Applying for SSA Spousal Benefits - What Documents Do I Need?
Hey everyone, I'm trying to apply for spousal benefits and I'm not sure where to start. Has anyone gone through this process recently? What documents do I need to have ready? Any tips or advice would be really appreciated!
19 comments
Write a comment...
Chloe Taylor
I just went through this last month! Here's what you need: • Marriage certificate (official copy) • Your spouse's Social Security number • Both of your birth certificates • Your Social Security card • A government-issued ID (driver's license or passport) Make sure you have everything before you start the application. It'll save you a lot of headaches later. Good luck!
0 coins
Omar Hassan
Thank you so much! This is super helpful. Do you remember how long the whole process took?
0 coins
2M
Chloe Taylor
No problem! For me, it took about 6 weeks from application to approval. But I've heard it can vary. Just be patient and follow up if you don't hear anything after a month or so.
0 coins
1M
ShadowHunter
Don't forget your W-2 forms or tax returns for the last couple years! They asked me for those too.
0 coins
1M
Write a comment...
Diego Ramirez
ugh, good luck dealing with the SSA. I've been trying to get through to them for weeks. Its like they dont want us to get our benefits 🙄
0 coins
Anastasia Sokolov
I feel you. The system is so broken. I spent hours on hold last week and still didn't get through. 😤
0 coins
1M
Sean O'Connor
Have you guys tried calling right when they open? I had better luck that way.
0 coins
1M
Write a comment...
Zara Ahmed
Quick tip: if you're having trouble getting someone on the phone, I found this site (claimyr.com) that has a calling tool. It dials the phone menu, stays on hold, and then sends the call to your phone when a live agent picks up. It costs $20, but it saved me hours of frustration. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU
0 coins
Luca Conti
Sounds too good to be true. Has anyone else tried this?
0 coins
1M
Zara Ahmed
I was skeptical at first too, but it really worked for me. Saved me a whole day of being on hold.
0 coins
1M
Nia Johnson
$20 seems steep just to make a phone call. Is it really worth it?
0 coins
1M
Zara Ahmed
For me, it was totally worth it. Time is money, and I wasted so much time trying to get through before. But I get it's not for everyone.
0 coins
1M
Write a comment...
CyberNinja
Anyone know if you can apply online? I hate dealing with phone calls 😫
0 coins
Write a comment...
Mateo Lopez
Pro tip: if your spouse is already receiving Social Security retirement benefits, the process is way easier. You might even be automatically eligible when you reach the right age.
0 coins
Omar Hassan
Oh, that's good to know! My spouse isn't receiving benefits yet, but I'll keep that in mind for the future.
0 coins
1M
Write a comment...
Aisha Abdullah
Just a heads up, if you're still working, your spousal benefits might be reduced. Make sure to check the earnings limit before you apply!
0 coins
Ethan Davis
This! 👆 I learned this the hard way. Definitely do your research on how working affects your benefits.
0 coins
1M
Write a comment...
Yuki Tanaka
Has anyone here applied for spousal benefits if they're divorced? I heard it's possible but not sure about the details.
0 coins
Carmen Ortiz
Yep, you can get spousal benefits from an ex if you were married for at least 10 years and haven't remarried. Same basic process, but you'll need your divorce decree too.
0 coins
1M
Write a comment...