I receive SSI. I will turn 62 on Jan 27. I am qualified for ex spouse benefits. Do I have to apply for those benefits at 62 since I do receive SSI ?

Hi. If you're drawing Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and if you don't apply for any type of Social Security benefits for which you qualify as soon as you're eligible, then Social Security will stop paying your SSI benefits. SSI is a needs based program, and one of the requirements for eligibility is that you apply for any Social Security benefits for which you're eligible.

So technically you wouldn't have to apply for divorced spousal benefits when you're first eligible, but if you don't then Social Security will stop paying you SSI.

Best, Jerry