Your ex cannot “block” you from drawing your spousal benefit.

How much of my ex-husband's Social Security will I get when he dies?

If your ex-husband dies, you could receive up to 100% of his full Social Security benefit as a survivor, replacing any smaller spousal benefit you might have received, provided you meet criteria like being unmarried and married for 10+ years (or caring for his child). Your benefit amount depends on your age when you apply, starting at 71.5% if you claim at 60, rising to 100% at your full retirement age (FRA) for survivors, and you must apply with the SSA. 

Can I collect spousal benefits and wait until I am 70 to collect my own Social Security?

No, generally you cannot collect spousal benefits and simultaneously wait until age 70 for your own Social Security due to the "deemed filing" rule for those born after January 1, 2016. When you apply for spousal benefits, you are automatically deemed to have applied for your own retirement benefit too, and the Social Security Administration (SSA) pays the higher of the two amounts. This means you can't "restrict" your application to just spousal benefits to let your own grow unless you are on a deceased spouse's record (survivor benefits) or if you were born before 1954. 

How do I start collecting my ex-husband's Social Security?

To apply for your ex-husband's Social Security, you'll apply through the Social Security Administration (SSA) website or at a local office, needing documents like your marriage certificate, divorce decree, your SSN, and your ex-spouse's SSN, but your ex-spouse won't be notified, and you'll receive the higher amount of your own benefit or the spousal benefit if eligible. You must have been married for at least 10 years, be unmarried, and meet age/benefit requirements to qualify for divorced spouse benefits. 

Can my wife take Social Security at 62 and then switch to spousal benefit?

No, generally your wife can't claim her own reduced benefit at 62 and then switch to a higher spousal benefit later because of the "deemed filing" rule for those born after January 1954; she'll automatically receive the higher of the two available benefits (her own or spousal) when she applies, but the switch strategy (taking her own early and switching) is possible only if she's collecting a survivor benefit or if her spouse hasn't filed yet, allowing her to claim her own benefit and then switch to the spousal one later when you file. 

Can I qualify for Medicare through my ex-spouse?

Yes, you can often qualify for premium-free Medicare Part A through your ex-spouse's work record if your marriage lasted at least 10 years, you're unmarried, and your ex-spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters) and is eligible for Social Security benefits (usually age 62+), even if they've remarried. This allows you to get coverage based on their contributions if you don't qualify on your own. 

How much do you have to make to get $3,000 a month in Social Security?

To get around $3,000/month in Social Security, you generally need a high earning history, around $100,000-$108,000+ annually over your top 35 years, but waiting to claim until age 70 maximizes this amount, potentially reaching it with lower yearly earnings, say under $70k if you wait long enough, as benefits are based on your highest indexed earnings over 35 years. The exact amount depends heavily on your specific earnings history and the age you start collecting benefits. 

What is one of the biggest mistakes people make regarding Social Security?

Claiming Benefits Too Early

One of the biggest mistakes people make is claiming Social Security benefits as soon as they're eligible, which is at age 62. While getting money sooner can be tempting, claiming early has a significant downside: your monthly benefit will be reduced.

When can I apply for ex-spouse Social Security benefits?

Form SSA-2 | Information You Need to Apply for Spouse's or Divorced Spouse's Benefits. You can apply: Online, if you are within 3 months of age 62 or older, or. By calling our national toll-free service at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visiting your local Social Security office.

Can I collect my ex-husband's Social Security and still work?

Yes, you can collect your ex-husband's Social Security benefits and still work, but if you're under your Full Retirement Age (FRA), earning too much might temporarily reduce your benefits; however, once you reach FRA, your earnings won't affect your payments, and withheld amounts are recalculated for a higher benefit later. You must meet criteria like being married for 10+ years, be currently unmarried, and your ex must be eligible. 

What is the maximum spousal benefit amount?

The maximum spousal benefit is 50% of the amount that the spouse is eligible to receive at full retirement age. Survivors may receive up to 100% of the deceased spouse's Social Security benefit.

How can I find out my ex-husband's Social Security benefits?

You can't directly see your ex-husband's exact benefit amount, but you can contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) (toll-free at 1-800-772-1213) or visit your local office to ask what you could receive as a surviving divorced spouse, using your marriage/divorce details to get an estimate without notifying him. The SSA can tell you your potential survivor benefit, which is based on your own record and his, helping you plan, as it's confidential information. 

Does a divorced woman get her ex-husband's Social Security?

you're eligible for some of your ex's Social Security

wives and widows. That means most divorced women collect their own Social Security while the ex is alive, but can apply for higher widow's rates when he dies.

Why do I only get half of my ex-husband's Social Security?

Social Security benefits for a divorced spouse are calculated based on the ex-spouse's earnings record or their own earnings record, depending on which one is higher. You're entitled to half of your ex's benefits if you start collecting once you reach your full retirement age (FRA).

How much Social Security does an ex-spouse get at 62?

Although you can start drawing benefits at age 62, this is considered early filing and will reduce your spousal benefits, similar to how it would reduce your individual benefits—only more. If you file for spousal benefits at 62, you'll only receive 32.5% of your ex-spouse's full retirement-age benefit instead of 50%.