Can I qualify for Medicare through my ex-spouse?

Asked by: Thalia Wolff  |  Last update: July 1, 2025
Score: 5/5 (68 votes)

If you were married to your former spouse for at least 10 full, consecutive years, you are eligible to draw your Social Security (and Medicare) Benefits off of him or her.

Can a divorced spouse get benefits from Medicare?

However, if you divorced, you must have been married for at least 10 years and be currently unmarried to qualify for this benefit. If your former spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10-years and they are age 62 or older you will be eligible for premium free Part A as part of spousal benefits.

Can my spouse get Medicare if she never worked?

Can a non-working spouse qualify for Medicare? Medicare isn't just for people who retire after many years of working. Anyone who meets Medicare eligibility requirements can get Medicare, including spouses.

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

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.”

Is there spousal coverage for Medicare?

Medicare covers individuals, not families. While some employer-sponsored group health plans directly cover medical treatments for spouses and dependents, there are no such coverage options on Medicare plans. Each person qualifies on their own.

How Much Social Security Can I Draw Off My Ex-Spouse

18 related questions found

What happens when one spouse goes on Medicare and the other isn't eligible?

If you are enrolling in Medicare coverage and your spouse is younger than 65 and does not meet one of the Medicare eligibility exceptions (such as a disability or chronic condition), they will need to secure their own insurance coverage until they reach the age requirement for Medicare.

Can a spouse who never worked get Social Security?

Bottom Line. Social Security for non-working spouses allows them to claim up to half of their partner's full retirement benefit. They can start receiving benefits at 62, but waiting until full retirement age increases the amount.

What percent of Social Security does a divorced spouse get?

If you qualify as an ex-spouse based on these criteria, your retirement benefit would be half of your ex's primary insurance amount, or PIA, so long as you claim at your full retirement age (FRA). The PIA is the benefit a person would receive if they elect to begin receiving retirement benefits at their normal FRA.

What is an ex-wife entitled to when her ex-husband dies?

Social Security rules allow a qualifying former spouse to claim benefits based on the work history of a higher-earning ex. These benefits are worth up to 50% of that former spouse's Social Security benefit at full retirement age. However, if that former spouse dies, the benefit's value is worth up to 100%.

How long can my ex-wife claim my pension years after divorce?

Original divorce agreement: If the divorce decree explicitly states that the pension is to be divided, the ex-spouse may still have a claim, even years later. State laws: Some states have statutes of limitations on claims against retirement assets, while others may allow claims to be made at any time.

What is the big mistake people make with Medicare?

Choosing the right Medicare plan can be confusing, and it's difficult to decipher all the language written into these plans and options. Medicare mistakes to avoid include missing your initial enrollment period, signing up for the wrong coverage, not paying your premiums, and assuming your spouse is covered.

How do you lose eligibility for Medicare?

6 Reasons Why You Could Lose Your Medicare Coverage
  1. You Don't Pay Your Plan Premiums. ...
  2. You Recover from a Qualifying Disability. ...
  3. You Relocate. ...
  4. Your Plan Gets Suspended. ...
  5. You're Dishonest on Your Plan Application. ...
  6. You Take Part in “Disruptive Behavior or Medicare Fraud.

Can a divorced wife collect her 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).

What is a non-working spouse entitled to in a divorce?

As such, the non-working spouse may be entitled to a share of retirement benefits, investments accrued during the marriage, and even alimony or spousal support. Each case's specifics can vary widely, influenced by local laws, the length of the marriage, and other factors.

What is the Social Security spousal benefits loophole?

The first exception, which can be deemed as the Social Security spousal benefits loophole, works where an individual who remarries at 60 or later may still be entitled to Social Security survivors' benefits if the second marriage ends before the death of the first spouse.

Can my husband's ex-wife get his Social Security when he dies?

General Program Requirements

To qualify as a surviving divorced spouse, you must meet the conditions below: Be at least age 60. Were married for at least 10 years. Have evidence of a finalized divorce.

Will I lose my ex-husband's Social Security if I remarry?

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 two wives collect Social Security from one husband?

Each survivor benefit can be up to 100% of your benefit. The amount may be reduced if the women start benefits before their own full retirement age, but they don't have to share — the amount isn't reduced because you've had more than one spouse.

Does my wife get half of my Social Security if I get divorced?

Key Takeaways

If the requirements are met, the divorced spouse can receive an amount equal to as much as 50% of their ex's benefits. You may elect to receive only your ex's benefits and delay receiving your own as long as you meet certain criteria.

What is the 10 year rule for Social Security?

If you've worked and paid taxes into the Social Security system for at least 10 years and have earned a minimum of 40 work credits, you can collect your own benefits as early as age 62.

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

A QDRO is a court order that establishes an ex-spouse's right to receive a portion of your retirement benefits, including pensions, 401(k) plans, and other qualified retirement accounts. Therefore, the short answer to the big question in this article is simply: yes.

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

A representative at your local Social Security office can provide estimates of the benefit you can receive as a divorced spouse, based on your former wife's or husband's earnings record. Call your local office or Social Security's national customer service line (800-772-1213) to make an appointment.

What are the three ways you can lose your Social Security?

Indeed, here are three ways you can lose at least part of your Social Security benefit.
  • No. 1: Keep working while taking benefits early. ...
  • No. 2: Be a substantially lower-earning spouse. ...
  • No. 3: Be alive in 2034. ...
  • Social Security still provides an important foundation for retirement.

Does a stay at home wife get Social Security?

Can you still receive Social Security as a stay-at-home mom or dad? The good news is you can. If you are a married person with little to no earnings history, you can receive a benefit up to half of your spouse's Social Security.