If you are divorced and wondering whether your ex-husband is receiving benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA), there are certain rules you need to know.
Privacy protections limit what the agency can share, but under the right circumstances, you may be able to learn whether he is drawing benefits, especially if your eligibility for divorced-spouse benefits depends on his record.
What information about my ex-husband’s benefits can Social Security disclose?
The SSA can tell you whether a former spouse (including an ex-husband) is an “auxiliary beneficiary” on your record, or whether someone is receiving benefits on your record, and when a benefit was first paid.
However, SSA will not provide the exact monthly payment amount, the ex-husband’s current address, or information about retroactive payments or his current marital status.
This means you can find out if benefits are being paid on your record, but you will not get full details of his benefit history.
Do I have to be eligible for divorced-spouse benefits to ask about his benefit record?
Yes. If you were married for at least 10 years, are currently unmarried, are age 62 or older (or meet disability or caring for a child requirements), and your ex-husband has worked enough to qualify, you may be eligible to receive benefits on his work record.
If you meet those basic eligibility rules, you have a stronger standing to ask SSA to tell you whether benefits are being paid on his record.
If you do not meet those conditions (for example, you were married fewer than 10 years), your inquiry may be denied.
What documents should I gather before contacting SSA?
To inquire about benefits on an ex-husband’s record, you should gather the following:
- Your marriage certificate and divorce decree showing your marriage lasted at least 10 years.
- Your ex-husband’s name and Social Security number (if you have it).
- Proof of your age, current marital status (unmarried), and relationship to your ex-husband.
- Your own Social Security number and identifying information so that SSA can verify you.
Having these documents will help speed up the inquiry process.
How do I actually request this information from SSA?
You can call the SSA national number at 1-800-772-1213 (or visit your local SSA office) and ask whether someone is receiving benefits on a former spouse’s work record.
When you call or visit, explain that you believe you may be eligible for divorced-spouse benefits and you need to verify whether your ex-husband is receiving benefits on his record.
Be ready to provide your identifying information and the documentation listed above.
SSA may ask you to submit proof of eligibility (e.g., divorce decree).
Note: SSA does not allow you to request full access to your ex-husband’s complete benefit file without his consent.
What if SSA tells me benefits are being paid on his record?
If you find out that your ex-husband is receiving benefits on his record and you meet the eligibility criteria, you could apply for divorced-spouse benefits.
The benefit amount for a divorced spouse is up to 50 percent of the ex-spouse’s benefit at their full retirement age, provided you wait until your full retirement age.
If you apply earlier (age 62, for example), the amount will be reduced.
Also, applying for benefits on his record does not reduce what he receives.
What if SSA cannot tell me whether benefits are being paid on his record?
There are a few reasons this could happen:
- Your marriage did not last at least 10 years.
- You are currently married, which may disqualify divorced-spouse benefit eligibility.
- Your ex-husband has not filed for benefits, or his application is pending; SSA only provides information on benefits already in payment.
In such cases, you may need to work with SSA directly to determine your options or whether you qualify based on other records.
Are there privacy or other limitations I should know about?
Yes. The SSA is bound by privacy laws (such as the Privacy Act) and cannot release full records about another individual without their consent.
Moreover, even when SSA confirms someone is receiving benefits on a record, they will not disclose the exact monthly amount, address of the recipient, or other private details.
Knowing your rights and the limitations helps you set realistic expectations.
