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A person may be eligible to receive Social Security benefits as a surviving divorced spouse based on the record of a former spouse who died fully insured. To qualify, the applicant must meet specific age, marriage duration, and benefit-eligibility rules.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
You may qualify for surviving divorced spouse benefits if:
- You are age 60 or older, or age 50 or older and disabled;
- You were married to your former spouse for at least 10 years; and
- You are not entitled to a higher Social Security benefit on your own work record.
How Remarriage Affects Eligibility
Remarriage can affect eligibility, but there are important exceptions.
Before Benefits Begin
Generally, Social Security will not pay surviving divorced spouse benefits if you remarried someone other than your former spouse before age 60 (or before age 50 if disabled). Benefits may become available again if that later marriage ends by death, divorce, or annulment.
After Age 60 (or After Age 50 if Disabled)
If you remarried after age 60, or after age 50 while already receiving disability benefits, the remarriage is disregarded for survivor benefit purposes. You can still receive benefits based on your former spouse’s record.
After You Are Already Entitled to Benefits
If you’re already receiving surviving divorced spouse benefits and then remarry, your benefits continue, regardless of your age at the time of remarriage.
No Impact on Other Family Members’ Benefits
Benefits paid to a divorced spouse or surviving divorced spouse do not reduce the benefits available to other dependents receiving payments on the same worker’s record.
Getting an Estimate of Your Benefits
To find out how much you may receive as a divorced spouse or surviving divorced spouse, you can contact Social Security directly. They can often provide estimates by phone or during an in-person appointment. You may also use the SSA’s online tools or locate your nearest office through the Social Security Office Locator.
Pensacola, Florida SSA Office
Address:
411 W Garden Street
Pensacola, FL 32502
Phone: 1-877-505-4550
TTY: 1-850-432-4625
