When a couple thinks of terminating their marriage, they often have questions about the correlation of social security benefits for divorced spouses entitled to either of them. If your marriage lasted more than ten years, you can claim social security benefits on the entire earning history of your ex-spouse’s benefit.
This may entail both benefits at retirement and benefits at death. When seeking your ex-spouse’s retirement benefit, you need to prove your legal marriage through a valid marriage certificate. If disabled, you can receive disability benefits in addition to the anticipated retirement benefits.
What Are Social Security Benefits for a Divorced Spouse?
This mostly represents a derivative benefit and entails one-half of your ex-spouse’s own benefit. Such social security spousal benefits allow a spouse to either choose their social security benefits in retirement or the derivative benefits of their ex-spouse’s retirement benefit.
During social security administration, no additional papers need filing at the time of divorce for one to receive ex-spouse benefits. The earnings record of the divorcing couple needs an elaborate description for a maximum spousal benefit. The ex-spouse’s record must appropriately illustrate their earnings limits (including any other monthly payments).
Also, their combination of benefits equals total divorced spouse benefit. The federal government website outlines the basic rules concerning the annual limit for U.S. social security administration and benefit programs. In the United States, application for spousal benefits happens only after fulfilling the 10-year entitlement requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Social Security Benefits for Divorced Spouse
When addressing the issue of social security benefits for the divorced spouse, there exist many typical questions that people ask. Below you’ll check answers to often asked social security spousal benefits questions that may make this somewhat complex issue a bit clearer.
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How Much of My Spouse’s Social Security Benefits Do I Receive?
As a divorcee, you can receive no more than one-half of your ex-spouse’s spousal benefit as outlined in the divorce decree. If you have a deceased spouse, you can receive their full social security benefits. The amount of social security spousal benefits after divorce will depend on your age and the retirement age for your spouse.
The lower your age when you receive benefits, the less you will receive the monthly benefit payments. You will receive a higher benefit amount if you plan to retire around age 67. As mentioned above, while your former spouse still lives, you can receive a derivative benefit. Upon their death, you can receive a survivor benefit.
Can a New Spouse Also Claim Social Security Benefits for Divorced Spouse?
Your current spouse can claim social security spousal benefits simultaneously with the former spouse. The subsequent marriage must have lasted at least ten years for a spouse to get benefits and other retirement earnings.
How Can I Apply for Social Security Benefits for Divorced Spouse?
Visit www.ssa.gov to apply for spouse benefits through a straightforward process. You can apply over the phone at 800-772-1213 or visit your local social security office to complete the application for benefits. You must have your former spouse’s social security number to apply for benefits through the benefit eligibility screening tool. You must fulfill all eligibility requirements before you make any claim for benefits.
Can My Former Spouse Collect Benefits Based on My Work History?
Yes. Either spouse can get a derivative benefit from one another even during subsequent marriages based on your work history. If your former spouse receives a higher benefit than you, choose to receive entitlement to benefits from their social security.
Can I Receive Public Benefits in Addition to Social Security Benefits for Divorced Spouse?
Eligibility for benefits received from a non-social security-covered job may cut the overall amount of your monthly benefits. Contact the social security office for more information about the federal government pension offset provision applicable to earlier benefits based on the existing list of benefits.
Filing for divorce almost always has financial consequences to both spouses with regards to social security divorce spouse benefits. As a divorced spouse, ensure that you take advantage of all available avenues of income under your entitlement such as social security divorced spouse benefits.
Do You Need Help with Social Security Benefits for Divorced Spouse?
If you need any additional paperwork concerning social security benefits for a divorced spouse, it’s best to consult a legal document assistant. Understanding the relevant paperwork is the first step to making the right decision towards obtaining your social security benefits.
At A People’s Choice, we have a great team that can walk you through every step of the process. To get started today, just contact us here or call us at 800-747-2780.
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