Understanding the Effects of Divorce on Social Security Benefits

What is a spousal Social Security benefit?

Before we dive into how divorce affects benefits, it helps to understand what spousal benefits are and how they differ from Social Security retirement benefits. A spousal benefit is a benefit available to the spouse of a qualifying worker.

How does divorce affect your Social Security benefits?

Divorce could render you ineligible to claim a spousal Social Security benefit on your partner's record, depending on the length of your marriage. If the two of you were together for at least 10 years before splitting, you're in the clear.

What happens if you remarry?

If you remarry, you become ineligible to claim on your ex's work record anymore. However, you would be eligible to claim a spousal benefit on your new partner's record.