Many couples getting a divorce wonder how their divorce will affect social security. Divorces take place in a county’s family court through a local government agency, whereas social security is a program through the federal government. Therefore, local county divorce papers cannot override any benefits from the federal government. Since social security is a federal program, there are social security benefits for divorced spouses.

What are the social security benefits for divorced spouses?

Divorced spouses are entitled to social security benefits from their previous spouse under certain circumstances. The divorced spouse can receive benefits if:

– The marriage lasted 10 years or longer.

– The divorced spouse is unmarried.

– The divorced spouse is 62 years old or older.

– The benefit that the divorced spouse is entitled to receive based on their own work is less than the benefit they would receive based on the other spouse’s work.

– The other spouse is entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits.

If you feel that you or your ex-spouse is entitled to social security benefits, check out the Social Security Agency’s Website for more information about the benefits you/they are entitled to. We understand that this information can be confusing, so feel free to contact our team for assistance!