Did You Know? Divorced Spouses Are Eligible for These Survivor Benefits!

Did you know you could be eligible for Social Security survivor benefits from an ex-spouse? This lesser-known provision helps divorced individuals receive financial support after the death of a former spouse, provided they meet certain conditions. Understanding these benefits could make a significant difference during a challenging time.

To qualify, there are a few basic rules:

First, your marriage to the deceased must have lasted at least 10 years before you divorced. This rule ensures the longevity of the relationship before survivor benefits are granted.

Second, age matters. You can start claiming benefits at age 60 or 50 if you have a qualifying disability. And if you’re caring for the deceased’s child who is under 16 or disabled, there’s no minimum age requirement at all.

Additionally, your marital status plays a role. If you’ve remarried, you’re only eligible for these benefits if your new marriage occurred after you turned 60 (or 50 for disabled individuals).

How Much Can You Receive?

Survivor benefits can be as much as 100% of your ex-spouse’s Social Security payment. However, the amount depends on your age when you claim. Your monthly payment will be reduced if you claim benefits before reaching your full retirement age (66 or 67, depending on your birth year).

Steps to Apply

Applying is simple, but you’ll need a few key documents:

• Your marriage and divorce certificates.
• The deceased’s Social Security number and death certificate.
• Your Social Security number and birth certificate.

Once you have these, contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your nearest SSA office.

Important Points to Remember

If your ex-spouse had multiple former spouses, all eligible individuals can claim survivor benefits without reducing anyone else’s payments.

However, if you’re receiving a government pension, your Social Security survivor benefits may be reduced under a rule called the Government Pension Offset (GPO).

These benefits are a lifeline for many, especially during difficult times. If you think you might qualify, don’t wait reach out to the SSA or a financial advisor today to explore your options.