Ask Larry

I have printed out the SSA-2-BK form. I am now 83 years old and my first husband to whom I was married for 30 years has died. I am still married to my second husband. I was 60 when we married. My understanding is that I can receive Soc Sec benefits off of my first husband's name now and receive more than my approximately 500.00 a month benefit.
Is the SSA-2-BK the correct form. I have my divorce papers, but do not have my first marriage certificate. He kept it and it cannot be found by my children . Any information as to what I should do would be appreciated. Thank you,

Hi. No, an SSA-2 would not be the correct application form to use to claim survivor benefits on the record of an ex-spouse. The actual correct form would be an SSA-10, but Social Security no longer uses paper applications. Technically you could print out an SSA-10 to complete and then mail it to a Social Security office, but I don't think that's your best option. What I would recommend instead is to call Social Security to initiate filing an application by phone.

Best, Jerry