This is such a helpful thread! As someone who will likely face this decision in a few years, I'm taking notes on all the strategies mentioned here. The fact that you were able to get through to SSA using Claimyr in just 15 minutes is amazing - I've bookmarked that service for when I need it. One question for the group: does anyone know if there are any good resources (books, websites, etc.) that explain all these widow/widower benefit strategies in plain English? The SSA publications are so technical and confusing. It seems like there are a lot of nuances that aren't well publicized.

I'm so glad you were able to get the answers you needed, Ava! Your experience really highlights how challenging it can be to navigate the Social Security system, but also shows that persistence pays off. The $425 monthly difference you discovered is substantial - that's definitely worth the effort you put in to research your options. For anyone else reading this thread who might be in a similar situation, I think this conversation demonstrates a few key takeaways: 1) Don't rely solely on the online portal for survivor benefit information, 2) The phone system is frustrating but services like Claimyr can help, 3) In-person appointments are often necessary for the actual application process, and 4) Getting exact benefit amounts before making decisions is crucial since the difference can be hundreds of dollars per month. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences and knowledge here - this is exactly the kind of community support that makes navigating these complex systems a little easier!

I'm so sorry for your loss and the incredibly frustrating experience you're having with SSA. What you're going through is unfortunately very common, but that doesn't make it any less maddening. Based on your timeline, you absolutely have a valid claim. If your husband passed on October 28th and they reclaimed the payment that arrived November 3rd, they took back his September payment - which he was alive for the entire month to earn. That payment is rightfully yours. Here's what I'd recommend for your Tuesday appointment: - Bring bank statements showing both the deposit and withdrawal - Request to speak with a "Technical Expert" who specializes in survivor benefits - Ask for all interactions to be documented with case numbers - Don't accept vague promises - demand specific timelines Also consider filing a complaint with the SSA Office of Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov about the lost paperwork and contradictory information you've received. After 10+ months of runaround, you need external pressure to get this resolved. Stay strong - you're fighting for what's rightfully yours, and persistence will eventually pay off. Please keep us updated on how things go!

I'm so sorry for your loss and the incredible frustration you're experiencing with SSA. As someone who has helped family members navigate similar survivor benefit issues, I can tell you that your situation is unfortunately common but absolutely solvable. Based on your timeline, you have a very strong case. Your husband passed on October 28th, and the payment they reclaimed (deposited November 3rd) was for September - a month he was alive for entirely. That payment is rightfully yours. For your Tuesday appointment, I'd recommend bringing: - Bank statements showing the deposit and withdrawal - Death certificate and marriage certificate - All previous Form 1724 submissions (copies) - A written timeline of all your attempts to resolve this Most importantly, ask to speak with a "Technical Expert" who specializes in survivor benefits - regular representatives often lack the expertise for complex underpayment cases like yours. Don't accept vague promises about "processing" - demand specific timelines and case reference numbers. Also consider filing a complaint with the SSA Office of Inspector General (oig.ssa.gov) about the lost paperwork and contradictory information. After 10+ months, you need external pressure to cut through the bureaucracy. You've shown incredible persistence during an already difficult time. Keep fighting - you deserve that payment and shouldn't have to jump through these hoops to get it. Please update us after Tuesday's meeting!

did anyone take care of sending back the payment yet? when my grandma died we had to wait for the official letter from ssa before doing anything. and be careful about ur mom's bank account, sometimes they freeze it when someone dies and then u can't access anything!

I'm so sorry for your loss. This is such a frustrating situation to deal with while you're grieving. Based on what you've described, SSA should NOT be asking for the December 3rd payment back since that was for November's benefits and your mom was alive the entire month of November. The fact that she died on December 12th means she's not entitled to December benefits (which would have been paid in January), but November's benefits are rightfully hers. I'd suggest calling SSA back and asking them to pull up your mom's payment history on screen while you're talking. Ask them to tell you exactly which benefit month they're claiming was overpaid. If they say "December benefits," remind them that December benefits would have been paid in January (which you correctly didn't receive). If they insist the December 3rd deposit needs to be returned, ask to speak with a supervisor immediately and request they document in writing which specific benefit month and policy they're citing. Don't let them confuse you with vague statements. You deserve clear answers about your mom's specific case, especially when you're dealing with what sounds like their error or miscommunication.

Something important to remember about survivor benefits that surprised me: if you're applying based on your deceased spouse's record, you aren't limited to what they were receiving at death. If they claimed benefits early (before FRA), you might actually get more than what they were receiving. Your benefit would be based on their primary insurance amount (PIA), not their reduced benefit amount. Also, even though you mentioned not having enough credits for your own retirement benefits, the SSA will still check if you'd qualify for any benefits on your own record, just to be thorough. They'll award you whichever benefit is higher (though in your case, it sounds like the survivor benefit will be the only option). Let them handle the direct deposit setup during the call - one less thing for you to worry about now.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Keisha. I went through the survivor benefits process about 18 months ago and wanted to share a few additional tips that helped me. First, don't worry about setting up direct deposit beforehand - the SSA rep will absolutely handle that during your phone appointment. However, I'd recommend calling your bank ahead of time to confirm your routing and account numbers, and maybe even get a voided check or deposit slip to have the numbers written down clearly in front of you during the call. One thing that caught me off guard was that they asked for my Social Security card during the interview (to verify the number), so have that handy too. Also, if you have any life insurance policies or pension information from your husband's employer, they might ask about those as well - it doesn't affect your survivor benefits, but they like to have a complete picture. The whole process took about 45 minutes for me, and the representative was very patient and understanding. Don't hesitate to ask them to repeat information or slow down if you need to - they're used to working with people who are grieving and dealing with a lot of new information. You've got this!

One other important thing to know: Even if you don't qualify for the Medicare Savings Programs through Medicaid, you should look into Medicare Advantage plans that have $0 premiums and include prescription coverage. Many also offer extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and over-the-counter allowances. Part B premiums would still apply, but many Advantage plans help reduce your overall healthcare costs. You can switch plans during the Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7 each year. Based on your income level, I'd recommend applying for both the Medicare Savings Program AND Extra Help as soon as you're eligible. You can apply for Extra Help up to 4 months before your Medicare begins.

Just wanted to add that you should also look into your state's QMB Plus program if Nevada offers it. Some states have expanded versions of the basic QMB program that have slightly higher income limits. Also, don't forget that these programs can be renewed annually, so even if your income changes slightly from year to year, you might still qualify. One tip I learned the hard way - when you apply, ask specifically about "deemed eligibility" for Extra Help. If you qualify for QMB or SLMB, you're automatically eligible for Extra Help too, which can save you hundreds on prescription costs. Also, if you're planning to work part-time, consider that there are work incentives that might not count all your earnings toward the income limits. The Medicaid office should be able to explain these if they apply to your situation.