How Much Does a Surviving Divorced Spouse Get From Social Security?

Social Security offers financial support to surviving divorced spouses, recognizing contributions made during a marriage. These benefits provide income based on a former spouse’s earnings record. This support can be an important part of financial planning for those who have lost a former spouse.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for Social Security benefits as a surviving divorced spouse, several conditions must be met. The marriage to the deceased worker must have lasted for at least 10 years. You must be unmarried, though remarriage after age 60, or after age 50 with a disability, does not prevent receiving these benefits.

Your former spouse must have been eligible for Social Security retirement or disability benefits at the time of their death, meaning they earned enough work credits to be “fully insured.” You must also meet age requirements, being at least 60 years old, or 50 with a disability. If you are caring for the deceased former spouse’s child who is under age 16 or has a disability and is receiving Social Security benefits, you may be eligible at any age. The benefit you would receive on your own Social Security record must be less than the benefit you would receive as a surviving divorced spouse.

Determining Your Benefit Amount

The amount a surviving divorced spouse receives is based on the deceased former spouse’s Social Security earnings record. If you claim benefits at your full retirement age (FRA) for survivor benefits, you can receive 100% of your deceased former spouse’s basic Social Security benefit, known as the Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). The FRA for survivor benefits varies by birth year, gradually increasing to age 67 for those born in 1962 or later.

Claiming benefits before your full retirement age will result in a permanent reduction in your monthly payment. If you claim at age 60, your benefit could be reduced to about 71.5% of the deceased worker’s PIA. The percentage increases incrementally for each month you wait to apply, up to your full retirement age. If the deceased former spouse claimed their benefits early and received a reduced amount, your survivor benefit might be based on that reduced amount.

The “family maximum” rule limits the total amount of benefits payable on a single Social Security record. While this rule can reduce benefits for other family members, benefits paid to a surviving divorced spouse do not count toward this family maximum. This means your benefit does not reduce amounts received by other family members who may also be claiming benefits on the deceased’s record. The maximum family benefit ranges from 150% to 180% of the deceased worker’s PIA.

Applying for Benefits

To apply for surviving divorced spouse benefits, contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) online, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. While online application might be available for some benefits, survivor benefits often require a phone call or an in-person visit. Scheduling an appointment beforehand can help reduce wait times at the office.

Several documents are required to process your application. These include proof of the deceased former spouse’s death, such as a death certificate, and their Social Security number. You will also need your own birth certificate or other proof of age, and your divorce decree. Providing your bank account information for direct deposit is necessary for receiving payments.

After submitting your application, processing time can vary. Claims are often processed within a few weeks, typically ranging from 4 to 6 weeks, though it can extend to 8 to 12 weeks during busy periods or if additional information is needed. You will receive a notification of the decision, and if you disagree, an appeal process is available.

Coordination with Other Social Security Benefits

Individuals may be eligible for multiple types of Social Security benefits. If you are eligible for both your own earned retirement benefits and surviving divorced spouse benefits, the Social Security Administration will pay you the higher of the two amounts. You will not receive both benefits combined.

The “deemed filing” rule states that if you apply for one type of Social Security benefit before your full retirement age, you may be considered to have applied for all benefits you are eligible for, including survivor benefits. This rule ensures you receive the highest benefit amount available. You can claim survivor benefits at an earlier age and then switch to your own retirement benefit at a later age to take advantage of delayed retirement credits that increase your own benefit amount.

If you work while receiving surviving divorced spouse benefits and are younger than your full retirement age, your benefits will be reduced if your earnings exceed specific limits. For 2025, if you are under full retirement age for the entire year, $1 is deducted from your benefits for every $2 you earn above $23,400. If you reach full retirement age in 2025, $1 is deducted for every $3 earned above $62,160 until the month you reach your full retirement age. Once you reach your full retirement age, these earnings limits no longer apply, and you can earn any amount without your benefits being reduced.