But the good news is that as an ex-spouse you definitely can file for survivor benefits—as long as you meet certain qualifications based on age, length of marriage and current marital status. And benefits paid to an ex-spouse don’t in any way affect benefits paid to a widow or widower.
Can I collect Social Security survivor benefits when my ex-spouse dies?
If your ex-husband or ex-wife was disabled and receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and then died, you may be to receive benefits as a surviving ex-spouse. These benefits are available to divorced spouses who were married for at least ten years.
When can I start draw my ex husband’s Social Security benefits?
The earliest you can apply for divorced-spouse benefits is three months before your 62nd birthday. You can do so online (via an application form or your My Social Security account); by phone at 800-772-1213; or by making an appointment at your local Social Security office.
Can you get survivor benefits if divorced?
Benefits paid to you as a surviving divorced spouse won’t affect the benefit amount for other survivors getting benefits on the worker’s record. If you remarry after you reach age 60 (age 50 if disabled), the remarriage will not affect your eligibility for survivors benefits.
Are there survivor benefits for a divorced spouse?
Eligibility for Divorced Spouse’s Survivors Benefit The requirements and benefits for a surviving ex-spouse are very similar to those provided to surviving spouses (see our article on survivors benefits in general).
How to apply for survivor benefits if you are a widow?
A widow, widower, or surviving divorced spouse cannot apply online for survivors benefits. You should contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to request an appointment. (If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call our TTY number at 1-800-325-0778 .)
What happens to Social Security benefits if a divorced spouse dies?
If you are the divorced spouse of a worker who dies, you could get benefits the same as a widow or widower, provided that your marriage lasted 10 years or more. Benefits paid to you as a surviving divorced spouse won’t affect the benefit amount for other survivors getting benefits on the worker’s record.
How old do you have to be to be a survivor of a divorce?
Who Qualifies for Surviving Divorced Spouse Benefits? If your former spouse has died, you may be entitled to Social Security survivor benefits as a former spouse if you meet the following requirements: Your marriage lasted at least ten years. You’re at least 60 years old, or 50 if disabled.
