I'm new to this community but have been following this discussion closely as I'm in a very similar situation. Reading through everyone's experiences has been incredibly reassuring! My marriage lasted about 7.5 years before we separated, but due to contested custody and property issues, our divorce wasn't finalized until 3.5 years later - putting me at exactly 11 years from wedding to final decree. What really stands out to me from all these responses is how consistently SSA handles these cases - they truly only care about the legal marriage duration from certificate to final decree, period. No investigation into separation dates or living arrangements. It's clear this is a very common scenario for them. I'm especially grateful for the practical tips shared here: getting certified copies of both documents ready early, being able to apply up to 4 months before turning 62, and most importantly - specifically requesting ex-spouse benefits consideration rather than assuming they'll automatically check. That last point could save months of processing delays! It's amazing how many of us have had nearly identical timelines with these lengthy divorce processes. What initially felt like a unique and complicated situation is clearly very routine for SSA. Thank you to everyone who shared their real-world experiences - hearing from people who have successfully navigated this exact process makes all the difference in reducing anxiety about the application!

I'm new to this community but your question really resonates with me! I'm approaching 62 soon and have been worried about this exact same issue. My situation is slightly different - we were married for 9 years when we separated, but due to complex property disputes and court backlogs, the divorce didn't finalize until 2 years later, putting me at 11 years total. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly eye-opening and reassuring! It's clear that SSA really does take a very black-and-white approach - they simply look at the date on your marriage certificate and the date on your final divorce decree. Period. The separation period in between is completely irrelevant to them from a legal standpoint. What I find most helpful is learning that I should specifically request consideration for ex-spouse benefits when I apply, rather than assuming they'll automatically check all my options. I also had no idea I could apply up to 4 months before turning 62! Those are the kinds of details that could make a real difference in timing and processing. Your timeline sounds very solid - 7 years before separation plus almost 4 more years until final divorce clearly puts you well over the 10-year requirement. Based on everyone's consistent experiences here, you should have absolutely no issues. Good luck with your application!

I'm in a very similar situation - turning 65 next year and born in 1960, so I'm also affected by this deemed filing rule. What's been most frustrating for me is that I keep finding outdated articles online that still talk about the restricted application strategy like it's available to everyone. I wasted months planning around that before I found out it doesn't apply to me! One thing I discovered that might help you is that you can create a my Social Security account online to see estimates of both your own benefit and potential spousal benefits. It's not as detailed as what you'd get from talking to an actual representative, but it gives you a ballpark idea of which might be higher. Also, if you do end up using Claimyr or getting through to SSA, ask them to explain the "break-even" analysis - basically at what age the cumulative benefits would be equal if you claim early versus waiting. That helped me understand whether delaying made sense in my case.

I'm also dealing with this same situation and wanted to add something that helped me understand the timing better. Even though we can't use the restricted application strategy anymore, the timing of when you file still matters a lot. I learned that if your own benefit will be higher than the ex-spousal benefit, you might still want to delay claiming until age 70 to get those delayed retirement credits (8% per year). But if the ex-spousal benefit is higher, there's no point waiting past your FRA since spousal benefits don't grow with delayed credits. What really helped me was calling and asking the SSA rep to run three scenarios: claiming at 62, at my FRA, and at 70, showing the monthly amounts and total lifetime benefits for each. They could see both my record and my ex's record and gave me the actual numbers instead of just estimates. It made the decision much clearer. Also, don't forget that you need to have been married for at least 10 years to qualify for ex-spousal benefits - sounds like you're good with 22 years, but worth mentioning for others reading this.

I'm in a very similar situation - turning 63 next year and living in Costa Rica. After reading all these experiences, I'm definitely leaning toward flying back to file in person. The thing that really stands out to me is how many people mention that SSA reps in the US caught errors or complications that could have cost thousands over time. Since we're talking about benefits that will hopefully last 20+ years, even a small mistake in the calculation can add up to huge money. Plus, with the WEP calculations and international agreements, it seems like the FBU staff's expertise varies wildly between locations. At least in a US office, you know they have access to all the systems and can pull up everything immediately. The travel cost is a one-time expense, but benefit errors last forever. Has anyone had experience with the SSA office in Miami? I'm thinking that might be my best bet given the high number of international cases they probably handle.

