Claiming Your Social Security Benefits After a Divorce
In the United States, the government can pay social security benefits to a divorced spouse. If you are receiving or eligible for social security benefits and have been divorced, you may be able to claim some of your ex-spouse’s benefits. This process can be complicated, but this blog post will explain how it works and what you need to do to claim your benefits. Keep reading to learn more!
What is Social Security?
Social security is a government-provided insurance program that benefits retired workers and their families. Payroll taxes from workers and employers fund the program. Social security benefits can be paid to a divorced spouse if you have been married for at least ten years.
How Does Social Security Work After a Divorce?
To claim social security benefits from an ex-spouse, you must meet the following requirements:
1. You must be divorced or have finalized your divorce by the time you reach retirement age.
2. You must be unmarried.
3. Your ex-spouse must be entitled to social security benefits.
4. You must have been married for at least ten years.
5. You must not be living with your ex-spouse.
If you meet all of the above requirements, you may be eligible to claim up to half of your ex-spouse’s social security benefits. The amount you receive will depend on your ex-spouse’s benefit amount and your retirement age.
If your ex-spouse is deceased, you may also be eligible for social security benefits if you meet the following requirements:
1. You must be unmarried.
2. You must be at least 60 years old.
3. You must have been married for at least nine months before your ex-spouse’s death.
4. You must not have remarried before reaching the age of 60.
If you meet all of the above requirements, you may be eligible to claim your ex-spouse’s social security benefits. The amount you receive will depend on your ex-spouse’s benefit amount and your retirement age.
How to Apply for Social Security Benefits from an Ex-Spouse
To apply for social security benefits from an ex-spouse, you will need to provide the Social Security Administration with the following information:
- Your name and social security number.
- Your date of birth and place of birth.
- Your ex-spouse’s name and social security number.
- Your divorce decree or annulment papers.
- Your marriage certificate.
- Your ex-spouse’s death certificate (if applicable).
You can apply for social security benefits from an ex-spouse online, by phone, or in-person at your local Social Security office.
How Much Social Security Benefits Should You Receive After a Divorce?
If you are eligible to claim social security benefits from an ex-spouse, you should receive as much as 50% of your ex-spouse’s social security benefits. However, the amount you receive will depend on your retirement age and your ex-spouse’s social security benefits.
Moreover, if you are eligible for social security benefits from your work history, you will receive the higher of the two benefit amounts. For example, let’s say your ex-spouse’s social security benefits are $1,000 per month, and you are eligible for social security benefits from your own work history. You will receive the higher of the two benefit amounts, $1,000 per month.
Keep in mind that if you remarry before you reach the age of 60, you will lose your eligibility to receive social security benefits from an ex-spouse.
Conclusion
If you are divorced and receiving or eligible for social security benefits, you may be able to claim some of your ex-spouse’s benefits. The process can be complicated, but this blog post has explained how it works and what you need to do to claim your benefits. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to contact a divorce lawyer in Sugar Land for more information.