Social Security document requirements - do I still need to submit marriage docs if I won't get ex-spouse benefits?

Yes, you'll still need to submit your birth certificate for your own retirement benefit claim. However, if you're applying ONLY for retirement benefits on your own record and not even mentioning the possibility of spousal benefits, you shouldn't need to submit marriage/divorce documents. Just be clear when you apply that you're only filing for retirement on your own record. If you mention the ex-spouse at all during the application process, they might request those documents even if you won't qualify for spousal benefits.

just went thru this last yr. they made me show birth cert for my claim but didnt ask for marriage stuff cuz i told them i wasnt applying for anything on my ex. just be super clear about that when u apply. good luck!!

online. took like 30 min. but then they called me 2 weeks later to confirm some stuff about my work history. wasnt a big deal

This is a common question. Here's what you need to know: SSA requires proof of age (birth certificate) for ALL retirement claims, but marriage/divorce documentation is only required if you're applying for benefits on an ex-spouse's record. However, there's a nuance here. When you apply, the SSA representative is required to explore ALL potential entitlements - even if you don't explicitly ask about them. If your ex's record comes up during the interview, they may still request marriage/divorce documentation to verify eligibility, even if it ultimately won't increase your benefit amount. My recommendation is to have copies of these documents ready just in case, but clearly state at the beginning of your application that you're ONLY applying for retirement benefits on your own record and not seeking any benefits based on your ex-spouse's record.

THEY WILL MAKE YOU GET EVERYTHING!!! I just went through this NIGHTMARE. I told them my own benefit was higher too but they STILL made me track down my marriage certificate from 1982!!! And they kept LOSING the documents I sent in!!!! Had to send my birth certificate THREE TIMES!!!!! The whole process took 5 MONTHS because of this bureaucratic nonsense!!!!

My sister just went through this. Different situation though - her ex passed away last year. She didn't need marriage docs at first when applying for her own retirement, but then when she mentioned her deceased ex-husband they started asking for all kinds of paperwork. Just FYI.

I had a similar situation and found that calling the SSA directly was nearly impossible - spent hours on hold only to get disconnected. I discovered a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an agent in about 20 minutes instead of waiting for hours. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU The agent I spoke with confirmed that I only needed my birth certificate since I was only applying for my own retirement benefits. They said marriage/divorce docs are only required if you're actually applying for benefits on someone else's record. Worth calling to confirm for your specific situation.

One important thing to understand: SSA follows the "technical entitlement" rule. This means they must determine if you're technically eligible for spousal benefits, even if you won't receive any additional money from them. This is why some people are asked for marriage documentation even when their own benefit is higher. However, if you explicitly state that you are NOT filing for any benefits on your ex-spouse's record, most representatives will only request your birth certificate. If you're applying online, there's a specific section about current/former spouses. If you indicate you were married before, the system will likely prompt you for marriage/divorce information. If you're concerned about the documentation requirements, I'd recommend calling or visiting an office before applying to confirm exactly what you'll need in your specific case.

Just wanted to add - if you need copies of vital records from another state, most have online ordering systems now. I had to get a copy of my birth certificate from Illinois even though I live in Florida now, and it was pretty easy to order it online. Cost me about $25 and took maybe 2 weeks to arrive. Might not be as bad as you think to get those documents if you end up needing them!

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! I'll call SSA first to confirm what documents I'll need for my specific situation, and I'll start the process of getting copies of my marriage/divorce documents just in case. Better to be prepared than to have my application delayed. Really appreciate all the advice!