May 24, 2026
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Nearly 41% of Americans are not aware of a special Social Security rule that allows individuals to claim benefits based on their ex-partner’s record, according to a 2024 survey by MassMutual. This surprising rule could unlock $1,500 a month or more in additional income without any impact to the ex-partner’s claim. But many Americans are overlooking this and leaving money on the table.
Here’s what you need to know about this niche corner of retirement planning if you’re divorced.
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Special Social Security rule for divorcees
According to the Social Security Administration’s website, divorced individuals can claim benefits based on their ex-partner’s record. However, there are strict criteria for eligibility.
First, the marriage would need to have been at least 10 years long. Second, you must be unmarried after the divorce to qualify for this special claim. Finally, you need to be above the age of eligibility for ordinary Social Security benefits to file the claim, which is 62 years old for most people, according to the SSA.
If eligible, “you may be able to collect monthly payments equivalent to about one-third to one-half of your former spouse’s Social Security benefit, as calculated from their lifetime earnings history,” according to the AARP. In other words, if your spouse is due $3,000 in monthly benefits, your spousal claim could be worth as much as $1,500.
These rules are not new or hidden. They’re all available on the SSA’s website. However, it is difficult to keep track of these rules and eligibility requirements without a trusted source of financial information — such as the sort AARP provides.
Organizations like AARP help keep older Americans and retirees up to date with the latest changes to Social Security, tax rules and cost-saving hacks.
As one of the most trusted organizations for older Americans, AARP not only offers money-saving perks, but they can also help you make informed financial and health decisions.
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AARP members get access to guides that can help you make the most of Social Security, choose the right Medicare plan and uncover other government benefits — potentially saving you thousands.
Sign up with AARP today and get 25% off your first year.
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The value of expertise
Doing your research and supporting advocacy is important, but access to the best information doesn’t end there. For investors with portfolios of $250,000 or more, financial decisions often become increasingly nuanced.
Managing withdrawals, minimizing tax exposure and ensuring long-term sustainability often requires greater coordination and strategic planning.
In these cases, working with a financial advisor can help reduce costly mistakes.
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If you have a portfolio of $250,000 or more, platforms like WiserAdvisor can connect you with vetted professionals who specialize in this kind of planning.
Simply answer a few questions about your savings, retirement timeline and overall investment portfolio.
From there, WiserAdvisor reviews its network to match you — for free — with up to three vetted, reputable advisors aligned with your specific needs.
You can then schedule no-obligation consultations with your matches to determine who is the best fit for your long-term goals.
WiserAdvisor is a matching service and does not provide financial advice directly. All matched advisors are third parties, and specific financial results are not guaranteed.
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Vishesh Raisinghani is a financial journalist covering personal finance, investing and the global economy. He's also the founder of Sharpe Ascension Inc., a content marketing agency focused on investment firms. His work has appeared in Moneywise, Yahoo Finance!, Motley Fool, Seeking Alpha, Mergers & Acquisitions Magazine and Piggybank.
