Does Social Security automatically check ex-spouse benefits at FRA or do I have to request it?

You MUST tell them about your ex-spouse!!! SSA doesn't automatically check this - they have NO WAY of knowing who you were married to or for how long unless you tell them! I learned this the hard way and lost almost 2 years of higher payments because nobody at my local office even asked about previous marriages. Make sure to bring your marriage certificate and divorce decree to PROVE the marriage lasted 10+ years. The system is designed to make you miss out on money you deserve!

The previous comment isn't entirely accurate. When you apply for retirement benefits, the SSA representative should ask about your marital history during your application interview. There's a section specifically for this information. However, it's still your responsibility to make sure this information is provided accurately. If you apply online, make sure to complete the marital history section thoroughly. Bring your marriage certificate and divorce decree to verify the 10+ year duration. The SSA won't automatically know to check your ex-spouse's record unless you provide this information, but they should prompt you for it during a properly conducted application process.

when i filed last yr they did ask bout my marriage history on the form but my friend said they didn't give her exs benefit automatically she had to go back and request it later and show proof

Here's how it actually works: You need to provide your marital history when you apply for benefits, but the SSA won't automatically calculate benefits on an ex-spouse's record unless you specifically request it or the representative handling your case decides to check. This is why some people miss out. When you apply (whether online or in person): 1. Complete the marital history section in full 2. Explicitly state you want them to check for potential benefits on your ex-spouse's record 3. Provide your ex's Social Security number if you have it (not required but speeds things up) 4. Bring proof of marriage and divorce showing the marriage lasted at least 10 years Remember: You'll receive either your own benefit or 50% of your ex's benefit amount (whichever is higher), not both combined. Also, claiming on an ex's record doesn't reduce their benefits in any way, and they won't be notified you're doing this. Best approach: Be explicit and follow up. Don't assume anyone will automatically check all possible benefit calculations for you.

If you're having trouble getting through to someone at Social Security to discuss this, I had a great experience using Claimyr to reach an agent. I was on hold for over 2 hours trying to sort out a similar ex-spouse benefit question last month before I gave up. Then I found this service at claimyr.com that got me connected to an SSA agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. Saved me a ton of time and stress.

my mom just went thru this. she was married 22 years to my dad before they divorced and she had no idea she could get more from his record until her friend told her. she had to request it specifically and provide the marriage license and divorce papers. she got an extra $570/month after that! definitely worth asking about

To directly answer your original question: No, they don't automatically check ex-spouse benefits without you mentioning the marriage. However, they should ask about your marital history during the application process. Important points to remember: 1. You must be unmarried or your later marriage ended 2. You must be at least 62 3. Your ex must be at least 62 (even if not yet claiming) 4. The marriage must have lasted at least 10 years 5. You're generally eligible for up to 50% of your ex's FRA benefit amount If your own benefit is higher than 50% of your ex's, you'll receive your own benefit amount. If the ex-spouse amount is higher, you'll receive your benefit plus the difference to equal the higher amount. Be proactive and explicit when applying. The responsibility ultimately falls on you to ensure all potential benefits are explored.

isnt there a thing where if you claim on your ex they get notified? my ex would be furious if he knew i was getting benefits from his record lol

Based on everyone's experiences here, it's clear that while SSA should ask about marital history during your application, you absolutely cannot rely on them to automatically check ex-spouse benefits. I'd recommend being very proactive when you apply in February: 1. Fill out the marital history section completely if applying online 2. Explicitly tell them you want benefits calculated on both your own record AND your ex-spouse's record 3. Bring your marriage certificate and divorce decree showing the 15-year marriage 4. Follow up after submitting to confirm they're checking both records The stories here about people missing out on hundreds of dollars per month for years are exactly what you want to avoid. Since you were married 15 years (well over the 10-year requirement) and haven't remarried, you should definitely be eligible. Better to be overly clear about what you want than to assume they'll figure it out for you!

I work at a local SSA office and can confirm what others have said - you absolutely need to specifically request that we check your ex-spouse's record. While we're supposed to ask about marital history, the reality is that some representatives don't always follow through on actually running the calculations unless you explicitly ask. Here's my advice: when you apply, say something like "I want you to calculate my benefits on both my own work record AND my ex-spouse's record to see which gives me the higher amount." Don't just mention the marriage - specifically request the calculation comparison. Also, if you apply online, there's a comments section where you can write this request in addition to filling out the marital history. The system won't automatically flag ex-spouse benefits without human intervention, so being direct about what you want is crucial.

As someone who just turned 62 and is starting to research all this, I'm honestly shocked by how many people have missed out on benefits they were entitled to! Reading through everyone's experiences, it seems like there's a real disconnect between what SSA is supposed to do (ask about marital history and check all records) and what actually happens in practice. The fact that Victoria from SSA confirmed you have to explicitly request the calculation comparison is both helpful and frustrating - why isn't this just standard procedure? I'm definitely saving this thread and will be very specific when I eventually apply. Hunter, it sounds like you're well-prepared now with all this advice - I hope your application goes smoothly in February!

This entire thread has been incredibly eye-opening! I'm 64 and was actually planning to file for my own benefits next year without even thinking about my ex-spouse's record. We were married for 12 years before divorcing in 2010, and I never remarried. Reading about people missing out on hundreds of dollars per month for YEARS because they didn't know to ask is honestly terrifying. Victoria's advice about the specific wording to use is gold - "calculate my benefits on both my own work record AND my ex-spouse's record to see which gives me the higher amount." I'm writing that down exactly! It's really disappointing that we have to be so proactive about something that should be standard practice, but I'm grateful everyone shared their experiences here. Hunter, you've probably saved yourself thousands of dollars by asking this question!