Can my ex-spouse get Medicare or Social Security benefits through my record if he was a civil servant? Divorced 25 years ago

Yes, your ex-husband could potentially be eligible for ex-spouse benefits on your record, despite having a government pension. Since you were married for more than 10 years (18 years in your case) and have been divorced for over 2 years, he may qualify for ex-spouse benefits. However, his government pension would trigger the Government Pension Offset (GPO), which typically reduces spousal/ex-spousal benefits by 2/3 of his pension amount. In many cases, this wipes out the entire SS benefit. As for Medicare, he would qualify for Medicare on his own at age 65 regardless of Social Security eligibility - though he'd need to pay premiums for Part A if he doesn't have enough SS credits.

my ex also tried this!! they need ur info to apply. he's probably realized his pension isnt enough and trying to get whatever he can. ur not obligated to give him ANYTHING after 25 yrs!!!

The SSA would likely already have your birthplace information on file, so it's odd he's asking you directly. He can apply for any benefits he might be entitled to without getting that information from you. The SSA requires his own information, your name, and your date of birth, which he presumably already knows. Regarding eligibility: Even though he didn't pay into Social Security, he could still file for ex-spouse benefits if you were married 10+ years (which you were). But as mentioned, the Government Pension Offset would reduce any Social Security spousal benefits by 2/3 of his government pension amount. If his pension is substantial, the GPO might eliminate any potential Social Security benefits completely. For Medicare: He qualifies for Medicare at 65 based on his age alone, though he might need to pay premiums for Part A if he doesn't have sufficient Social Security credits.

I had a similar situation with my ex who worked for the state government. The GPO (Government Pension Offset) basically eliminated any benefit he might have received from my record. Your ex is probably trying to figure out if he qualifies for anything since the rules around government pensions and Social Security are SO complicated. If you're uncomfortable sharing your info, he can actually just apply through SSA and they'll look up your record. When I was having trouble reaching someone at Social Security to ask questions about this exact situation, I found a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an SSA agent without the usual hours of waiting. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. Your ex could use this to speak directly with an SSA representative instead of asking you for personal information.

I went through this when my ex-husband tried applying for benefits on my record. The SS rep told me that the WEP and GPO rules are some of the most confusing in the whole system! Your ex-husband is likely trying to determine if he'd get anything despite the GPO reduction. One important thing no one mentioned: even if he qualifies for $0 after the GPO reduction from his spousal benefit on your record, getting officially approved for the Social Security benefit (even if reduced to $0) could potentially help with his Medicare premiums. Some people in the government pension situation find this is the only real advantage. And yes, while the SSA should have your info on file, sometimes they do ask for verification of details like birthplace during the application process. But HE doesn't need that info to apply - the SSA would contact you directly if they needed verification of anything.

He doesn't need your birthplace to apply! I work for a non-profit that helps seniors with benefit applications. The SS office already has your info in their system. Sounds fishy to me. Be careful!!

To summarize what everyone has said: 1. Yes, an ex-spouse married 10+ years can file for benefits on your record (equals up to 50% of your FRA benefit amount) 2. The Government Pension Offset would reduce any spousal/ex-spousal benefit by 2/3 of his pension amount 3. He doesn't need your birthplace to apply - SSA has that information 4. There could be Medicare premium advantages even if his Social Security benefit is reduced to $0 by the GPO If you're uncomfortable, don't provide the information. He can work directly with SSA for any legitimate benefit application.

my husband had government pension (firefighter) and we went thru this whole mess last year. the GPO wiped out EVERYTHING he might have gotten from my record. total waste of time!!!! 😡