Proof of divorce is required when benefits are claimed as the divorced wife or husband or the surviving divorced spouse of a former railroad employee. A person filing as a divorced spouse or surviving divorced spouse must prove that the divorce took place after at least ten consecutive years of marriage to the employee. A divorced spouse or surviving divorced spouse claiming exemption from the public service pension offset based on entitlement as a divorced wife under social security eligibility requirements in effect in January 1977 must prove that the divorce took place after at least 20 consecutive years of marriage to the employee. See Part 4 for circumstances when the later marriage does not have to be terminated.
| Proof of Divorce |
Where to Secure |
| The original decree of final or absolute divorce or divorce a vinculo matrimonii |
Personal records |
| A copy of the divorce certified by the custodian of the record |
- Clerk of the Court in the city or county where the divorce was obtained; or
- Bureau of Vital Statistics of the state in which you were divorced
|
| A certified photocopy of one of the documents shown above |
|
If you are unable to obtain any of the documents listed above or if the decree is not for a final, absolute or divorce a vinculo matrimonii, contact the nearest field office of the RRB. The people there will be glad to assist you.
Annulment
Chapter 4 of this booklet describes when it is necessary to file proof of termination of a remarriage. When a marriage or remarriage ends with an annulment, submit a certified copy of the decree of annulment.