I live in VA and was married to my ex-spouse for 13 years. We had three children. After the divorce he fled from the area to avoid child support, which he was able to do for many years and I had to support the children on my own. When child support enforcement finally found him the arrears were very high. Although he is now paying a fraction of the arrears, he is turned 62 this year and is eligible for SS.
I found out through one of my step children (yes he did this to them also) that he has been diagnosed with cancer. He may be receiving his social security benefits now, but because he is paying something to child support enforcement, they will not check with the Social Security Admin. to see if he is getting benefits.
Currently he owes approx. $230,000.00 in back child support. If he were to pass on, could I apply to SS to collect as much of the back child support as possible?

