Former partners benefit from Social Security in the United States

Granted, many people are not currently aware that Social Security benefits can be obtained depending on the employment history of the ex-spouse. Despite this, it is clear that certain conditions must be met.

For example, a person may be eligible for benefits based on their ex-partner’s employment history if their marriage lasted at least 10 years. This was explained by William Meyer, founder of Social Security Solutions, a website that helps people decide how to claim their Social Security.

On the other hand, Mayer also indicated that any benefits he receives will not affect the amounts the former will receive. Nor will it affect the amounts of the ex-partner’s current spouse or any of the ex-partner’s other ex-spouses.

However, the rules for these benefits depend on whether the former partner is alive or deceased.

What would be the case in each case?

If your ex-partner is alive and has not remarried, you may be eligible for divorced spouses benefits. Benefit that can reach 50% of what the first would receive at full retirement age (66 and 67 years old).

But, it is important to note that you can only get the divorced spouse benefit if the amount is greater than what you earned on your work history.

In this sense, Social Security does not pay both amounts, but it does pay the greater of both. Also, to apply, both of you must be at least 62 years of age or receive Social Security disability benefits.

It is correct to clarify that the benefits for divorced spouses end if they remarry.

Now, in the case of those with a deceased ex-partner, benefits can apply for divorced survivors. This is a more generous benefit in many ways.

You can apply from age 60 or 50 if you have a qualifying disability. But the most striking thing is that it can be up to 100% of what your ex was receiving.

However, the amount may be reduced and will be subject to an income test if started before full retirement age.

Taxpayers can remarry and still receive a living divorced benefit. This will be done based on his previous employment history, provided he remarries at the age of 60 or older.

In addition, you can also change the benefits for divorced survivors to your advantage later.