divorce lawyers pennsylvania | Pennsylvania Family Law Blog - The Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz

Can I Qualify for Social Security Benefits After Divorce?

By Sheryl Rentz on April 17, 2013

If you have been married for at least ten years and meet other requirements, you may qualify for Social Security retirement or disability benefits based on your ex-spouse’s work record – even if your former spouse remarries.  A hardworking Pennsylvania divorce attorney can help you understand how your benefits may be affected by divorce.

Retirement benefits are paid through Social Security if a person is 62 years of age or older and has a work record that qualifies him or her for benefits. The former spouses of such workers may also qualify for “derivative benefits,” which amount to one-half of the working spouse’s benefit, as long as the marriage lasted at least ten years and the former spouse does not qualify for a higher benefits award based on his or her own work record. Read the rest »