Can I get Social Security benefits from ex-spouse when marriages were less than 10 years? Desperate at 62

I'm sorry to say there are no exceptions to the 10-year marriage rule for divorced spouse benefits. It's one of those hard cutoffs in the Social Security rules that the SSA absolutely won't budge on, even if your ex deliberately timed it that way (which unfortunately happens more than you'd think). Since both marriages were under 10 years, neither qualifies you for ex-spouse benefits. The bigger concern to me is your 30 years as a 1099 worker - did you file Schedule SE and pay self-employment taxes during those years? If not, those earnings aren't counted toward your benefit calculation.

my grandma had almost the exact situation!!! her 1st husband timed the divorce at 9 years too, total jerk move. she ended up having to move in with my parents cause her ss check was so tiny. idk what the solution is but just wanted to say your not alone

There's definitely no exception to the 10-year marriage rule, but there might be something you can do about those 1099 years. If you have documentation proving an employer-employee relationship (they controlled when/how you worked, provided equipment, etc.), you could potentially file Form SS-8 to request the IRS determine if you were misclassified. If they rule in your favor, you might be able to get those earnings credited, though you'd typically only be able to go back 3 years. Also, at 62 with limited income, have you looked into Supplemental Security Income (SSI)? It could provide additional support if your resources are below the thresholds. Regarding your current benefit: have you checked your earnings record on my.ssa.gov to make sure all your eligible earnings are actually reflected? Sometimes there are errors that can be corrected.

The whole system is RIGGED to keep people like us desperate!! My cousin's friend worked for 40 YEARS and got a pathetic check too. They make these arbitrary rules like the "10 year" thing just to DENY benefits to people!!! And the 1099 scam is HOW EMPLOYERS CHEAT the system and the government LETS THEM!!! They should go after those employers not punish US!!! And good luck getting ANYONE at SSA to help - you'll wait HOURS on the phone and still get nowhere!!!

I had a similar thing with the 1099 situation - worked for a company for 12 years and they had me as a "contractor" even though I was really an employee. I managed to get some of it fixed by filing the SS-8 form someone else mentioned. But it only went back 3 years. Still better than nothing though! Have you tried calling SSA to discuss your options?

hmm i thought there was a thing where if u were married when your spouse died you could get survivors benefits even if it was less than 10 years? maybe im wrong tho

I'm overwhelmed by all the responses. Thank you everyone. I've made an appointment with a local senior advocacy center to get help with the SS-8 form. I also checked with my state and there is a small supplement program I might qualify for. I'm going to try that Claimyr service to talk to SSA - at this point I'll try anything that might help. Just feeling so foolish for not understanding how Social Security worked all these years.

One more thing to consider: if your income is this low, look into whether you qualify for SNAP benefits (food stamps), utility assistance programs, and Medicare Savings Programs that can help cover your Medicare Part B premiums. Many states also have senior tax relief programs that reduce property taxes or provide renters credits. Also, when you speak with SSA, ask specifically about whether any of your work might qualify for Special Wage Credits - some caregiving roles get additional credits that could potentially increase your benefit amount. It's a long shot, but worth asking about.

also idk if this helps but my mom told me grandma eventually got on a subsidized housing list and that helped her a lot with expenses. the wait was like 2 years tho so maybe apply now even if ur not sure?