How do I find out how much Social Security I will get from my ex husband?

To calculate Social Security benefits from an ex-husband, you're eligible for up to 50% of his Full Retirement Age (FRA) benefit, but you'll receive the higher amount between that and your own personal retirement benefit. The key is to compare your own benefit (based on your earnings) with half of his FRA benefit; you get whichever is larger, but not both combined, and you can claim as early as 62 (reduced) or wait until your FRA for the full 50%.


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

Yes, a divorced wife can often get Social Security benefits on her ex-husband's record if their marriage lasted at least 10 years, she's currently unmarried (unless caring for his child), she's at least 62 (or 50 if disabled), and her benefit on her own record is less than on his, with the ex-husband's benefit amount unaffected by her payments. These rules also apply to ex-husbands claiming on their ex-wives' records, ensuring equal treatment. 

At what age can an ex-spouse collect Social Security?

An ex-spouse can collect Social Security benefits as early as age 62, provided the marriage lasted at least 10 years, the ex-spouse is unmarried, the ex-spouse is eligible for benefits (either on their own record or yours), and the divorce occurred at least two years prior (if you haven't filed yet). The benefit amount can be higher if you wait until your Full Retirement Age (FRA), generally 66-67, but claiming at 62 yields up to 50% of your ex's benefit, which is the same as for a current spouse. 


How can I find out how much Social Security I will get from my ex-husband?

A Social Security representative can provide estimates of the benefit you may receive as a divorced spouse, based on your ex-spouse's earnings record. Before you inquire, make sure you have two key documents, marriage certificate and divorce decree, on hand.

When can my wife start collecting half of my Social Security?

Your wife can start collecting spousal Social Security benefits as early as age 62, or sooner if she's caring for your child under 16 or with a disability, but she must wait until you file for your own benefits; the full spousal benefit (up to 50% of yours) is only available at her Full Retirement Age (FRA), otherwise, it's reduced. Claiming early (age 62) gives her money sooner but permanently lowers the monthly payment, so waiting for her FRA or even age 70 (to maximize her own benefit if higher) offers more income. 


How Divorced Social Security Spousal Benefits Work



Can your wife take half of your Social Security?

The spousal benefit can be as much as half of the worker's "primary insurance amount," depending on the spouse's age at retirement. If the spouse begins receiving benefits before "normal (or full) retirement age," the spouse will receive a reduced benefit.

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

This is good news when former spouses are not on good terms. Your ex cannot “block” you from drawing your spousal benefit. In fact, he probably won't even know if you are drawing off him unless he calls SSA to ask.

How are divorced spouse Social Security benefits calculated?

To calculate Social Security benefits from an ex-husband, you're eligible for up to 50% of his Full Retirement Age (FRA) benefit, but you'll receive the higher amount between that and your own personal retirement benefit. The key is to compare your own benefit (based on your earnings) with half of his FRA benefit; you get whichever is larger, but not both combined, and you can claim as early as 62 (reduced) or wait until your FRA for the full 50%.
 


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

Yes, your ex-wife can still get benefits from your Social Security record even if you remarry, provided your marriage lasted at least 10 years, she's at least 62 (or 60 as a survivor), and she's unmarried (or remarried after 60/50 with disability) when she applies, because benefits on an ex-spouse's record are separate from your new spouse's, and your payments aren't reduced. She can claim her own benefit or a higher spousal benefit (up to 50% of yours) at her full retirement age, and if you die, she may qualify for a higher survivor benefit. 

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

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. 

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.
 


Can my ex-wife claim my 401k years after divorce?

Yes, an ex-wife can still claim a share of your 401(k) years after divorce if the divorce decree didn't properly divide it or if a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) wasn't filed, as funds earned during the marriage are marital property, but it depends heavily on your original divorce settlement and state laws, often requiring a court to issue a QDRO to enforce the split, even years later, though some states have time limits. 

Can I check my ex-spouse's earnings record?

No. It's confidential information and the ex-spouse will not be notified. Also, claiming based on your ex's record has absolutely no effect on their benefits.

How long do you have to be married to a man to get his Social Security?

