If you get divorced, you still can receive your former spouse’s social security benefits. However, the following conditions apply:
- Your marriage must have lasted at least 10 years;
- You must presently be unmarried (if you remarry but the second spouse dies, you are still eligible to collect from the first spouse);
- You must be at least 62 years old;
- The benefits you are entitled to through your work history are less than the benefits you are entitled to from your former spouse.
- It is important to note that the amount you receive does not impact the amount of social security paid to your ex-spouse.
Even if your ex-spouses passes away, you can still collect their benefits provided that:
- Your marriage lasted 10 years;
- You are 62 (or 50 if disabled);
- Your ex-spouse was eligible for social security benefits;
The benefits you are entitled to through your work history are less than the benefits you are entitled to from your former spouse.