Can I claim survivor benefits based on my ex-spouse’s Social Security benefits?

If your divorced spouse has passed away, you may be eligible to collect survivor benefits as a widow / widower if:

  • You are over the age of 60.
  • The marriage lasted more than 10 years.
  • You are not now remarried.

OR

  • You have remarried, but after the age of 60

If you remarried before the age of 60, and are still married, you cannot collect survivor benefits from a former spouse.

If you remarried before the age of 60 but that marriage has now ended, you may collect survivor benefits from a deceased ex-spouse.