To get spousal Social Security, you generally must have been married for at least one continuous year, but exceptions exist, especially for divorced spouses who need a 10-year marriage, or if you're caring for your spouse's young/disabled child. You must also be at least 62 (or younger if caring for a qualifying child), and your spouse must be collecting their own retirement benefits (unless you are widowed). 


Do stay at home moms get Social Security?

Yes, stay-at-home moms can get Social Security, primarily through spousal benefits (up to 50% of a working spouse's benefit if married 1 year+) or by drawing on their own work record if they have enough credits (40 quarters/10 years) from past jobs, including military service. They might also get disability (SSDI) if disabled and meeting work credit rules, or dependent benefits while caring for a child under 16 or disabled. 

Do you get Social Security if you never worked?

Yes, you can get Social Security benefits without working through programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) (for low-income aged, blind, or disabled) or by collecting spousal or survivor benefits on a family member's work record, but you generally need 10 years (40 credits) of work to get your own retirement or disability (SSDI) benefits. SSI is needs-based and doesn't require work credits, while spousal/survivor benefits rely on a qualifying spouse's earnings history. 

Does the first wife get the ex-husband's Social Security?

Yes, a first wife can often get Social Security benefits on an ex-husband's record if the marriage lasted at least 10 years, she's unmarried, and the ex is eligible for benefits, potentially receiving up to 50% of his full benefit, even if he remarries, without affecting his or his new spouse's benefits. The key is that the benefit amount is based on the ex-husband's earnings record at his full retirement age (FRA), and the ex-wife gets the higher of her own benefit or the ex-spousal benefit. 


Does God forgive divorce and allow remarriage?

Yes, Christians believe God offers forgiveness for divorce and remarriage through repentance, but views differ significantly on whether remarriage after divorce is permissible, with some traditions allowing it only for adultery or abandonment, while others see God's grace covering all sins, emphasizing sincere sorrow and seeking forgiveness. Major viewpoints include: 

What is the 5 year remarry rule?

Waits 5 years from the date of obtaining status to file the petition; Establishes by clear and convincing evidence that the prior marriage was not entered into with the purpose of evading immigration laws; or. Establishes that the prior marriage ended through death.

What percent of my ex-husband's Social Security will I get?

You can receive up to 50% of your ex-husband's full Social Security retirement benefit, but the exact percentage depends on when you claim, ranging from around 32.5% if claimed at age 62 up to 50% at your own Full Retirement Age (FRA). This benefit is paid by the Social Security Administration (SSA) based on your ex-spouse's earnings record, provided you were married at least 10 years, are unmarried, and your ex is receiving or eligible for retirement/disability benefits. 


How to find out divorced spouse Social Security benefits?

To find out about your ex-husband's Social Security benefits as a divorced spouse, you must contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) directly, as they handle this confidential information; you'll need his name, date of birth, and Social Security Number (SSN), and your own documents (birth certificate, marriage/divorce papers) to apply for an estimate or benefits at your local SSA office, online, or by phone, and your ex won't be notified. 

Is it wise to take spousal Social Security benefits?

In some cases, it makes sense for both spouses to claim on the same spouse's earnings record. Many couples use a "split strategy," which means they begin claiming at different ages. It might be worthwhile for the higher earner to wait longer to collect.

What are the requirements to draw your ex-husband's Social Security?

Who is eligible for an ex-spouse's Social Security benefits?
  • You were married to that spouse for 10 years or more and have been divorced for at least 2 years (only applies if that spouse isn't claiming yet).
  • You're at least 62 years old.
  • You're currently unmarried.


What is the maximum spousal benefit?

3 The maximum spousal benefit is 50% of your spouse's FRA benefit if you claim at your FRA. 3 If you receive a spousal benefit before you reach FRA, it will be reduced and will not increase when you reach FRA.

Who gets Social Security if you are divorced?

If divorced, you can get Social Security on an ex-spouse's record if you were married 10+ years, aren't remarried, are 62+, and your own benefit is less than half their full benefit; the payment won't reduce their or their current spouse's benefits, and you can get up to 50% of their full benefit (reduced if claimed early). You'll receive your own earned benefit first, then an extra amount from the ex's record to reach the higher total. 
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