Divorced in Retirement? 20 Ways to Maintain Your Financial Independence

8. Learn About Social Security and Divorce

Social Security isn’t simply a retirement program. Even if you never worked a day in your life, if you are married to a spouse who receives benefits, you are entitled to benefits as well. What some people don’t know though is that even after divorce, an ex-spouse can still be entitled to Social Security spousal benefits.

To qualify, you must have been married for at least 10 years, you must be at least 62, your ex-spouse must be entitled to benefits, and your spousal benefit must be larger than the one you’re entitled to on your own accord.