You can collect benefits on a spouse’s work record regardless of whether you also worked. If your own retirement benefit is lower than your spousal benefit, Social Security will pay you the higher amount.
Can a woman draw on her ex husband’s Social Security?
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. You are entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits.
What happens when you apply for Social Security as a spouse?
If you do have enough credits to qualify for your own Social Security benefits and you apply for your own retirement benefits and for benefits as a spouse, we always pay your own benefits first. If your benefits as a spouse are higher than your own retirement benefits, you will get a combination of benefits equaling the higher spouse benefit.
How are Social Security benefits calculated when a spouse dies?
The survivor benefit is generally calculated on the benefit your late spouse was receiving from Social Security at the time of death (or was entitled to receive, based on age and earnings history, if he or she had not yet claimed benefits). The actual amount of your payment will differ according to your age and family circumstance:
Can a spouse collect Social Security on their own work record?
You can collect benefits on a spouse’s work record regardless of whether you also worked. If your own retirement benefit is lower than your spousal benefit, Social Security will pay you the higher amount. To qualify for survivor benefits, you must have been:
Can a married couple claim the same Social Security benefits?
Coordinating your benefits with your spouse’s benefits can help you both get the most out of your Social Security payments. In some cases, it makes sense for both spouses to claim on the same spouse’s earnings record.
