Can I get half of my ex husband's Social Security if I remarry?

Asked by: Clint Kirlin  |  Last update: November 6, 2023
Score: 4.6/5 (73 votes)

If you have since remarried, you can't collect benefits on your former spouse's record unless your later marriage ended by annulment, divorce, or death. Also, if you're entitled to benefits on your own record, your benefit amount must be less than you would receive based on your ex-spouse's work.

Can I get Social Security benefits from my ex husband if I remarried?

If you are divorced, your ex-spouse can receive benefits based on your record (even if you have remarried) if: Your marriage lasted 10 years or longer. Your ex-spouse is unmarried. Your ex-spouse is age 62 or older.

How does a second marriage affect Social Security benefits?

If we're talking about your retirement benefit, the answer is no. Social Security has no marriage penalty.

What is the maximum Social Security benefit for a divorced spouse?

What's the maximum spousal benefit in 2023? The maximum spousal benefit is 50% of the other spouse's full retirement age benefit. The maximum monthly Social Security retirement benefit at age 67 -- that's the full retirement age for anyone born after 1959 -- is $3,808 in 2023.

How do I get half of my ex husband's Social Security?

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.

How Remarriage Affects Social Security Benefits

25 related questions found

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

There's nothing anyone can do to prevent their ex from claiming their Social Security. Even though some divorce decrees specify that one spouse will relinquish their rights to collect the other spouse's benefits, the Social Security Administration says these provisions “are worthless and are never enforced.”

Can I collect part of my ex husband's Social Security?

If you are age 62, unmarried, and divorced from someone entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits, you may be eligible to receive benefits based on his or her record. To be eligible, you must have been married to your ex-spouse for 10 years or more.

How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus?

To acquire the full amount, you need to maximize your working life and begin collecting your check until age 70. Another way to maximize your check is by asking for a raise every two or three years. Moving companies throughout your career is another way to prove your worth, and generate more money.

Can I collect 50% of my spouses Social Security?

You can expect the following when applying for Social Security spousal benefits: You can receive up to 50% of your spouse's Social Security benefit.

What is the 10 year rule for Social Security?

Although you need at least 10 years of work (40 credits) to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits, we base the amount of your benefit on your highest 35 years of earnings.

Can I collect Social Security on 2 husbands?

Yes, you can. Notify the Social Security Administration that you were married more than once and may qualify for benefits on more than one spouse's earnings record.

Can I take half of my husbands Social Security if it is more than mine?

Yes. If you qualify for your own retirement and spouse's benefits, we will always pay your own benefits first. If your benefit amount as a spouse is higher than your own retirement benefit, you will get a combination of the two benefits that equals the higher amount.

Who gets Social Security if you are married twice?

People who have been married more than once, for longer than 10 years, may claim benefits against the ex-spouse with the largest Social Security account. And a divorced person who was remarried for less than 10 years may claim benefits on the account of the first spouse.

What are the benefits of remarriage after divorce?

However, happiness isn't the only benefit of remarriage. People who remarry are statistically less likely to develop chronic health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure. They are also more likely to remain physically active, which can help avoid mobility limitations in the aging process.

Why can't I get half of my husband's Social Security?

If you qualify for your own retirement benefit and a spouse's benefit, we always pay your own benefit first. You cannot receive spouse's benefits unless your spouse is receiving his or her retirement benefits (except for divorced spouses).

Do you have to be married 10 consecutive years to collect Social Security?

What are the marriage requirements to receive Social Security spouse's benefits? Generally, you must be married for one year before you can get spouse's benefits.

What is the maximum Social Security benefit for a married couple in 2023?

The maximum monthly Social Security retirement benefit for a married couple in 2023 is $9,110 if each spouse waits until age 70 to receive benefits and paid the maximum Social Security tax over 35 years of earnings. Typically, the couple must be married at least a year.

How do I get the $16000 Social Security bonus?

How to Get a Social Security Bonus
  1. Option 1: Increase Your Earnings.
  2. Option 2: Wait Until Age 70 to Claim Social Security Benefits.
  3. Option 3: Be Strategic With Spousal Benefits.
  4. Option 4: Make the Most of COLA Increases.

What changes are coming for Social Security in 2023?

For 2023, the changes consist of an 8.7% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to the monthly benefit amount, an increase in the maximum earnings subject to the Social Security tax, a rise in disability benefits, and more.

How do I get 100% Social Security?

If you start receiving benefits at age 66 you get 100 percent of your monthly benefit. If you delay receiving retirement benefits until after your full retirement age, your monthly benefit continues to increase. The chart below explains how delayed retirement affects your benefit.

Can ex wife claim my pension years after divorce?

It is crucial that you take into account the division of your pension or other retirement funds as part of a divorce. Your ex-wife or husband may be able to claim a portion of your pension years after you were divorced if you do not address the issue in your separation agreement.

How does Social Security know if you are married?

The SSA will verify your marriage through a marriage certificate, certified public record of marriage, a certified statement of a religious record of marriage, or a foreign record of your marriage if married overseas.

Can I collect spousal benefits and wait until I am 67 to collect my own Social Security?

Hi. No, assuming that you were born after January 1 1954. Only people who were born prior to January 2 1954 are allowed to claim spousal benefits without also being required to claim their own benefits at the same time (https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/claiming.html).

How does a divorced woman collect her husband's Social Security?

The marriage must have lasted for at least 10 years and the divorced spouse must be at least 62 years old. If the requirements are met, the divorced spouse can receive an amount equal to as much as 50% of their ex's benefits.

Can I switch from my own Social Security benefit to a spousal benefit?

Only if your spouse is not yet receiving retirement benefits. In this case, you can claim your own Social Security beginning at 62 and make the switch to spousal benefits when your husband or wife files.