Ask Larry

Can I Switch To Drawing Survivor Benefits On My Ex-Husband's Record?

My ex spouse and I divorced in 2003, after more than 10 years of marriage. I began receiving social security disability on or right around that time. He never remarried. I remarried in 2013 and my husband died 364 days later. I began receiving survivor benefits after his death. My ex husband also passed away in 2015, after receiving on one SS retirement check. Can I change which spouse I receive the survivor benefits on,as my ex had considerable more income. Thank you Larry for any assistance you can provide me. Donna

Hi Donna,

Yes, it sounds like you could potentially receive survivor benefits on either husband's record. And if you are receiving Social Security disability benefits on your own record, it would likely be advantageous for you to file on your first husband's record as soon as possible if your survivor rate would be higher on his account than what you are receiving on your second husband's record.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Jun 13 2017 - 7:33am
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