I''m trying to find out how s.s.works with devorced couples. I''m divorced after a thirty year marriage. I want to collect my x-husband s.s. as his is

It sounds like you need to see an attorney or financial planner experienced in this area.  Answers to questions from faceless individuals on the phone can be wrong and can vary from person to person as you have indicated.  This topic was recently addressed very well in a blog post by Charles Hall. More information would be important to answer the question: your age, his age, is he drawing SS retirement or disability right now, are you disabled.  I recommend you find an attorney or financial planner where you live that can answer your questions.