{"id":353885,"date":"2015-01-22T16:06:14","date_gmt":"2015-01-22T21:06:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/socialsecurity\/basics\/social-security-survivor-benefits-after-divorce.html"},"modified":"2026-03-09T17:05:09","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T22:05:09","slug":"social-security-survivor-benefits-after-divorce","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/socialsecurity\/basics\/social-security-survivor-benefits-after-divorce.html","title":{"rendered":"Social Security Survivor Benefits After Divorce"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Social Security Survivor Benefits After Divorce<\/h1>\n\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

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A divorced spouse<\/span> who collects survivor benefits<\/span> at full retirement age<\/span> would be entitled to assistance equal to 100% of their deceased ex-husband<\/span> or ex-wife\u2019s benefits. Full retirement age<\/span> is 65 for those born before 1940 and\u00a0increases incrementally\u00a0to 67 for those born after 1962.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

A divorce may bring an end to a marriage, but it doesn\u2019t always terminate eligibility<\/span> for important benefits, including Social Security <\/span>survivor benefits<\/span>. If you\u2019ve been divorced, you may receive Social Security <\/span>survivor benefits<\/span> should your former spouse<\/span> die.<\/p>\n

Social Security <\/span>survivor benefits<\/span> for divorced spouses<\/span> can provide an important source of income as you age. In most cases, your benefits won\u2019t reduce the assistance available to the rest of your ex-spouse<\/span>\u2019s remaining family.<\/p>\n

If you are considering applying for Social Security benefits<\/span><\/a>, you may want to discuss your situation with an attorney near you<\/a>. A lawyer can help examine your financial circumstances, your marriage history, and your eligibility<\/span> for benefits in retirement.<\/p>\n

Who Qualifies for Surviving <\/span>Divorced <\/span>Spouse<\/span> Benefits<\/span>?<\/h2>\n

If your former spouse<\/span> has died, you may be entitled to Social Security <\/span>survivor benefits<\/span><\/a> as a former spouse<\/span> if you meet the following requirements:<\/p>\n