Full question: My spouse and I have been separated for 20 years but not legally divorced. I am planning on applying for my Social Security benefits soon, I am still working but at full retirement age, almost 69 actually. Is there any risk because we are still legally married? Hi there, No, there is no…

Original question: Ex-spouse needs her husbands XML earning statement, but they don’t talk to each other. Will Social Security send her a copy of the earning statement? Hi there, We often get questions about this topic. SSA will usually not provide the earnings record, but the ex-spouse is entitled to know their ex’s primary insurance…

Full question: Martha, I am over 62 years old and divorced, we were married over 10 years. My ex-husband is still working he’s 68 years old. I’m still self-employed also, can I file for spousal benefits until I retire at 70 years old? Hi there! The short answer is that yes, it appears that you…

Hi there, We recommend that you call or set up a meeting with your local SSA office to make sure the transition goes smoothly. If you have already turned 70, you can request retroactive benefits back to age 70 for up to 6 months. Note that if you request retroactive back to before 70, your…

Full Question: I am divorced born after 1954, and was married for more than 10 years. My ex-spouse has remarried while I have not, and while I do have some earnings to claim, claiming as an ex-spouse will provide the higher estimate. My concern is that while I have reached FRA, my ex-spouse won’t for…

Hi there, Ex-spouse benefits are based on your ex’s primary insurance amount (PIA), the amount they would receive at their full retirement age (FRA). You may contact the SSA to find out what your ex’s PIA is by providing the information needed to verify your marriage to, and divorce from, the individual. For personalized assistance…