I did work out of the school systen and paid social security.I was divorced from my husband in 1968 so I assume there is no spousal benefit. He is deceased.
Hello and and thank you for your question. For over 34 years, I have answered questions just like yours. And I look forward to assisting you. That depends. Provding you were married for ten years or more and you are over 62, you qualify for spousal benefits which are one half of what your former husband would be entitled to if he was collecting. However, if you are also entitled to benefits, the spousal benefit only makes sense if his one half would be more than yours. So to find out for sure, visit any SSA offfice. But for them to talk to you, you will need to bring a copy of your divorce papers.
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I do not know where my divorce papers are. Don Fagg and I were married for 12 years and he died in 1974. I live in Canada(dual citizen) and it is not easy for me to get to an office. I still would like an answer re: my benefits for work outside of the teaching profession.Cynthia
If you worked and paid into the SS system, and have 40 credits, that is ten years of work history, you are entitled to benefits on your own earnings. Note, the US embassy in Canada, and there are several branches, also has a liason who can fully research your questoin as well regarding spousal benefits but you will need your former husband's SS # XXXXX date and place of death and full name so that they can trace it.