Dear Liz: My ex-husband and I were married for 10 years. I married again, but am now a widow. I was told I could collect benefits on my prior marriage when my ex-husband passes. But, now that I’m a widow, I am wondering if I’m eligible to collect on my ex-husband’s record, though he is living. I’m currently getting my late husband’s benefit.
Answer: You could be entitled to a divorced spousal benefit based on your ex’s earning’s record. The divorced spousal benefit could be up to half of your ex’s benefit at his full retirement age. You would only collect that amount if it was greater than what you are currently receiving, however. You can call Social Security to check if you’re entitled to a larger benefit.
To recap: Survivor benefits are up to 100% of what the primary worker received at their death, while spousal benefits are up to half of what the (still living) primary worker would receive at full retirement age. Someone who is divorced can be entitled to benefits based on their ex’s’ work records if the marriage lasted at least 10 years.
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