Spousal benefits are probably the most misunderstood Social Security benefit. Ex-spousal benefits may seem even more convoluted. Here is a summary of requirements to file for ex-spousal benefits. To be eligible to collect an ex-spousal benefit: (1) your ex-spouse must be living. (2) you need to be single, (3) you need to be at least 62, (4) you must have been married 10 years or more and (5) the ex-spousal benefit must be greater than your own worker benefit. Keep reading for additional considerations: