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Ask Rusty · Social Security Q&A

Social Security for divorced spouses

Benefits on an ex-spouse’s record — who qualifies, remarriage rules, and how ex-spouse benefits fit with your own.

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Divorced spouses: questions and answers

9 questions answered

  1. I Worked for my Ex-husband but Wasn’t Paid and Now Have little Social Security; What are my options?

    Aug 10, 2026 · Ask Rusty

    Worked unpaid for your ex-husband and have little Social Security? Learn how ex-spouse benefits and assistance programs could help boost your income.

  2. I Lost Money as a Widow and Ex-spouse by Not Knowing the Rules

    Feb 23, 2026 · Ask Rusty

    I Lost Money as a Widow and Ex-spouse by Not Knowing the Rules - Ask Rusty

  3. Social Security for Divorced Spouses

    Feb 17, 2026 · Ask Rusty

    Divorce is frequently traumatic and sometimes acrimonious, but emotions are absent from Social Security’s rules governing benefits for divorced spouses.

  4. I’m Divorced; Can I Get Benefits from my Ex-husband?

    Jan 12, 2026 · Ask Rusty

    I’m Divorced; Can I Get Benefits from my Ex-husband? - Ask Rusty

  5. About Remarrying and Benefits from an Ex-spouse

    Dec 8, 2025 · Ask Rusty

    About Remarrying and Benefits from an Ex-spouse - Ask Rusty

  6. Why Can’t I Get My Social Security Payment Plus My Railroad Pension From My Ex-spouse?

    Jul 7, 2025 · Ask Rusty

    Why Can’t I Get My Social Security Payment Plus My Railroad Pension From My Ex-spouse? - Ask Rusty

  7. Veteran Asks About Disability and Ex-Spouse Benefits

    Sep 26, 2022 · Ask Rusty

    Ask Rusty – Veteran Asks About Disability and Ex-Spouse Benefits

  8. What Benefits Do My Wife, and my Ex-wife, Get If I Die?

    Jul 11, 2022 · Ask Rusty

    Ask Rusty – What Benefits Do My Wife, and my Ex-wife, Get If I Die?

  9. When Can I Get Benefits from My Ex-spouse?

    Apr 12, 2021 · Ask Rusty

    When Can I Get Benefits from My Ex-spouse? - Ask Rusty