Social Security retirement application questions for divorcees - what to expect in 2025?

I went through this last year as a divorcee. When you call the 800 number, you can choose to either schedule an appointment OR apply directly over the phone. If your situation is straightforward, I recommend just applying during that first call - saves time. As for the questions, yes, they'll definitely ask for: - Marriage date (month/year) - Divorce date (month/year) - Ex's name and SSN (if you know it) - Whether your marriage lasted at least 10 years (which yours did at 22 years) Since you're applying for your own benefits (not spousal on your ex's record), you won't need to provide the actual divorce decree unless there's some unusual circumstance. They have ways to verify your marital history in their system. They won't ask about your ex's current income or status if you're just filing for your own retirement benefits. That only matters if you were trying to claim on their record. The call takes about 30-45 minutes if you have all your information ready. They'll mail you documents to sign afterward.

I applied back in October and the process was fairly straightforward! Just want to add - SAVE THE CONFIRMATION NUMBER they give you at the end of the application call!!! I didn't write mine down thinking they'd email it, and when I had to call back to check status it was a huge headache. Also, they'll send you a letter with a summary of your application that you need to review for accuracy. If anything's wrong, call them right away to correct it before benefits start. Oh and if you're planning to work at all after starting benefits, make sure to mention that during the application call so they can explain how the earnings limit might affect you (though at FRA it doesn't matter anymore).

I just went through this whole mess in September. Called the 800 number and spent TWO HOURS on hold just to schedule an appointment, only to be told the next available was 6 weeks out! I ended up using Claimyr (claimyr.com) after my neighbor recommended it - they got me through to an actual SSA agent in about 15 minutes. Saved me hours of frustration. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU The agent took my entire application over the phone that day. As others mentioned, they asked about marriage/divorce dates but didn't need exact days, just month/year was fine. They also asked if I had ever applied for benefits before (even decades ago), and if I had any minor children or adult disabled children.

they dont ask that much and its no big deal, just the basics - when u got married, when u got divorced, ex's name. i didnt know my ex's ssn and they said it was fine. whole thing took maybe 30 min on the phone, another 20 filling out the forms they sent after. benefits started right on time.

I went through this back in June. One thing no one mentioned - they'll ask about other marriages too, not just your most recent divorce. I had a brief first marriage in my early 20s that I'd almost forgotten about, and they needed those dates too! So think back if you had any other marriages. Also, they asked me about any name changes throughout my life and whether I'd ever used other SSNs (which I hadn't). The process was smoother than I expected though. I was nervous about it too!

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE YOU FAIL!!! I applied as a divorcee and they LOST my application TWICE!!!! Had to start over EACH TIME!!!! They asked for my divorce decree even though my divorce was 30 YEARS AGO!!!! Had to pay the county $75 for a certified copy because they wouldn't accept my photocopy!!!! RIDICULOUS!!!! Be prepared for MASSIVE frustration and KEEP COPIES OF EVERYTHING YOU SEND THEM!!!

when i called they just scheduled an appointment but then i found out i could apply online which was soooo much easier!! you can save your progress and take your time with it. the divorce questions were super basic - just dates and names. the online system lets you go back and fix stuff if you realize you made a mistake too. might be easier than trying to do it all by phone?

Just a heads-up about benefits calculation: Since you're applying at your Full Retirement Age (67), you'll get 100% of your benefit amount. If your marriage lasted at least 10 years (which you mentioned it did), you potentially have the option to claim on your ex-spouse's record if that would give you a higher benefit amount. This is something you should ask about during your application call. When you apply, they'll automatically calculate whether your own benefit or the spousal benefit (50% of your ex's) would be higher, and give you the higher amount. You don't need to make this decision yourself. For the application itself, having your bank information ready for direct deposit setup will make things go faster. They'll ask for routing and account numbers during the call.

Thank you everyone for all this helpful information! I feel much better prepared now. I think I'll try applying online first based on several suggestions here, but have all my information ready in case I need to call instead. I'll definitely remember to write down the confirmation number (in multiple places!) and keep an eye out for any mail that follows. And I'll make sure to ask about potentially claiming on my ex's record since his earnings were higher. Really appreciate all your advice!