Find Senior Care (City or Zip)
Join Now Log In
W
wantingtime Asked April 2014

Can my Mom get SS from my Dad's account?

My mother was married for 18 years to my father and they are divorced. Can she apply for SS on his account in addition to her own? If so, how would I do that?

cmcwrinkl1 Apr 2014
I've had to order Mom's licenses and certificates and went through VitalCheck.

And to repeat, SS isn't combined, it is one or the other. She may even take his for a while and then they switch to hers. My mother received a letter stating she should contact them since she may now earn more if she goes to her benefits instead of dad's (who is deceased.)

vegaslady Apr 2014
The divorce decree is a public record. Check in the county where they were divorced. Ask the workers to help you get a copy.

ADVERTISEMENT


wantingtime Apr 2014
I don't know where ANY of the paperwork is...I will have to devote some time to going through her things.

pamstegma Apr 2014
Jeanne is right, figure out which SS pays more, her own or part of his. SS will give you those figures when you apply for benefits. She may also be entitled to part of his pension, IRA, 401K and VA benefits. You would need to find the divorce decree and read the whole thing.

jeannegibbs Apr 2014
It is not in addition to her own. It is one or the other. The social security office is super helpful with these kinds of questions. Call them!

ADVERTISEMENT

Ask a Question

Subscribe to
Our Newsletter