Social Security Independently Entitled Divorced Spouse's Benefits
These are benefits paid to divorced spouses of workers who are receiving (or are eligible to receive) Social Security benefits. In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must meet the following requirements: Be at least 62 years old ...
What is Social Security Independently Entitled Divorced Spouse's Benefits?
The Social Security Independently Entitles Divorced Spouse’s Benefits are a federally funded program administered by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). These are benefits that are paid to divorced spouses of workers who are eligible to receive Social Security benefits.
Program Requirements
To qualify for this benefit program, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 62 years old and not currently married
- Be divorced from a person who is at least 62 years old and has enough work credits to get Social Security benefits
- Have been married to that person for at least 10 years and divorced for at least two continuous years
- Not be entitled an equal or higher Social Security retirement benefit or disability benefit based on your own work.
If you would like to find out if you may be eligible for any of the benefits SSA administers, use SSA's Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool.
Once you have completed the eligibility screening questionnaire, you will be provided with a list of benefits for which you may be eligible. Print this list for your records before going to the application site.
Application Details
What is the application process for Social Security Independently Entitled Divorced Spouse's Benefits?
Once you know which benefits you may be eligible for, visit the Apply For Social Security Benefits webpage to apply online.