Since the OP is receiving survivor benefits, they actually maintain the right to switch to their own retirement benefit later if it would be higher. This is one of the few remaining strategies where you can still claim one benefit type and later switch to another. If the OP's own retirement benefit would be higher at 70 than the survivor benefit they're receiving now, they could switch at that time.

UPDATE: I called SSA again today and spoke with a different representative. She confirmed everything many of you explained! My ex-husband's delayed retirement credits ARE offsetting my early claiming reduction. She explained that because he waited until 70, his benefit had increased by 32% from delayed credits. My early filing reduction (about 28.5%) is being applied to that higher amount, resulting in me still receiving roughly what would be his PIA. She also confirmed I can switch to my own retirement benefit later if it would be higher (though in my case, it likely won't be). I feel so much better now understanding how this works! Thank you all for your helpful insights!

One more thing to consider: if your mother was receiving Social Security benefits (retirement or disability), she would have received a payment for the month of her death, even if she passed away on the first day of the month. If that payment wasn't processed before she died, you should make sure that final payment was properly handled. If your mother had direct deposit, the bank might have returned the payment to SSA after her account was closed. In that case, the payment could be reissued to her estate. It wouldn't come to you personally, but to her estate, which might ultimately benefit you as her heir. This is separate from the $255 death benefit (which you don't qualify for), but it could potentially be more money depending on her benefit amount.

My cousin told me funeral homes sometimes know about other benefits or assistance programs! maybe ask them?

Another thing to consider - if your still working, your ongoing earnings might INCREASE your eventual benefit! SS takes your highest 35 years of earnings. If your current $70k salary is higher than some of your earlier years (after indexing for inflation), you could be replacing lower earning years with higher ones, pushing your benefit up even MORE!!! So you get the 8% per year increase for waiting PLUS potentially higher base calculation from continued work. Double win!

i think u should just take the $$ when u can get it!! who knows what tomorrow brings right? my cousin waited to claim and then passed at 69 never got a penny!! so sad

One important point that hasn't been mentioned yet: if you're still working while collecting Social Security before your Full Retirement Age, be aware of the earnings limit. In 2025, if you earn more than $22,500 and are under your FRA, SSA will deduct $1 for every $2 you earn above that limit. The year you reach FRA, the limit is higher ($59,880 in 2025) with $1 deducted for every $3 earned above the limit. Once you reach your FRA, there's no earnings limit. This doesn't apply if you're already fully retired, but it's important to know if either of you plan to work part-time while collecting benefits.

To answer your follow-up question about who should file first: Generally, it makes financial sense for the lower-earning spouse to claim first (especially if claiming early) while the higher earner delays as long as possible up to age 70. This maximizes the survivor benefit and can significantly increase your household's lifetime benefits. But this assumes both of you are in good health and have reasonable longevity expectations. If health issues are a concern for the higher earner, earlier filing might make sense. These decisions are very personal and depend on your specific financial situation, health outlook, and need for income now versus later.

Just want to add that you should apply for survivor benefits 2-3 months before you want them to start. The process takes forever and they're not retroactive beyond 6 months!

One more thing to consider - if you're planning to continue working in some capacity, you might want to wait until your Full Retirement Age to claim survivor benefits. That way you avoid the earnings test completely. The benefit would be 100% of her PIA instead of the reduced 71.5%, AND you wouldn't have any benefit withheld due to earnings. It's always a personal calculation based on your health, financial needs, and employment situation. But many people don't realize how significant the earnings test reduction can be if they're still working substantially.

wait does anyone know if they backpay you for the months you had to wait for processing?? i heard they do but my neighbor said they didnt get anything retroactive

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! I feel much better about the timing now. I'll plan to apply online in early April for my July start date, and I'll make sure to specify the July start date clearly on the application. Good to know my current earnings won't reduce my benefit since I'll be at FRA when benefits begin. And I'll definitely check out Claimyr if I run into any issues contacting SSA directly. The peace of mind of confirming everything is on track would be worth it. I appreciate all the advice!

I think ppl are confusing SSI and retirement benefits in some responses. SSI payments come on the 1st. Regular retirement comes on Wednesdays based on birth date like someone said above.

Thanks everyone for the responses. I'm going to try to get through to an agent to check on my application status. It sounds like the wait time is normal but I want to make sure they don't need any additional documents from me. I'll update when I know more!

Wait, I'm confused... are widow's benefits different than survivor benefits? My husband died 3 years ago and I get something called "survivor benefits" but is that the same thing? Now I'm worried they might send me one of these notices too!

Update: I finally got through to someone at SSA today after trying for three days. The agent explained that they had initially calculated my benefit based on my husband's estimated earnings for his last year of work, but when the actual earnings were processed, it was lower than estimated. They're giving me options to either have reduced payments for 10 months or pay a lump sum (which I can't afford). I'm still going to file for reconsideration because I don't think I should be penalized for their estimation error. Thank you all for your helpful advice and support during this stressful time. The forms and information you suggested really helped me understand what was happening and what my options are.

Thank you all for the helpful information! I've scheduled my appointment for next week. I'm gathering my marriage certificate and divorce papers as suggested. It's such a relief to understand this better now.

One final tip - when you go to your appointment, ask them to show you a benefit comparison between filing for your own benefits only versus filing for the combination of yours plus ex-spouse benefits. In rare cases, it might actually be more advantageous to file a restricted application for just the ex-spouse benefits and let your own benefit continue to grow until age 70. The rules changed in 2015, but some people born before 1954 still have this option.

I HATE these stupid unfair rules!!! My sister worked for the post office for 35 YEARS and gets ZERO of her husbands SS even though that money would really help her now!!!! If they dont fix this soon all of us affected are going to be too old for it to even matter!!!!!

Update for everyone following this thread: The latest version of the WEP/GPO repeal bill now includes a 5-year phase-in period with priority given to beneficiaries over 65. The first year would provide 20% relief from GPO, increasing by 20% each year until full repeal in year 5. It also has a "hold harmless" provision ensuring no one would receive less than they do under current rules. The bill has 305 cosponsors in the House (well over the 290 needed to force a vote), so there's real momentum now.