Reading through all these experiences really reinforces how much the decision depends on your individual situation. For anyone else following this thread who might be on the fence, here's what seems to be the key factors: 1) If you have a straightforward work history with only US earnings, FBU can work fine (though timelines vary widely), 2) If you have foreign earnings, multiple countries involved, or potential WEP calculations, the US route seems overwhelmingly better, and 3) The peace of mind factor is huge - knowing you can get everything resolved in one sitting vs. potentially months of back-and-forth. One additional consideration I haven't seen mentioned much is that if you're planning to travel back to the US anyway for other reasons (family visits, medical appointments, etc.), the timing could work out perfectly. Also worth noting that some of the newer SSA offices have really streamlined their processes - it's not the same bureaucratic nightmare it used to be if you come prepared with all your documents. Thanks to everyone for sharing such detailed experiences!

This is such a comprehensive discussion! I'm really impressed by how thoroughly everyone has covered the different aspects of this situation. As someone who works with Social Security benefit calculations regularly, I want to add a couple of practical tips that might help: First, consider keeping a simple log of your dividend payments throughout the year - not just for tax purposes, but also to track which stocks are performing well. This can help you make informed decisions about your portfolio over time. Second, if you're concerned about the tax implications of dividend income pushing you into higher SS benefit taxation brackets, you might want to explore tax-advantaged accounts for any future investments. While you can't move inherited stocks into an IRA, any new money you invest could potentially go into tax-deferred or tax-free accounts depending on your situation. One last suggestion: the Social Security Administration has local offices where you can meet with representatives in person if you ever have complex questions about how different types of income affect your benefits. Sometimes having a face-to-face conversation can clear up confusion that phone calls might not resolve. You've inherited what sounds like a solid foundation for your financial future - take your time learning about it and don't let anyone pressure you into making hasty decisions!

This has been such an educational thread to read through! As someone who recently started receiving Social Security benefits at 62, I was also confused about what counts toward the earnings limit. I wanted to share something that might help other newcomers - the SSA actually has a really helpful earnings test calculator on their website where you can input different scenarios to see how various types of income would affect your benefits. It's under the "Retirement Planner" section. I found it super useful for understanding the difference between earned and unearned income. Also, for anyone dealing with inherited stocks like the original poster, I learned that many brokerages offer free consultations with their financial advisors if you have accounts above a certain value. It's not a replacement for professional tax advice, but they can help explain the basics of dividend reinvestment, portfolio diversification, and other concepts that might be new to you. StarSurfer, it sounds like you're handling this inheritance very responsibly by asking all the right questions upfront. Your uncle would definitely be proud of how thoughtfully you're approaching this!

I'm so sorry for your loss, and I want to echo what everyone else has said about how incredibly well you've prepared for this process. Reading through this entire thread has been both heartbreaking and inspiring - the way this community has come together to help you build such a comprehensive case is really something special. As someone who works in social services, I can tell you that you've gathered exactly the kind of multi-faceted evidence that SSA looks for in paternity cases. The tax returns are particularly strong because they show official acknowledgment over multiple years, and combined with the hospital records and family statements, you've created what we call a "preponderance of evidence" that should clearly establish the parent-child relationship. One small administrative tip for your appointment - bring everything in a organized folder with copies and originals separated. SSA appreciates when families come prepared, and it helps move the process along more efficiently. Also, don't be surprised if they schedule a follow-up appointment or request additional documentation - that's completely normal and doesn't mean there are problems with your case. Your granddaughter is incredibly fortunate to have you advocating for her during this difficult time. The survivor benefits will provide important financial security as she finishes high school and considers her future education plans. You're giving her such a gift by ensuring she receives what her father's work history has earned her. Thinking of you both as you head into next week's appointment. You've got this!

I'm so deeply sorry for the loss of your son. Reading through this entire thread has been incredibly moving - seeing how this community has rallied around you with such comprehensive support and practical advice really shows the best of what these forums can be. You've done absolutely everything right in preparing for your appointment. The documentation you've gathered - tax returns, hospital records, family statements, timeline organization, and your legal guardianship papers - creates an overwhelming body of evidence that should satisfy any reasonable standard for establishing paternity. The fact that you've had legal guardianship for over a decade while maintaining her connection to her father's family only strengthens your case. As someone who has helped several families navigate SSA survivor benefits, I can tell you that your preparation is exemplary. The multi-year tax records showing him claiming her as a dependent are particularly compelling evidence that SSA values highly. Combined with the hospital documentation and family statements, you've built what any caseworker would recognize as a clear pattern of acknowledged paternity. Your granddaughter is so fortunate to have you fighting for her rights during this heartbreaking time. These survivor benefits can make a real difference in her life - not just for daily expenses, but for college and her future independence. You're honoring your son's memory by ensuring his years of work continue to provide for his daughter. Going into your appointment, remember that SSA wants to approve legitimate claims. They have extensive experience with complex family situations and incomplete birth certificate documentation. You've given them everything they need to say yes. Wishing you strength and success next week. You've got this, and she's got you - that's what matters most.