How to apply for ex-spouse SS benefits after WEP reduction change? Need specific URL

The direct link he needs is https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/apply.html - but I should point out that if he's already receiving his own retirement benefits, he won't just 'apply' for ex-spouse benefits. Instead, he needs to contact SSA for a possible adjustment if your record would give him a higher benefit. The WEP reduction on your benefit doesn't directly affect his GPO reduction if he's receiving a government pension. Those are two separate calculations. Has he actually worked in government employment not covered by Social Security?

ex-spouse benifits are complicated!! my brother tried to get them and SSA kept saying different things each time he called. do u know if ur ex husband already applied for benefits on your record? if not he DEFINITELY should do that right away bc they only backpay 6 months!!!

The link the first commenter provided is correct for initial applications, but since your ex is already receiving benefits and you're talking about a potential adjustment due to WEP changes, he actually needs to call SSA or visit a field office. There's no specific online form for this situation. Here's what he should do: 1. Gather his Social Security number, your SSN, marriage certificate, divorce decree (showing marriage lasted at least 10 years) 2. Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to request a benefits recalculation based on your record 3. Specifically mention that he wants to check if he's eligible for additional benefits as an ex-spouse in light of changes to your WEP calculation Important: If his own benefit amount (even with the reduction for claiming early) is higher than 50% of your full retirement age benefit, he won't receive additional ex-spouse benefits. And if he receives a government pension from work not covered by Social Security, the GPO will reduce any spousal/ex-spousal benefits by 2/3 of his pension amount.

I went through something similar with my ex. The WEP adjustment won't automatically trigger a review of his benefits. He has to initiate the request himself, and there's no specific online application for people already receiving benefits who want to check if they can get more based on an ex-spouse's record.

I spent WEEKS trying to reach SSA for a similar situation!!! The 1-800 number is USELESS - disconnects, hours on hold, agents who don't understand the rules. Finally found a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to a real agent in under 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Totally worth it for complicated stuff like WEP/GPO and ex-spouse benefits where you need to actually talk to someone who knows what they're doing.

The whole WEP/GPO system is RIDICULOUS!! People who worked hard their whole lives get PUNISHED with reduced benefits just because part of their career was in public service. My husband lost almost $800/month because of this unfair penalty. And the rules are SO COMPLICATED that most SSA employees don't even understand them correctly. Your ex should definitely apply for any additional benefits he can get, but don't expect it to be easy or make sense. The system is DESIGNED to confuse people so they give up!!!

One more important detail: If your ex-husband is now past his Full Retirement Age (FRA), any adjustment would be effective from the month of application (with up to 6 months of retroactive benefits possible). If he's still under his FRA, different rules apply and he might face additional reductions for claiming early. The GPO reduction (2/3 of his government pension) applies before any age-based reductions. So if his government pension is substantial, it might eliminate any potential ex-spouse benefit entirely, regardless of the WEP changes affecting your benefit amount. When he contacts SSA, he should specifically ask for a comprehensive benefits calculation taking into account: 1. His own earned benefit (already reduced for early claiming) 2. Potential ex-spouse benefit based on your record with updated WEP calculation 3. GPO reduction based on his non-covered pension 4. Any Medicare premium penalties he's currently paying

does anyone know if theres gonna be another WEP reform bill this year?? i keep hearing congress might change the rules again