According to SSA's Program Operations Manual System (POMS), section GN 00305.135, "The divorce date is the date the divorce became final in accordance with State law." Different states have different rules about when a divorce is considered final. In states with a Nisi period or interlocutory decree, the marriage legally continues until that period ends. The key is understanding how your specific state law defines when a divorce is "final." In Massachusetts, for example, the divorce isn't final until the Nisi period ends. Bring documentation showing both dates and be prepared to explain this distinction when you apply. Also important: you must be currently unmarried to claim on an ex-spouse's record, and your ex must be entitled to benefits (either already collecting or eligible to collect).

dont ssi and social security retirement have different rules? maybe thats why people get different answers

good luck getting your money!! my cousin ex never paid and she finally got him when he filed for disability! she got a big chunk of his backpay too not just the monthly checks

To add to the excellent advice already given, I want to clarify a point about jurisdiction. Since you mentioned he's moved from Texas to Florida, you'll want to work with Texas (the original jurisdiction) but they may need to coordinate with Florida through something called the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA). This allows enforcement across state lines. Also, make sure your arrearage calculation includes any legal interest that Texas allows on unpaid support. In Texas, interest on child support arrears accrues at 6% simple interest, which over many years could significantly increase the amount he owes beyond the base $65,000. If your case isn't already with the Texas Attorney General's Child Support Division, I strongly recommend transferring it there. They have direct electronic interfaces with SSA for income withholding.

One aspect you should consider is that your decision doesn't have to be all-or-nothing. Some financial planners suggest a middle-ground approach: file for benefits at FRA but suspend payments until a later date (up to age 70). This gives you flexibility - you can request retroactive benefits (up to 6 months) if your circumstances change, while still earning delayed retirement credits on future payments. Just something to consider if you're on the fence.

Has anyone calculated exactly how long you need to live to break even if you wait from 67 to 70? I keep getting confused trying to do the math.

I spent TWO HOURS on hold with Social Security last month trying to ask about changing my payment date because it falls right after my rent is due. Never got through to anyone!!! Their phone system is absolutely TERRIBLE!!!

Just to clarify since there seems to be some confusion: you cannot change your assigned payment date with Social Security. The date is determined solely by your birth date (or when you started receiving benefits if before May 1997). The only thing you can change is your direct deposit information - which account receives the funds. Many people find it easier to adjust their bill payment dates instead.

@profile6 Yes, there is a fee, but it was worth it to me after wasting days trying to get through. They don't handle your personal info - they just connect you with SSA's phone system so you're talking directly to Social Security. After my third disconnection trying to resolve my COLA questions, I was at my wit's end.

Going back to the original question - here's a simple example to make it crystal clear: Let's say your gross SS benefit is $2,000/month and Medicare Part B premium is $170/month. Your net check is $1,830. If COLA is 3%, the increase is calculated on the $2,000, giving you a $60 increase (to $2,060). If Medicare then increases by $15 (to $185), your new net check would be $1,875 ($2,060 - $185). So even though you got a full 3% COLA ($60), your actual check only increased by $45 because of the Medicare premium increase. This is why many beneficiaries feel like they don't get the full COLA - other costs are rising simultaneously.

i waited till 70 too! congrats on holding out for maximum $$$! i did the math and as long as i live past 82 i come out ahead vs taking at 62 so fingers crossed lol

One more thing to consider - if you're still working in 2023, waiting until your birthday month to claim means fewer months where your earnings might affect the earnings test. Though at 70, the earnings test no longer applies anyway, so this is more FYI for others reading who might be claiming earlier.

tell her to bring EVERYTHING!! i had to make 3 trips because they kept asking for more papers. bring marriage certificate, birth certificates, his death certificate (several copies), her ss card, his ss card if u have it, tax returns, bank statements... they make it so difficult!

my condolances on your loss. when my mom died they did deposit her last check then took it back out a few days later!!! then put it back again after my dad called them. its so confusing i think even the ssa people dont know there own rules sometimes

I just realized we might be talking about two different things here. Are you talking about the reward cards some plans give you for doing healthy activities (like going to checkups) OR the monthly allowance cards for buying OTC items? Because those might be treated differently!

The whole Social Security system is ridiculous with what they count as income! My neighbor got dinged because someone regularly brought her groceries and SSA counted that as "in-kind support" for her SSI. But then things like these cards don't count? Makes NO SENSE.

Just wanted to add - make sure when you're doing the tax returns you're separating what goes on the final 1040 vs what might need to be reported on the trust return (Form 1041). Social Security benefits received before death go on her final personal return, but depending on your trust structure and if benefits were paid to the trust, reporting could differ. Might be worth consulting with a tax professional who specializes in estate matters.

Something else to consider - if she was receiving benefits as a widow or from a divorced spouse, that might affect how you need to request the documents. Be super specific with SSA about what tax documents you need, or you might end up with incomplete information. Also, while you're at it, check if there's any possibility of survivor benefits for eligible family members if anyone qualified.

Just wondering but r u still working? Cuz that could affect survivor benefits before FRA but I think once your at FRA there's no earnings limit anymore? Someone correct me if I'm wrong about that!!

so sorry for ur loss