Social Security flagged nonexistent income and missing ex-spouse's SSN - will my application be delayed?

The 'unreported income' flag doesn't necessarily mean they found income you didn't report. Sometimes their system flags accounts that show a sudden drop to zero income as a precaution. As for the ex-spouse information, that's pretty common. The SSA can usually track down your ex's SSN through their records if you provided their name and approximate DOB.

omg i had those same flags on mine 2 months ago and everything turned out fine! they just need to verify stuff

Those flags are just part of their verification process. I would recommend calling the SSA though - it's better to address these issues early rather than waiting for them to potentially delay your application processing. The unreported income flag might require you to submit a statement explaining that you had no income after closing your business. For the ex-spouse issue, having their full name and date of birth is usually sufficient, but it's good to confirm they have what they need.

This happened to me too!! I was freaking out but it was just their system doing automatic checks. I had been a stay-at-home mom for years so had no income and they still flagged me. Got my benefits started on time tho.

I hate how SSA makes everything so COMPLICATED! It's YOUR MONEY that you paid into the system for DECADES and then they treat you like you're trying to commit fraud when you file for benefits. My application had FIVE red flags and took 3 MONTHS to process!!! Their system is broken and understaffed.

Try Claimyr if you're struggling to reach someone at SSA. I was dealing with similar flags on my application and kept getting disconnected when calling. Claimyr got me through to a real person in about 20 minutes. You can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU - definitely worth it to get these issues resolved quickly.

I work with Social Security cases as part of my job. The red flags you're seeing are standard verification markers, not indications of problems with your application. The 'unreported income' flag simply means they need to verify the gap in your earnings record. For the ex-spouse information, as long as you were married for at least 10 years (which you were at 13 years), and provided their name and date of birth, the SSA can locate their record. These verification steps rarely delay benefits more than a week or two unless there are actual discrepancies that need resolution.

My neighbor said if u were married 10+ years u might get more on your ex's record depending on what he earned vs what u earned. Did they explain that part to u?

i just remembered when i applied they asked me for proof i had no income - had to send in a statement saying my business closed

Since you're turning 63 next month, I want to make sure you understand that you're filing for early retirement benefits. Your Full Retirement Age (FRA) is likely 67 depending on your birth year, so filing at 63 means you'll receive approximately 75-80% of your full benefit amount permanently. This reduction applies whether you're collecting on your own record or your ex-spouse's. Just want to make sure you're aware of this since it's a lifetime decision.

If I were you I'd just go INTO THE OFFICE if possible. Phone is useless, online is confusing, but face-to-face they have to help you! Bring ID and all your paperwork.