Ask Larry

Why Is My Husband Having Problems Receiving Spousal Benefits?

I am a US citizen on Social Security Disability since 2010; My husband is British and we married in 2007. I was always on the mindset that my husband would be entitled to spousal benefits. I asked again in December 2020 and received a reply that he was indeed entitled to them (he is 65, 66 this year). The message asked for a few simple questions, told me to reply with the answers, and they'd take it from there. I replied the same day and haven't ever received another message! I've emailed repeatedly for a response, even Facebook messages! and nothing. I am lost and stumped as to why no reply. The person initially responded by using in initials DRW. Thank you for your help

Hi. I'm a bit leery about who you may have been communicating with. Your husband would need to file an application with Social Security in order to claim spousal benefits. If he can't do that through the Social Security website (ssa.gov) or by calling them at 800-772-1213, then he'll likely need to apply for benefits by contacting the U.S. Embassy in the U.K. Their contact information can be found on the following Social Security website: https://www.ssa.gov/foreign/foreign.htm

Best, Jerry

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Posted: 
May 19 2021 - 7:16pm
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