Ask Larry

I have read where you advise individuals concerning taking spousal, or survivors, benefits based on their spouses or ex-spouses record.
I wonder how one goes about finding out the benefit amounts that their spouse, or especially an ex-spouse, is eligible for, especially if they planned to use your software to find out their best course of action.
I realized that this information would be available if you could review their “My Social Security” accounts, but many may not have that confidential access.
Also, how does one access the information for a deceased individual, who did not start drawing Social Security and never opened a “My Social Security“ account?
Many thanks, Richie

Hi Richie,

Getting that type of information from Social Security can be problematic due to the privacy act, but if you could potentially qualify for auxiliary (e.g. spouse, divorced spouse) or survivor benefits on another person's record then Social Security should be able to give you an estimate of your potential benefit rate. You can then enter that information into our software to be used for calculation purposes.

Best, Jerry