This post contains important information regarding the ability to receive Social Security after a divorce.

If you have not worked or have relatively low earnings compared to your ex, you may be entitled to as much as one-half of your ex’s social security benefits if:

1. The marriage lasted at least ten years from the date of the marriage to the date of the divorce.

2. You have proof of the marriage— the marriage certificate and have not remarried.

3. You can give enough identifying information so that the Social Security Administration is able to look up the records. Retain a copy of your ex’s social security number, date and place of birth and names of parents.

4. If your ex-spouse is disabled or retired and eligible for benefits, and you are caring for child either under the age of 16 or over the age 16 and are disabled, you can receive monthly benefits equal to one-half of the worker’s benefits regardless of your age.

Some other important information to be aware of:

1. If you have been divorced for at least two years, your ex-spouse does not need to apply for their benefit in order to receive yours.

2. There can be a number of ex-spouses receiving social security benefits if they meet the 10 year criteria.

3. If an ex-spouse is receiving the social security benefit, it does not impact your benefit or your current spouse’s.

4. Compare your own benefit with the benefit of the ex-spouse.

5. Consider delaying remarriage until your benefits are in pay status.

These are the ways to apply for Social Security benefits:

1. www.socialsecurity.gov

2. Call 800-772-1213

3. Go in person to your local Social Security office.