How much does an ex-wife get from Social Security?
Asked by: Dr. Josefina Simonis | Last update: February 17, 2026Score: 5/5 (52 votes)
An ex-wife can receive up to 50% of her ex-spouse's full Social Security benefit, provided the marriage lasted at least 10 years, she hasn't remarried, is at least 62 (or caring for the ex's child under 16/disabled), and her own benefit is less than the spousal benefit. To get the full 50%, she must wait until her own Full Retirement Age (FRA); claiming earlier (as early as 62) reduces the amount, potentially to 32.5%. The ex-spouse's benefit amount isn't affected.
Can you stop your ex-wife from getting your Social Security?
No, you generally cannot stop your ex-wife from receiving Social Security benefits on your record if you were married for at least 10 years and she meets the criteria, as divorce decree clauses preventing this are usually unenforceable by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Her benefits, if she qualifies, do not reduce your own payments, nor do they affect any benefits for your current spouse.
Can a divorced wife collect her ex-husband's Social Security?
Yes, a divorced wife can get her ex-husband's Social Security benefits if their marriage lasted at least 10 years, she is currently unmarried, is at least 62, and the benefit on his record is higher than her own, with claiming rules similar to current spouses but allowing benefits even if he hasn't applied (if divorced for 2 years). These benefits don't affect his or his current spouse's payments and clauses in divorce decrees giving up these rights are invalid.
Can my ex-wife get my Social Security if I remarry?
Yes, your ex-wife can still get Social Security benefits on your record after you remarry, as long as your marriage to her lasted at least 10 years, she's unmarried (or remarried after age 60), is at least 62 (or 60 if you're deceased), and her own benefit is less than yours; your remarriage doesn't end her entitlement, only her remarriage generally does (with exceptions for remarrying after 60 or the same person).
What is the maximum benefit an ex-spouse can receive?
The maximum ex-spousal benefit is up to 50% of the higher earner's benefit and capped at their full retirement age (FRA) amount, also known as the Primary Insurance Amount or PIA. Most will get a higher benefit based on their own record, rather than an ex-spouse's.
How Divorced Social Security Spousal Benefits Work
Does my ex-wife still get half of my retirement if she remarries?
If you remarry after age 60 you can still receive survivor benefits based on your former spouse's record. But if your new spouse is also collecting Social Security benefits, and you would receive a higher amount based on the new spouse's work record, you will receive the higher amount.
How to calculate Social Security benefits from ex-husband?
You can visit the official Social Security Administration website and use their online calculator to estimate your benefits. You'll need to have information on your own work history and earnings.
What is an ex-wife entitled to when her ex-husband dies?
An ex-wife's entitlement after an ex-husband's death depends heavily on the divorce decree, state laws, and beneficiary designations, but generally, she's not automatically entitled to assets, though she might claim Social Security survivor benefits (if married 10+ years), a portion of a pension (if negotiated), or inherit if named in a will or life insurance policy post-divorce, otherwise, she loses inheritance rights, but may still have claims under laws for dependents if financially dependent.
Can a woman draw off her ex-husband's Social Security?
Yes, a divorced wife can get her ex-husband's Social Security benefits if their marriage lasted at least 10 years, she is currently unmarried, is at least 62, and the benefit on his record is higher than her own, with claiming rules similar to current spouses but allowing benefits even if he hasn't applied (if divorced for 2 years). These benefits don't affect his or his current spouse's payments and clauses in divorce decrees giving up these rights are invalid.
What is the maximum spousal benefit amount?
The maximum spousal benefit is 50% of the amount that the spouse is eligible to receive at full retirement age. Survivors may receive up to 100% of the deceased spouse's Social Security benefit.
Can two wives collect Social Security from one husband if they?
Yes, if a husband has multiple wives (current and/or ex-spouses), two wives can collect Social Security benefits on his record simultaneously, provided they meet eligibility requirements, such as marriage duration (10+ years for exes) and age, and the benefits don't impact each other or the total family maximum for dependents, but the SSA determines the final payout, and ex-spouses get the higher of their own benefit or the divorced spousal benefit.
How can I tell if my ex-wife is drawing off my Social Security?
SSA will not disclose if your ex spouse is receiving benefits unless they are receiving in on your record. You can call and ask if anyone is drawing off your ssn.
What is the new Social Security spousal rule?
