Social Security and Divorce

Social Security and Divorce

From SML Planning Minute by Security Mutual Life Advanced Markets Team

May 5, 2026 · 10 min · Episode 382

About this episode

This episode discusses the eligibility of divorced spouses for Social Security benefits based on their ex's work history and the complexities involved.

Social Security and Divorce Episode 382 – Divorced spouses may be caught unaware that they could be eligible for a Social Security benefit based on their ex’s work history. The rules are complicated, but if you’re in that situation, there may be a pleasant surprise waiting for you: collecting a Social Security benefit you didn’t even know existed. More SML Planning Minute Podcast Episodes Transcript of Podcast Episode 382 Hello, this is Bill Rainaldi, with another edition of Security Mutual’s SML Planning Minute . In today’s episode: Social Security and divorce. We spoke extensively about the phenomenon of “gray divorce” in an episode last summer, meaning divorce specifically for those over age 50. While the overall divorce rate has fallen in recent years, the rate among people over age 50 has risen dramatically. [1] And for those people, it’s important to know something about how Social Security works for divorced spouses. It’s safe to say that getting divorced can be, and usually is, a trying experience. And it can really mess up your retirement, especially for the lower-earning spouse. But the Social Security Administration (SSA) has provided some flexibility for…

People in this episode

Host: Bill Rainaldi

Topics covered

  • Social Security
  • Divorce
  • Retirement Benefits
  • Gray Divorce
  • Financial Planning

Keywords

  • Social Security
  • Divorce
  • Retirement
  • Benefits
  • Gray Divorce
  • Financial Planning

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Social Security Administration

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