How Does Divorce Affect Your Social Security

Generally, the Social Security Administration provides benefits to divorced spouses in the same manner as they are provided to married spouses. If you are divorced, your ex-spouse may receive benefits based on your record of contributions to Social Security, provided the government’s requirements are met.

If you are entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits, your ex-spouse can receive benefits based on  your record if he/she is unmarried and 62 years of age, if your marriage lasted 10 years or longer, and if the benefit that your ex-spouse is entitled to receive, based on his or her own record, is less than the benefit he or she would receive based on your record.

There are many variables to consider. A Divorce attorney is an excellent resource to answer questions related to your particular situation.  Details are also available on the Social Security Administration’s website here.