Community Chat

[hsawaknow]

I was married for over 20 years and have been divorced for 4 years. I was told that I would be able to collect my ex'ssocial security when he retired. It wasn't written in the divorce. can I still collect it and if so how do I go about it?

[sunshine45]

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@hsawaknow wrote:

I was married for over 20 years and have been divorced for 4 years. I was told that I would be able to collect my ex'ssocial security when he retired. It wasn't written in the divorce. can I still collect it and if so how do I go about it?

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go to your local SSA office and they can help you get started.

yes, you can collect it if it is more than you would collect on your own ss and you are of retirement age.

my guess is is that you will need your marriage certificate, divorce certificate, drivers license, birth certficate, and maybe a passport.

[drizzellla]

When I applied for Social Security, I just went to the website and applied. I was applying to collect under my Social Security. But I am sure that is on the forms. It was pretty straightforward.

Then someone from Social Security called. They were very nice. And verified when I was going to retire etc. And that was it. Started getting paid.

[Love my grandkids]

@drizzellla Don't know if you saw it but the OP is asking about collecting from her ex-s SS.

[shoekitty]

Yes you can.  I think if you have  less credits to collect, or no credits, you can collect one half of your spouse or ex spouse SS. You have to be of age to collect.

just go in, or go online and apply.  Someone will call and work with you.  Believe me they know everything about you.  Lol. 

[patbz]

@hsawaknow: If you meet SS criteria you can collect half of your ex's SS if he is alive(and that amount is more than you are entitled to collect on your own account).  If he dies, that is adjusted so that you collect his full entitlement.  It is very complicated so make an appointment at your nearest office.

[bikerbabe]

In general yes, If you are 62 or older and are not married. You can collect up to 1/2 if it would be more than what you would get filing under your SS. You do get less if you are not at full retirement age but you need to be 62.

From the SS website


https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/divspouse.html

[sissel]

Yes as long as you didn't remarry. My ex SIL remarried & tried for my brother's ss cause he made more but also my brother is still working, be prepared bring all papers you have to go down there. I collected at 62yrs but did it on line then when he retired I had to go down. Get ready for the stone face ss person to fire questions, city you got married, day, this that I was already collecting it and it was in the computer. I was a wreck, finally after all questions I saw a smile, she said she has to be like this because of so much fraud. I wonder if ex remarries & new spouse collects his half & you collecting his half how does that work? I also was told if I (collecting his half) got divorced I would have a 2 yr penalty of no checks then have to refile. Married so long now not even thinking but sometimes things happen so good to know.  You can't collect his half unless you go down there. It's a long day just bring every paper you have maybe even food. Rapid questions & they want rapid answers. DH at first gave answers then she said oh I am talking to your wife only you don't answer. LOL what a day!!!! It all worked out. 

[hsawaknow]

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@sissel wrote:

Yes as long as you didn't remarry. My ex SIL remarried & tried for my brother's ss cause he made more but also my brother is still working, be prepared bring all papers you have to go down there. I collected at 62yrs but did it on line then when he retired I had to go down. Get ready for the stone face ss person to fire questions, city you got married, day, this that I was already collecting it and it was in the computer. I was a wreck, finally after all questions I saw a smile, she said she has to be like this because of so much fraud. I wonder if ex remarries & new spouse collects his half & you collecting his half how does that work? I also was told if I (collecting his half) got divorced I would have a 2 yr penalty of no checks then have to refile. Married so long now not even thinking but sometimes things happen so good to know.  You can't collect his half unless you go down there. It's a long day just bring every paper you have maybe even food. Rapid questions & they want rapid answers. DH at first gave answers then she said oh I am talking to your wife only you don't answer. LOL what a day!!!! It all worked out. 

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