Comparing my own Social Security benefits vs. ex-spouse benefits before filing - can I see both amounts?

You won't be able to see a side-by-side comparison in the online application process. What you need to do is call SSA directly and speak with a claims specialist who can calculate both amounts for you. When you file online, you're essentially just filing for your own retirement benefits. For divorced spouse benefits, you need to explicitly tell them you want to file for that as well. Make sure you have your marriage certificate and divorce decree ready when you call.

not completely true what the other person said... when u file SSA will automatically give u whichever is higher, your own or the divorced spouse benefit. they HAVE to. its the law. u don't need to choose.

I went through this exact situation last year. Here's what you need to know: 1. You must have been married for at least 10 years to qualify for ex-spouse benefits (you meet this with 12 years) 2. You must be unmarried now 3. Your ex must be at least 62 (even if not claiming yet) When you apply online, there will be a section asking about current and previous marriages. Complete that section, and then call the SSA after submitting to specifically request they look at both benefit computations. You won't see the comparison during the online application itself, but a claims representative can run both calculations and tell you which is higher. They will pay you the higher amount automatically once both applications are processed. I found calling the SSA to be the most frustrating part - took me 16 attempts over 3 days to reach someone.

I struggled with the EXACT same problem trying to compare my own benefit with my ex's! After 24 attempts calling SSA over two weeks (kept getting disconnected or on hold FOREVER), I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to a real person at Social Security in under 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU The SSA rep was able to calculate both benefits and tell me which was higher. In my case, my ex's benefit gave me $312 more monthly than my own record. Totally worth making that call rather than potentially leaving money on the table!

Why are you waiting until your FRA? if your divorced and ur ex makes more you should file at 62 for the divorced benefit!! your leaving $$$$$ on the table waiting

Just to add a data point: My experience was slightly different from what others have mentioned. When I applied online last year, I included all my marriage information. About two weeks after submitting my application, I received a call from an SSA representative who explained they had calculated both my own benefit and my ex-spouse benefit. They confirmed which was higher and processed my application accordingly. I never had to make a separate call or application for the ex-spouse benefit. Maybe I just got lucky with a thorough representative?

FYI You need to be sure that you have all the documentation for your marriage and divorce when you apply. You need to prove that you were married for at least 10 years for the ex-spouse benefit. I had issues because I lost my original certificate and had to order a new one which delayed everything by 2 months!!! So frustrating!!

BTW your FRA isn't a specific day like March 30... its the month. So your FRA is March 2025 which means you get your first payment in April 2025 (SS always pays a month behind). Just so u know.

One last thing to consider: If your ex-spouse hasn't filed for their benefits yet, you can still receive divorced spouse benefits based on their record as long as you've been divorced for at least 2 years and they're eligible for benefits (even if not claiming yet). This is called the two-year divorce rule or 'independently entitled divorced spouse' benefits. Just another factor to consider in your planning.