Social Security benefits on ex-spouse's record - how to submit required original documents?

They'll send you a letter in the mail requesting the documents they need. This usually happens 2-4 weeks after you submit your online application. The letter will include instructions on how to deliver the originals to your local field office - you can either mail them (use certified mail!) or drop them off in person. Don't worry about the "in process" status - that's normal while they're reviewing your application and determining which documents they need. The Richmond location is likely just the processing center handling your case, not necessarily where you'll need to submit documents.

When I applied last year I got a letter in the MAIL asking for my divorce papers. Took like 3 weeks to get it. No phone call no email nothing. just snail mail! And then I had to make an appointment at my local office to bring the originals in. They made copies and gave them back same day.

I HATE how the SSA handles this!!! When I applied for benefits on my ex's record, my application sat for SIX WEEKS before they sent a letter asking for documents. Then it took ANOTHER 8 weeks to process after I brought them in! The whole "we need originals" thing is so archaic when every other government agency accepts digital copies. And good luck trying to call them to check status - I spent HOURS on hold only to get disconnected. The system is BROKEN!

after u get the letter asking for docs you can just take everything to your local office. they have a drop box inside if u don't wanna wait for an appointment. they'll make copies and mail your originals back in like a week. just make sure u write your ssn and phone # on everything so they know whose file to put it with.

If you're anxious and don't want to wait for their letter, you could be proactive and try to reach them by phone to ask about your specific case. The challenge is getting through to an actual person at SSA. When I needed to contact them about my divorced spouse benefits, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an agent in about 20 minutes instead of waiting for hours or getting disconnected. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU The agent I spoke with was able to see exactly what documents were needed for my application and even scheduled an appointment for me to bring them in. Saved me weeks of waiting for the mail request.

Forgot to mention in my earlier rant - MAKE COPIES of everything before you send it in!!! My friend's original birth certificate got LOST when she mailed it to SSA and it was a nightmare getting a replacement. If you go in person, they'll copy it and give it right back to you.

Something important to understand about spousal benefits based on an ex-spouse: you need to have been married for at least 10 years, be at least 62, and be currently unmarried. Also, if your ex hasn't applied for benefits yet but is eligible, you'll need to have been divorced for at least two years before you can collect on their record. The SSA will calculate your own retirement benefit and the spousal benefit (which is up to 50% of your ex's full retirement benefit), and you'll receive whichever amount is higher - not both combined. If you're applying before your full retirement age (FRA), both your own benefit and the spousal benefit will be reduced permanently.

To add to what others have said - the SSA is currently experiencing significant processing delays due to staffing shortages and increased application volume. While they typically send document request letters within 2-4 weeks, it can sometimes take 6-8 weeks currently. If you haven't received anything after 8 weeks, that's when I'd suggest being more proactive in contacting them. Regarding the required documents for an ex-spouse claim: you'll need your birth certificate, marriage certificate, and divorce decree showing the marriage lasted at least 10 years. You don't technically need your ex-spouse's SSN if you don't have it - SSA can usually locate their record with their date of birth and full name as shown on your marriage certificate, though having the SSN does speed up the process.

Thank you everyone for the helpful replies! I feel much better knowing what to expect now. I'll give it another week or two for their letter, and if I don't receive anything, I'll try that Claimyr service to speak with someone directly. I've gathered all my documents and made copies just to be safe. Really appreciate all the advice!