Social Security Benefit Rules For Divorced Spouses – Am I Eligible For Social Security Benefits If I Have Been Divorced? (2026)

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 ForSocial Security BenefitsAs 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 benefitsmay 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 claimingstrategy 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?NoYesNoYesYesNoYesNoNoYesNoYesYesNoNoYesAt FRA.START HERE
© fpPathfinder.com. Licensed for the sole use of Ryan Weiser, CFP® of Weiser Financial Planning. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Updated 12/26/2025.
Weiser Financial Planning, LLC

Weiser Financial Planning, LLC is a Fiduciary, and Fee-Only Financial Planning Firm. A Registered Investment Adviser in Lewis Center, OH that provides Comprehensive Financial Planning and Investment Management Services to clients in the Columbus & Central Ohio area, as well as Nationwide though online virtual meetings. Ryan J. Weiser CFP®, CDFA® is the president and founder of Weiser Financial Planning LLC. He helps people connect their money with the things that are most important to them by making wise financial decisions, so they can maximize their money and live the best life possible. 

Weiser Financial Planning LLC. (referred to as "WFP") is a Registered Investment Adviser offering advisory services in Ohio and in other jurisdictions where exempted. The information herein is provided "AS IS" and without warranties of any kind either expressed or implied. This content is licensed material from Fp Pathfinder for the sole use of Ryan Weiser of Weiser Financial Planning LLC..

To the fullest extent permissible pursuant to applicable laws, WFP disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, implied warranties or merchantability, non-infringement and suitability for a particular purpose. WFP does not warrant that the information will be free from error. None of the information provided here is intended as investment, tax, accounting, or legal advice. This information should not be considered a solicitation to buy, an offer to sell, or a recommendation of any security in any jurisdiction where such an offer, solicitation, or recommendation would be unlawful or unauthorized and should not be relied upon for purposes of transacting securities or other investments. Your use of the information is at your sole risk. Under no circumstances shall WFP be liable for any direct, indirect, special, or consequential damages that result for the use of, or the inability to use, the materials herein, even if WFP or a WFP authorized representative has been advised of the possibility of such damages. In no event shall WFP have any liability to you for damages, losses, and causes of action for accessing this information.

Ryan Weiser, CFP®, President & Chief Compliance Officer