Can social security tell me if my ex has died? Yes or no? I've been divorced for 28 years and was married for 17 years. All I want to know if socail security will tell me over the phone or do I have to make a office visit in person? Thank you Larry for your time . BLESSINGS

Hi,

I can't give you a yes or no answer because the answer depends on whether or not Social Security has verified your ex's death, and if so what source was used for verification. Social Security can't disclose the fact that a person has died if the only source of that information is a state death record. However, if Social Security has verified a person's death based on a death certificate or the statement of a funeral director, then they can release that information to third parties (https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0203315010#c).

Best, Jerry