Ex-Spousal Benefits
Terry,
I have been divorced for 15 years, was married for 19. I haven’t heard the status of ex-husband’s location for several years. He is now 83 years old: I am 81.
I spoke with Social Security to see if he passed away and they advised they could only tell me his payments have been “Suspended”. Everything was confidential.
What is the best way to proceed with this matter.
Thank you for your help.
Terry Says
SS won’t give you info about your ex-spouse. But since you were married for 10 years, and not remarried, you are entitled to half his benefit (whether he is dead or alive) — to the extent that half his benefit is greater than YOUR own benefit.
So the way to find out whether you are entitled to anything on his record, is to apply for his benefit — again, which remains the same no matter what his status.
OR, you can simply use this website to determine which is greater — all of yours or half of his.
https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/
