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Do I need my ex-wife's SSN to apply for my own benefits?

Sep
12
2012
By chromisdesigns

I am retired and will turn 62 in February, 2013. According to the Social Security site, one of the things I "may" need to apply for benefits is date of marriage and divorce, and my ex-wife's SSN and DOB (and address?) I have had no contact with her for over 20 years, don't know where she lives, and don't have her SSN. Is this necessary, or can I go ahead and apply in November without it?

Forums: 
Marriage, divorce and Social Security

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Submitted by Site Admin on Wed, 09/12/2012 - 22:05

The following link has a fairly comprehensive listing of what's required when applying for divorced spouse benefits :

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ssa-2.html

Among the required items are a final divorce decree.

It also states they will ask you about :

  • Whether you are currently married and, if so, your spouse's name, date of birth (or age) and Social Security number (if known).
  • The names, dates of birth (or age) and Social Security numbers (if known) of any former spouses;

Submitted by chromisdesigns on Wed, 09/12/2012 - 22:34

Thanks, but I was actually asking about when I apply for my OWN benefits, not divorced spouse benefits. I realize I might qualify, but I am about 99% certain my own benefit will be more than what I would get based on her employment.

Will they still need her information?

Submitted by Site Admin on Thu, 09/13/2012 - 20:36

In my experience the answer is no. Unless you're applying under her work record, your previous relationship with her doesn't really factor into your benefits nor any benefits a new spouse or children may receive.

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