Social Security Benefit Rules For Divorced Spouses – Am I Eligible For Social Security Benefits If I Have Been Divorced? (2026)
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2026 · AM I ELIGIBLE FOR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS
IF I HAVE BEEN DIVORCED?
Is your ex-spouse alive?
Sorry, during the first two
years after your divorce
you are not eligible for
spousal benefits unless
your ex-spouse has filed
for benefits.
Sorry, while you are
married you are not
eligible for spousal
benefits based on your
ex-spouse's record.
Sorry, you must wait until
both of you have reached
age 62 (unless you are, or
your ex-spouse is, disabled).
Sorry, you are not eligible
to collect spousal benefits
based on your ex-spouse's
record.
Did you have more than
one marriage that lasted at
least 10 years?
Are you married to
someone else?
You may be eligible for
survivor benefits.
You are eligible for 50% of
your ex-spouse's Primary
Insurance Amount (PIA) or
100% of your own benefits,
whichever is greater.
See “Am I Eligible For Social
Security Benefits As A
Surviving Spouse?” flowchart.
See “Am I Eligible For
Social Security Benefits
As A Spouse?” flowchart.
See “Will My Social Security
Benefits Be Reduced?”
flowchart.
You can pick the ex-spouse
that will provide that
greatest benefits. Follow
the flowchart to determine
eligibility for each spouse.
If you plan on earning
more than $24,480 in
2026, your benefits
may be reduced.
Between FRA and age 70.
No advantages to delay
taking spousal benefits
past FRA.
Between 62 and your FRA.
Benefits are reduced as
much as 35% if taken at
age 62.
Were you married to your
ex-spouse for at least 10
years?
You may be eligible for
benefits on your current
spouse's record.
Are you eligible for benefits
on your own record?
No claiming
strategy exists.
When do you plan to
collect benefits?
Did the divorce occur at
least two years ago?
Are you and your
ex-spouse at least age 62?
Has your ex-spouse
filed for benefits?
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
No
No
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
At FRA.
START HERE
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Aaron Vaughn
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aaron@defiantservicesllc.com
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