Can I claim Social Security credits from ex-spouse for years as stay-at-home mom?

Hi there! Yes, you might qualify for ex-spouse benefits but it's kinda complicated. I think you need to have been married at least 10 years (which you were) and not be currently married (which...you are). So that might be a problem. Call SSA and ask them directly.

This is a common misconception! Your Social Security benefit is based on your 35 highest-earning years. Those zero years don't get 'filled in' with anyone else's earnings. However, what you're probably thinking about is spousal benefits or ex-spouse benefits. Since you've remarried, you cannot claim benefits on your ex-husband's record. Once you remarry, you lose eligibility for ex-spouse benefits. You would potentially be eligible for spousal benefits based on your current husband's record though. I recommend creating a my Social Security account at ssa.gov where you can see your earnings history and get benefit estimates. Those $0 years will impact your own benefit calculation, but spousal benefits might still provide you a higher amount depending on your and your current spouse's earnings histories.

my sister had same problem she stayed home with kids for like 12 years and when they figured her ss it was super low because of all those zero years. system is rigged against moms i swear

I sympathize with your situation. I was also a stay-at-home parent for several years. Unfortunately, you can't claim those years against your ex's record directly. But don't panic about the zeros! Social Security calculates your benefit using your top 35 earning years. If you don't have 35 years of earnings, they'll use zeros to fill in the gaps, but if you're working now, each additional year could replace a zero. Also, as others mentioned, when you retire you may be eligible for spousal benefits on your current husband's record if that amount is higher than your own benefit.

I understand your frustration with the Social Security system regarding stay-at-home parents. To clarify a few points: 1. No, you cannot get earnings credits from your ex-spouse for those zero-earning years. Your earnings record is your own. 2. Since you've remarried, you're no longer eligible for ex-spouse benefits (which would have been available had you remained unmarried). 3. When you reach retirement age, you'll be eligible for either your own retirement benefit OR up to 50% of your current spouse's benefit amount, whichever is higher. 4. The good news: If you continue working, each year with earnings can replace a zero year in your top 35 calculation. This is definitely a situation where speaking directly with a Social Security representative would help clarify your specific options. However, reaching them can be very difficult.

If you're having trouble reaching SSA by phone, I'd recommend trying Claimyr (claimyr.com). I was in a similar situation trying to get clarification about my benefits calculation after being a stay-at-home dad for several years. Was on hold for hours multiple days with no luck. Then I tried Claimyr and got through to an agent in about 15 minutes. They basically call SSA for you and connect you when an agent picks up. There's a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Regarding your actual question - others have given good answers. Those zero years are unfortunately part of your record permanently, but continuing to work now will help replace some zeros in your top 35 calculation. And you'll be eligible for spousal benefits on your current husband's record if that amount is higher than your own benefit.

My mom had this exact problem. Shes getting WAY less than she should because she raised 4 kids and has like 15 years of zeros. The system is broken when it comes to stay at home parents. You should join the Facebook group "Social Security Benefits for Stay at Home Parents" - lots of good info there.

One additional point regarding your situation: while those zero years won't be replaced with your ex-spouse's earnings, there is a "caregiver credit" proposal that's been discussed in Congress for several years. It would provide earnings credits for people who leave the workforce to care for children or elderly family members. It hasn't passed yet, but if you're interested in advocacy on this issue, organizations like the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare are working on it. In the meantime, maximize your earnings for the remaining years of your career to replace as many zero years as possible in your benefit calculation.

Just to add to what others have said - when calculating your benefit, Social Security uses your highest 35 years of indexed earnings. The 'indexed' part is important because it adjusts your past earnings to account for wage inflation over time. So while those 10 years do count as zeros, if you're working now, even part-time jobs could potentially replace some of those zeros in your calculation. Also, when you apply for benefits, SSA will automatically calculate whether a spousal benefit based on your current husband's record would give you a higher monthly payment than your own record. You'll receive whichever is higher - they do this calculation automatically.