Yes, it is possible for a divorced spouse to collect Social Security benefits based on their former partner's work record, provided certain conditions are met:
The marriage must have lasted for at least 10 years: To be eligible for Social Security benefits based on an ex-spouse's record, the marriage must have lasted for at least 10 years.
The claimant must be unmarried: To claim benefits on the ex-spouse's record, the claimant must be unmarried. However, if the claimant remarries, they can still claim benefits based on their ex-spouse's record if the subsequent marriage ends (by divorce, death, or annulment).
Both spouses must be at least 62 years old: The claimant must be at least 62 years old to start receiving benefits based on their ex-spouse's record. However, if the claimant starts claiming benefits before reaching their full retirement age (FRA), the benefit amount will be reduced.
The ex-spouse must be eligible for Social Security benefits: The ex-spouse must be eligible for Social Security retirement or disability benefits, and their benefit amount must be higher than the claimant would receive based on their own work record.
The claimant must not have remarried: If the claimant remarries, they generally cannot claim benefits based on their ex-spouse's record, unless the subsequent marriage ends.
The claimant must not have claimed their own Social Security benefits: The claimant cannot claim benefits on their ex-spouse's record if they have already claimed their own Social Security benefits based on their work record.
It's important to note that claiming benefits based on an ex-spouse's record does not affect the ex-spouse's benefits or their current spouse's benefits. The claimant can receive benefits independently of what the ex-spouse or their current spouse may be receiving.
Social Security rules and regulations can be complex, so it's advisable to consult the Social Security Administration or a financial advisor for personalized guidance based on individual circumstances.