Social Security FAQ
Learn about eligibility for Social Security benefits -- whether you are eligible, when you can collect them, and how much you will receive.
How much can I expect to get in Social Security benefits?
Who is eligible to collect Social Security benefits?
When can I start collecting Social Security retirement benefits?
How are my Social Security benefit amounts calculated?
Can I keep a job even after I start collecting retirement, dependents, or survivors benefits?
Can I collect more than one type of benefit at a time?
» Can I claim spousal benefits if I'm divorced?
Can I claim spousal benefits if I'm divorced?
You are eligible for dependents benefits if both you and your former spouse have reached age 62, your marriage lasted at least ten years, and you have been divorced for at least two years. This two-year waiting period does not apply if your former spouse was already collecting retirement benefits before the divorce.
You can collect benefits as soon as your former spouse is eligible for retirement benefits. He or she does not actually have to be collecting those benefits for you to collect your dependents benefits.
If you are collecting dependents benefits on your former spouse's work record and then marry someone else, you lose your right to those benefits. You may, however, be eligible to collect dependents benefits based on your new spouse's work record. If you divorce again, you can return to collecting benefits on your first spouse's record, or on your second spouse's record if you were married for at least ten years the second time around.
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