Social Security and multiple exes

If a financially well-off individual had multiple ex-spouses, could it happen that the multiple ex-spouses could each be collecting Social Security based on their own financial situation as compared to their rich ex-spouses?

Thus, multiple payouts by SS? Just curious, because there are probably many people in this situation as a result of the ever-increasing number of people involved in multiple marriages that each lasted more than ten years. Signed: Curious Ex-Spouse

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 exspouses of a marriage to the same person to qualify for benefits from those unions, if each marriage lasted at least 10 years. But each exspouse 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

See RUSTY, page A6

Rusty Gloor Social Security Matters RUSTY

From page A4

multiple spouses or exspouses are collecting on a one person’s SS record (Social Security is, after all, a means for spouses, or exspouses, 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-yearsmarried” rule is satisfied, exspouses 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 exspouse 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.

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 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 or email us at ssadvisor@amacfoundation. org.

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