There isn't one single "new" spousal rule, but rather major changes have impacted claiming strategies, particularly the end of "file and suspend" for spousal benefits for most people after 2023, thanks to the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, while the recent Social Security Fairness Act (2024/2025) removes WEP/GPO, affecting government workers' spousal benefits, and a potential future reduction in spousal benefits (to 33%) starts in 2026 for new claimants. The key shift is that most spouses can no longer strategically file for spousal benefits while their own delayed retirement credits grow; they now get whichever benefit is higher (their own or the spousal one) when they file, limiting complex claiming strategies.
How long do you have to be married to a man to get his Social Security?
Generally, you must be married for one year before you can get spouse's benefits. However, if you are the parent of your spouse's child, the one-year rule does not apply.
Does an ex-wife get Social Security if an ex-husband dies?
Yes, you can get your ex-husband's Social Security survivor benefits if you were married for at least 10 years, are unmarried (unless you remarried after age 60/50 for disability), and meet age (60+, or 50+ with disability) or caregiving requirements, potentially receiving up to 100% of his benefit, which is usually higher than your own. Benefits won't affect your ex's current spouse or other survivors, and you can switch to the higher of your own or the survivor benefit.
What is the biggest mistake during a divorce?
The biggest mistake during a divorce often involves letting emotions drive decisions, leading to poor financial choices, using children as weapons, failing to plan for the future, or getting bogged down in petty fights that escalate costs and conflict, ultimately hurting all parties involved, especially the kids. Key errors include not getting legal/financial advice, fighting over small assets, exaggerating claims, and neglecting your own well-being.
What is an ex-wife entitled to?
After divorce, a woman is generally entitled to a fair share of marital assets (house, savings, retirement) and debts, potential spousal support (alimony) to meet needs or maintain lifestyle, and rights concerning child custody, visitation, and support if children are involved, with specifics depending on state law and individual circumstances like income, length of marriage, and financial needs, aiming for an equitable financial start for both parties.
Do I get 50% of my ex-husband's Social Security?
How much of the benefit will I receive? You are eligible to receive one-half (50%) of your ex-spouse's retirement benefit. If your ex-spouse should die before you, you can receive their full retirement benefit. The benefit does not include any delayed retirement credits your ex-spouse may receive.
How much Social Security will I get if I make $60,000 a year?
If you consistently earn $60,000 annually over your career, expect roughly $2,300 - $2,500 per month at your Full Retirement Age (FRA) in today's dollars, but your actual benefit depends heavily on your earnings history (highest 35 years, indexed), birth year, and when you start benefits; for a precise figure, use the Social Security Administration (SSA)'s online tools. Benefits are calculated using bend points on your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME), and starting early (age 62) or late (age 70) significantly alters the monthly amount.
Will I lose my ex husband's Social Security if I remarry?
Generally, remarrying stops your eligibility for your ex-husband's Social Security benefits on his record, but you may regain eligibility if that new marriage ends, or if you remarried the same ex-husband under specific conditions, or if your new spouse receives certain benefits. If you're collecting benefits on his record and remarry, those payments usually stop, and you'll need to report the change to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
What is the 5 year remarry rule?
Ideally, an individual who obtained a green card through marriage should wait at least 5 years before getting remarried to a foreign national.
Does my ex-wife get half my pension if I remarry?
If part of a pension has been transferred to an ex-partner under a pension sharing order, or you used pension offsetting, this will not be affected if either of you remarries. But a pension attachment or earmarking order will usually stop.
When can a divorced spouse collect Social Security?
You can start collecting your ex-husband's Social Security benefits as early as age 62, but you must meet criteria: the marriage lasted 10+ years, you're currently unmarried, your ex is eligible for benefits (even if not collecting), and your own benefit on your record is less than what you'd get from his record. Waiting until your own Full Retirement Age (FRA) gives you up to 50% of his FRA benefit, while claiming at 62 results in a permanently reduced amount.
What is the maximum spousal benefit?
3 The maximum spousal benefit is 50% of your spouse's FRA benefit if you claim at your FRA. 3 If you receive a spousal benefit before you reach FRA, it will be reduced and will not increase when you reach FRA.
Why would spousal benefits be denied?
Several factors can disqualify you from receiving survivor benefits, such as: Remarrying before a certain age. Your deceased spouse not having earned enough work credits. Not meeting the SSA definition of a spouse.