Can I get 6 months retroactive ex-spouse Social Security benefits when applying separately?

Yes, you're absolutely correct about the 6-month retroactive benefits! When you apply for divorced spouse benefits, SSA can pay you for up to 6 months retroactively from your application date, as long as you were already eligible during those months. Since you've been receiving your own retirement since January, and you meet the length-of-marriage requirement (10+ years), you should qualify for those retroactive payments if the ex-spouse benefit amount is higher than your own benefit. Make sure to specifically request the retroactive benefits during your appointment. Bring certified copies of your marriage certificate and divorce decree to the appointment - they will definitely need those documents.

This exact thing happened to me!!! The online system is SO CONFUSING. I also thought applying for retirement would automatically consider my ex-spouse benefits, but NOPE! I had to schedule another appointment and start all over. And yes, I got 6 months retroactive from when I finally applied for the ex-spouse benefits. Make sure you bring EVERY document you can think of - marriage certificate, divorce decree, tax returns from when you were married, anything! My appointment got rescheduled TWICE because I didn't have all the right paperwork the first time. The whole process took me almost 4 months to resolve. Good luck!!

I went through this in 2024 and discovered something important: there are TWO different retroactive payment situations. First is the 6-month retroactive for divorced spouse benefits that others mentioned. But there's also potentially retroactive benefits for the months between when you were ELIGIBLE and when you APPLIED. This gets complicated with the deemed filing rules depending on your age. If you were full retirement age when you applied for your own benefits in January, you might be eligible for more than just 6 months retroactive! The rules changed in 2015 with deemed filing, so it depends on your birth year. Bring all documentation proving marriage length, your ex's DOB if you know it, and divorce papers. During your appointment, specifically ask them to explain all potential retroactive benefit options in your specific case.

I ran into the exact same problem last year! The SSA online system should really be clearer about this. Even though you provided your ex's information during your initial application, they process divorced spouse benefits as a completely separate benefit application. And yes, you can definitely request retroactive benefits for up to 6 months from your application date for the divorced spouse benefit. One IMPORTANT tip: if the benefit amount on your ex's record is higher than your own, they'll basically give you a "top up" to reach the higher amount. You won't get both full benefits combined. Bring certified copies of both marriage and divorce certificates to your appointment. They may also want proof you haven't remarried (usually just a signed statement). Hope this helps!

just wanted to say thank u for posting this bc i didnt know this either! been getting ss for 3 yrs on my record and nobody ever told me i could get ex spouse benefits too. gonna call tomorrow to make an appointment!!

Have you tried calling SSA to schedule your appointment? I know their phone lines are always jammed, which makes the process even more frustrating. When I was trying to resolve my spousal benefits issue, I discovered a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to a live SSA agent without the hours-long wait. It basically holds your place in line and calls you when an agent is available. Saved me so much time and frustration! You can see how it works at claimyr.com or check out this video demo: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. Especially useful since you need to ask specific questions about those retroactive benefits that might be hard to get answered otherwise.

I just went thru this whole process and its SO FRUSTRATING! The rules r different dependin on ur age & when u apply & if ur ex is already collecting. Make sure u ask specifically about GPO/WEP with ur pension - that might b why they didn't process it before? My sisters benefit got reduced to almost nothing bcuz of her teacher pension. Something about "double dipping" the govt says. But definitely ask for backdating 6 months, they won't offer it unless u ask!!!

my sister got denied for 6 mo back pay cuz they said she shoulda known to apply separate. fight for ur rights! the system is designed to confuse us seniors!!

Just to clarify a few important points about your situation: 1. Yes, you can receive up to 6 months of retroactive benefits when applying for divorced spouse benefits. 2. If you're already FRA (which it sounds like you are), you can file a "restricted application" for just divorced spouse benefits if that would be advantageous. 3. GPO will reduce your divorced spouse benefits by 2/3 of your government pension amount. If this reduction would eliminate your divorced spouse benefit entirely, that might be why they didn't process it automatically. 4. Bring your marriage certificate, divorce decree, and information about your pension to the appointment. 5. Ask specifically about all filing strategies available at your age, including retroactive benefits and restricted applications if applicable. The rules get complex at the intersection of divorced benefits and government pensions, so be prepared with specific questions during your appointment.