Surviving Divorced Wife

QUESTION:

Someone told me the other day that if my husband dies his first wife is entitled to his social security. Is this correct? Thank you.

~Jill from MT



ANSWER:

Yes, if they were married for at least 10 years. The ex can receive a benefit as a "surviving divorced wife ," to use the SSA term. She must be at least age 60, or age 50 if she's disabled. She can also collect on his account while your husnband is alive as a divorced wife at age 62.

But don't worry, this will have no effect on the benefit amount for any other beneficiary (including you).