Ask Larry

Can I Get Any Type Of Benefits?

I am 60 and disabled drawing no benefits. I don't have enough credits. My first marriage lasted b7 yrs. I had 2 children now grown and he deceased. My second marriage lasted about the same with 2 children also. I have lived with the same man for nearly 20 yrs in common law state. Can I get any type benefits?

Hi,

I'm not sure if there's a typo in your question, but if your prior marriages lasted less than 10 years and ended in divorce, the only way that you could qualify for benefits based on those marriages is if you have a minor or disabled child in your care and your ex is deceased (https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0300208010).

If you are currently married based on a common law marriage, you may qualify for spousal benefits. Your husband would need to be receiving his benefits in order for you to be eligible, and you would need to be at least age 62 or have a minor or disabled child in care in order to qualify (https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/quickcalc/spouse.html). For more information on common law marriages, refer to Social Security's operations manual: https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200305060.

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
Jun 3 2017 - 9:24am
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