Q & A
My husband and I are not divorced but have lived apart for many years. Can I still receive Social Security through his record?
Answer: Living together is not required for Social Security spousal benefits as a wife or husband. Your individual Social Security Administration retirement amounts might prevent spousal benefits but living apart while married will not. In addition, having lived apart will not prevent either of you from potentially receiving future survivor benefits as widow or widower. Should you divorce, SSA benefits might be payable as a divorced spouse or surviving divorced spouse if the marriage lasted at least 10 years and other requirements are met.
Source: Howard Kossover, via Grand Forks Herald - 9/27/2014
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