About Social Security Benefits for Someone with Multiple Ex-spouses – Ask Rusty

Dear Curious Ex-Spouse: A former spouse can only collect one SS benefit – either their own SS retirement amount, or an amount as an ex-spouse if the marriage lasted 10 years or more. And it is possible for multiple ex-spouses of a marriage to the same person to qualify for benefits from those unions, if each marriage lasted at least 10 years.  But each ex-spouse can only qualify for one benefit payment – either their own earned SS benefit, or their benefit as an ex-spouse. In other words, someone with two (or more) ex-spouses might have their ex’s collecting full benefits on their record, provided that each marriage lasted at least 10 years. But an ex-spouse can only get one benefit –their own SS retirement amount or an ex-spouse amount – whichever is higher).  

It’s possible, also, that an ex-spouse can collect benefits from a former spouse at the same time as a current spouse is also collecting spouse benefits on the same record. And there is no detriment to either’s amount because multiple spouses or ex-spouses are collecting on a one person’s SS record (Social Security is, after all, a means for spouses, or ex-spouses, to avoid poverty). However, an ex-spouse’s own SS retirement benefit (from their personal lifetime work record) must be less than any ex-spouse benefit they are entitled to from a former spouse. Essentially, if the “10-years-married” rule is satisfied, ex-spouses are subject to the same benefit rules as a current spouse.  

You are correct that we see some cases like this these days, but each eligible ex-spouse can only get one benefit, and their ex-spouse benefit is always offset by any personal SS retirement benefit the ex-spouse may also be entitled to on their own lifetime work record. 

www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2024-medicare-parts-b-premiums-and-deductibles  

IRMAA and MAGI can be confusing. If you have questions about your Medicare premiums, help is available at [email protected], or at 1.888.750.2622. 

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This article is intended for information purposes only and does not represent legal or financial guidance. It presents the opinions and interpretations of the AMAC Foundation’s staff, trained and accredited by the National Social Security Association (NSSA). NSSA and the AMAC Foundation and its staff are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any other governmental entity. To submit a question, visit our website (amacfoundation.org/programs/social-security-advisory) or email us at [email protected].