{"id":351746,"date":"2016-04-04T11:02:32","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:02:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/divorce\/divorce-remarriage-and-social-security.html"},"modified":"2024-09-18T09:14:00","modified_gmt":"2024-09-18T14:14:00","slug":"divorce-remarriage-and-social-security","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/divorce\/divorce-remarriage-and-social-security.html","title":{"rendered":"Divorce, Remarriage, and Social Security"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Divorce in Retirement: Does Divorce Impact Social Security Benefits?<\/h1>\n
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\n By Jade Chounlamountry, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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If your marriage lasted 10 years or more, you will likely continue to receive your share of the Social Security spousal benefits. You would not get your ex’s benefits if you were married for less than 10 years. Getting remarried and other factors can change your benefits.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

Like changes that happen when you get married, you’ll want to pay attention to how divorce and remarriage affect your\u00a0Social Security<\/a>\u00a0and retirement planning. For instance, you must report a name change to the\u00a0Social Security Administration (SSA)<\/a>. Remarriage will affect survivor benefits.<\/p>\r\n

Ensure you understand your rights and take care of potential issues immediately\u00a0during a divorce<\/a>. As with any major family change, you may want to review your beneficiaries and financial future.<\/p>\r\n

How Much Social Security Does an Ex-Spouse Get?<\/h2>\r\n

This is essential to know during your divorce financial planning. You must get your spouse’s or ex-spouse’s Social Security retirement benefits statement to understand what exists in their retirement savings. This is especially important if you have no earnings record or work history.<\/p>\r\n

When you reach\u00a0full retirement age (FRA)<\/a>, you will get unreduced or full benefits and 50% of the retirement savings account. If you have your own work record benefits, you will typically receive that amount first. You will also get money from your spouse’s record if your spouse has a higher benefit.<\/p>\r\n

The full retirement age is 67 for anyone born after 1960. You can ask to receive Social Security benefits as young as 62 years old, but you’ll get a lower amount. You might be eligible for delayed retirement credits if you or your spouse delay your retirement age. These increase your monthly benefit.<\/p>\r\n

Can You Continue to Collect Social Security After Divorcing Your Spouse?<\/h2>\r\n

You can only collect Social Security after divorcing<\/a> your spouse if:<\/p>\r\n