Episode 31 Block 3 Published
Social Security Divorce: The 10-Year Marriage Rule for Benefits
Watch on YouTube If your marriage lasted 10 years, you may be entitled to Social Security benefits on your ex-spouse’s record - up to 50% of their PIA. One day short of 10 years and you get nothing. This episode covers the 10-year requirement, the age 62 minimum, the remarriage rules, how divorced claims do not affect your ex, the two-year independence rule, and the almost-ten-years decision. Check the next video in this playlist to continue your Social Security education.
▶ Watch next: Social Security After Divorce: How to Claim Before Your Ex Files https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-axFzNhcEA
📺 Full playlist: Social Security (US - 2026) https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlIAFxS296491LWfYsLp6anRyo6_DO_pI
Chapters
A divorced spouse can claim benefits on an ex-spouse's record — up to 50% of the ex's PIA — provided the marriage lasted at least 10 years, both are 62+, and the claimant has not remarried. One day short of 10 years means zero eligibility. This rule changes divorce-timing math for couples near the threshold.
Key Topics
- The 10-year marriage rule (counted by date, not calendar)
- Age 62 minimum for both spouses
- The remarriage question: generally bars unless later marriage also ends
- Divorced claims don't reduce the ex's benefit or affect their current spouse
- The ex doesn't need to have filed (two-year divorce rule covers this)
- How many ex-spouses can claim simultaneously: all qualifying ones
- The "almost-ten-years" divorce strategy: whether to delay the divorce decree