New Jersey Social Security Divorce Benefits Calculator

Yes, New Jersey residents can collect Social Security benefits based on an ex-spouse's record if married for at least 10 years. You must be at least 62 years old, currently unmarried, and your ex-spouse must be eligible for Social Security benefits. Under 42 U.S.C. § 402(b), you can receive up to 50% of their Primary Insurance Amount at your full retirement age.

You can receive up to 50% of your ex-spouse's Primary Insurance Amount if you claim at full retirement age (67 for those born 1960 or later). Claiming early at age 62 reduces benefits to 32.5% of their PIA. Unlike your own retirement benefits, there's no advantage to waiting past FRA—spousal benefits cap at 50% regardless of when you claim after that point.

No, claiming benefits on your ex-spouse's record does not reduce their Social Security payments in any way. The Social Security Administration will not notify your ex-spouse when you apply, and they cannot block your claim through a divorce decree. Your benefit is calculated separately and has no impact on their monthly check or their current spouse's benefits.

If your ex-spouse is still living, remarrying terminates your eligibility for divorced spouse benefits at any age. However, if your ex-spouse is deceased, remarrying after age 60 (or age 50 with a disability) preserves your survivor benefit eligibility. If your later marriage also ends in divorce or death, you regain eligibility for benefits from your first ex-spouse.

Yes, if your marriage lasted at least 10 years and you are unmarried or remarried after age 60, you can receive survivor benefits of 71.5% to 100% of your deceased ex-spouse's benefit amount. Full survivor benefits require waiting until your full retirement age (67 for those born 1960 or later). Claiming between ages 60 and FRA provides 71.5% to 99% based on your claiming age.

The optimal claiming age depends on your financial situation and life expectancy. Claiming at 62 provides 32.5% of your ex's PIA, while waiting until FRA (67 for those born 1960 or later) provides the maximum 50%. Unlike your own benefits, divorced spousal benefits don't increase beyond FRA, so delaying past 67 provides no additional advantage for ex-spouse benefits specifically.

Under the deemed filing rule, if you qualify for both your own retirement benefit and ex-spouse benefits, Social Security automatically calculates and pays the higher amount. You cannot choose to receive only spousal benefits and delay your own. If your own benefit exceeds 50% of your ex's PIA, you'll receive your own benefit; otherwise, you'll receive a combined amount equaling the higher spousal benefit.

To apply for divorced spouse benefits, contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. You'll need your marriage certificate, divorce decree, and both Social Security numbers. These documents verify your 10-year marriage requirement and divorce date. Survivor benefits for a deceased ex-spouse cannot be applied for online—you must call or visit SSA directly.