I'm so sorry for your loss, Dmitry. It's clear you've been handling this difficult situation with such care and attention to detail. Reading through this thread, it's wonderful to see how supportive this community has been in guiding you through the Social Security process. One small additional tip - when you do receive that lump sum death benefit decision in about 30 days, if it's approved, the payment typically comes as a separate check or direct deposit, not added to the regular account where your mother's benefits were going. Just wanted to mention that so you know what to expect. You've really done everything right during such a challenging time, and I hope the process continues to go smoothly for you.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Dmitry. It sounds like you've navigated this incredibly difficult process with remarkable grace and thoroughness. As someone who works with families going through similar situations, I want to commend you for being so proactive in handling all these details while grieving. One thing I'd add to all the excellent advice you've received - consider keeping a simple timeline document of all the actions you've taken (reporting the death, applying for benefits, bank notifications, etc.) with dates and reference numbers. This can be incredibly helpful not just for your own records, but if you need to help other family members understand what's been done or if any questions arise months down the road. Also, while you're waiting for the death benefit decision, don't hesitate to call SSA if you have any other questions or if your situation changes in any way. You've clearly established a good working relationship with them, and they're there to help during this transition period. Wishing you peace as you continue to handle your mother's affairs and process your grief.

I just went through this process myself last year! Applied exactly 3 months before my benefit start date and everything went smoothly. One thing I'd add is to double-check that all your W-2s and earnings are correctly reported in your Social Security record before you apply. I found a missing year from an old employer and had to get that corrected first, which added a few weeks to my timeline. The online application really is straightforward though - took me about 45 minutes total, and I got confirmation within a few days that my application was received and being processed.

I work as a customer service representative at a local SSA office, and I can confirm what everyone is saying about the 3-4 month window. We literally cannot process applications that are submitted too early - our system will reject them and we have to ask people to come back later. The 3-month recommendation exists because it gives us enough time to review your application, request any additional documentation if needed, and ensure your first payment goes out on schedule. We see way too many people who think they're being proactive by applying 6+ months early, only to waste their time and ours. December 2024 would be perfect timing for your March 2025 start date. Also, make sure to apply online if possible - it really does speed up the process and reduces errors compared to paper applications.

I'm new to this community but have been dealing with a similar situation with my nephew. One thing I learned from my caseworker is that you should also ask SSA specifically about the "one-third support test" when you meet with them. Even if your grandson doesn't qualify under the standard dependency provisions, there's sometimes wiggle room if you can prove you've been providing more than one-third of his support consistently. Also, if your husband has any military service history, there might be additional veteran benefits to explore through the VA that could help with raising your grandson. It's worth checking multiple avenues since every little bit helps when you're raising grandkids on a fixed income.

I've been working as a benefits specialist for over 15 years and want to emphasize something important that others have touched on - timing is absolutely crucial with SSA dependency cases. The fact that your grandson was living with you and financially dependent on your husband BEFORE he started receiving retirement benefits is key to the dependency provisions under POMS GN 00306.235. When you gather your documentation, make sure to highlight the timeline clearly. You'll want to show that the support relationship was established well before your husband's benefit entitlement date. This distinguishes your case from situations where grandparents try to claim benefits after the fact. Also, don't be discouraged if you encounter initial resistance from SSA staff. These dependency cases for grandchildren are less common, so not every representative is familiar with the specific provisions. If needed, reference POMS GN 00306.235 directly and ask them to review that section. Sometimes having the specific regulation number helps move things along. Best of luck with your case - it sounds like you have a strong foundation with 8 years of guardianship and financial support!

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I just wanted to add my experience from last month when I needed my marriage certificate for Social Security. After calling around to several county offices, I discovered that some courts will also accept a "certified true copy" from an attorney who has access to the original records through legal databases. My lawyer was able to pull the official record, certify it, and have it accepted by SSA for $50 - much less than what the courthouse wanted. Not all attorneys offer this service, but family law or estate planning attorneys often have access to these legal record databases. Might be worth calling a few local law offices if the courthouse digital options don't pan out. Also, just a heads up - when you do get your certified copy (whether digital or physical), make several photocopies for your records before submitting the original to SSA. You never know when you might need it again for other benefits or legal matters!

Based on everyone's experiences shared here, I'd strongly recommend calling your courthouse first to ask about digital certified copies before paying the full $75. As several people mentioned, many courts now offer email delivery with embedded digital seals for much less money and faster turnaround - sometimes the same day! I also want to emphasize what the paralegal mentioned about submitting your SSA application now to establish your filing date while you wait for the document. This is crucial since you mentioned your FRA is in 3 months. SSA can backdate benefits to your initial filing date once you provide the required documentation. One more tip - when you do call SSA (or use a service like Claimyr to get through faster), ask specifically about their document submission process. Some offices accept faxed certified copies, which could save you time once you get your divorce decree. Good luck with your application!

For your April benefits (since your birthday is March 12th), applying now is perfect timing. For documents, they usually just need to see the originals if you apply in person, or uploads/copies if applying online. They'll notify you if they need anything else. Also, an important tip: Create your "my Social Security" account online before applying if you haven't already. This lets you track your application status and eventually view/manage your benefits. It's much easier to set this up before you're in the middle of the application process.

As someone who just went through this process last year, I can confirm that applying 3-4 months ahead is the sweet spot. I applied exactly 4 months before my intended start date and everything went smoothly. One thing I wish I'd known earlier - if you're still working when you apply, make sure to report your expected earnings accurately. SSA has an annual earnings limit if you're under full retirement age, but since you're turning 67 (full retirement age), you won't have to worry about earnings limits. Also, double-check that all your employers properly reported your wages over the years by reviewing your Social Security Statement online - any discrepancies are much easier to fix before you apply rather than after. The online application saved me a lot of time compared to going to the office. Best of luck with your application!