How to Split Social Security in a Divorce in California
- 1). Notify Social Security Administration (SSA) office immediately if you are changing your name due to a divorce. Contact your local social security office by calling 1-800-772-1213. You may also contact SSA online.
- 2). Calculate the exact amount of time from the date of your marriage until the date of your divorce. Keep in mind that, in California, if you have not been married to your spouse for 10 years, there will be no split of social security benefits. Keep a copy of the marriage certificate, a copy of the divorce decree and your ex spouse's social security number if you were married for over ten years, as you may need these documents when the time comes to split Social Security benefits.
- 3). Contact the Social Security Administration at the earliest of the following events: Either your ex-spouse turns 62 and you have been divorced for at least two years or you turn 62. Determine which benefits you want to draw by asking the following questions: How much would would you draw if you chose to file for benefits on your ex' spouses account, now, when he is 62 years of age; How much would you draw if you waited until your ex-spouse was 65 years of age; How much would you draw if you waited until your ex-spouse was 70 years of age? Ask the same questions regarding your account, if any. Choose one of the following options available to you at that time: Choose to draw on your ex-spouse's account until you are old enough to retire and then draw on you own account, choose to draw on your own account if it is the higher amount and you are eligible for retirement benefits or choose to wait until the higher benefit amount is available to you on either account.
- 4). Call 1-800-772-1213, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, to ask questions related to your specific situation.
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