10 Reasons You Could Get Less Social Security

4. You Divorce Too Soon

You can collect spousal Social Security benefits even if you’re divorced if you were married for at least 10 years. Meeting that requirement entitles you to half of your ex’s full-retirement-age benefit — or the full widow or widower benefit if your ex dies — which can come in handy if your ex was the primary earner in your household. In the event you’re eligible on your own but for a lesser amount, you’ll get your benefit first, and the SSA will make up the rest by paying on your ex’s record.

This means it might be in your best interest to stay legally married until you reach the 10-year mark. But don’t worry — you don’t have live with your spouse the whole time. And once you’ve been divorced for two years and are at least 62 years old, you can collect on your ex’s record even if he or she hasn’t applied yet.