New Hampshire Social Security Divorce Benefits Calculator

Yes, New Hampshire residents can collect Social Security benefits on an ex-spouse's record if the marriage lasted at least 10 years. Under 42 U.S.C. § 402(b), you must be at least 62 years old, currently unmarried, and your ex-spouse must be eligible for Social Security benefits. Your claim does not reduce your ex-spouse's benefit amount, and the SSA will not notify them that you filed.

The maximum divorced spouse benefit is 50% of your ex-spouse's Primary Insurance Amount (their benefit at full retirement age). Claiming at age 62 reduces this to 32.5%, while waiting until your full retirement age (66-67) secures the full 50%. Unlike your own retirement benefits, divorced spouse benefits do not increase beyond 50% even if you delay claiming past FRA.

No, claiming benefits on your ex-spouse's Social Security record has absolutely no effect on their benefit amount. Under Social Security Act Section 202, your benefit is calculated independently and paid from general Social Security funds. Your ex-spouse will continue receiving their full benefit, and SSA will not even notify them that you filed a claim on their record.

Remarriage before age 60 terminates your eligibility for divorced spouse benefits while the new marriage lasts. However, if your new marriage ends through divorce, death, or annulment, you can regain eligibility. For survivor benefits, remarrying after age 60 (or age 50 if disabled) does not affect your eligibility—you can continue receiving benefits from your deceased ex-spouse's record.

Yes, if your ex-spouse is deceased and your marriage lasted at least 10 years, you may qualify for survivor benefits worth 71.5% to 100% of their benefit amount. Claiming at age 60 provides 71.5%, while waiting until full retirement age (66-67) secures 100%. You must be unmarried, or if remarried, the marriage must have occurred after age 60.

The optimal claiming age depends on your financial needs and life expectancy. Filing at 62 provides immediate income but permanently reduces your benefit to 32.5% of your ex's PIA. Waiting until full retirement age (66-67) maximizes your benefit at 50%. Unlike personal retirement benefits, there's no advantage to delaying past FRA—your divorced spouse benefit caps at 50% regardless.

You receive whichever benefit is higher, but the SSA structures this as a combined payment. They first pay your own earned benefit, then add a supplement to reach the higher ex-spouse amount if applicable. For example, if your own benefit is $800 and your ex-spouse benefit would be $1,200, you receive $800 plus a $400 divorced spouse supplement totaling $1,200.

Apply by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, visiting your local New Hampshire SSA office, or starting an application online at ssa.gov. You'll need your marriage certificate, final divorce decree, birth certificate, and identification. If you don't have your ex-spouse's Social Security number, provide their name, date of birth, place of birth, and parents' names instead.