Ask Larry

Am I Entitled To Any Of My Deceased Ex-Husband's SS?

My ex husband and I were married and divorced 1986. We lived together for three more years later on without remarrying. He passed away five years ago. Am I entitled to any S.S. benefits of his? I never remarried and receive my own S. S.

Hi. No. If you weren't married to your spouse at the time of his death, you would need to have been married to him for at least 10 years in order to potentially qualify for survivor benefits (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.04/handbook-0403.html).

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Aug 7 2022 - 12:51pm
MaxiFi software running on a laptop
Get What's Yours!
Discover tens of thousands in extra retirement dollars with Maximize My Social Security software!
  • Find your maximized strategy
  • Unlimited what-ifs
  • Step-by-Step filing instructions
  • Our software's lifetime-benefit increase for an illustrative couple earning $65K each and planning to take retirement benefits at 62.

    Results will differ based on your specific case and filing strategy.

Getting Started is Easy
Web-based software. Works on ALL browsers. No download.