It is a little known fact that ex-spouses have the ability to collect Social Security disability benefits based on their divorced partner’s Social Security earnings even if that ex-spouse has remarried, if the right circumstances exist. The same goes for Social Security retirement benefits.
This may irk some people who would have their ex-spouse collecting either Social Security disability or retirement benefits on their own earnings, but it is important to know that anything an ex-spouse may collect in benefits will not affect the wage earner’s benefits.
To qualify on an ex-spouse’s benefits you must:
- Have been married to the ex-spouse for at least 10 years;
- Be at least 62 years old;
- Be unmarried and not be eligible for an equal or higher benefit amount on his or her own Social Security record, or someone else’s record.
