As someone who just went through the survivor benefit process last month when my father passed, I can confirm your wife would get your CURRENT benefit amount ($4,500), not the FRA amount. The key things we learned: 1) She gets the higher of your benefit or her own benefit, 2) If she claims before her FRA (67), it gets reduced - at 64 she'd get about 85-90% depending on exact timing, 3) The earnings test applies if she's still working, and 4) Don't forget to apply for the $255 lump sum death benefit. My biggest advice: get everything in writing from SSA because different representatives sometimes give conflicting information. Also, start the application process as soon as possible after death occurs - benefits can be paid retroactively but there's still paperwork delays.

Just wanted to add my experience as someone who works at a local SSA field office (though I can't give official advice here). What I see daily is that survivor benefit calculations are one of the most misunderstood aspects of Social Security. Your wife's financial advisor is unfortunately misinformed - this happens more often than you'd think with non-SSA professionals. To be crystal clear: she would receive your CURRENT monthly benefit amount ($4,500) as her survivor benefit, assuming she waits until her FRA to claim. The delayed retirement credits you earned by waiting until 70 DO transfer to survivor benefits - that's the whole point of delaying! If she claims at 64, yes there would be a reduction (roughly 14-15% based on her being 3 years early), but she'd still get more than your original FRA amount. The key is having SSA run the actual numbers for your specific situation rather than relying on general estimates. One tip: when she does go to SSA, bring a copy of your most recent Social Security statement and hers. It helps the representative give more accurate projections.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Justin. This is one of those bureaucratic nightmares that makes an already difficult time even harder. You are absolutely right to fight this - your mother's July Social Security payment should definitely stay in her account since she was alive for the entire month of July. I work in elder law and see this confusion all the time. The bank is applying a blanket policy without understanding the specific Social Security rules. The key point is that benefits are paid for completed months of life, not based on when the payment actually arrives in the account. Here's what I'd suggest: Don't just call SSA - visit your local office in person with her death certificate and ask for written documentation that the July payment is legitimate. Banks respond much better to official paperwork than phone conversations. Also, escalate within the bank if needed - speak directly with a manager who has more authority to override their standard procedures. You shouldn't have to return money that rightfully belongs to your mother's estate. The July payment is hers, but make sure SSA knows about her August 9th death date so they don't issue an August payment that would need to be returned. Stay firm on this - you're fighting for what's legally correct.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Justin. This is exactly the kind of frustrating bureaucracy that families shouldn't have to deal with while grieving. You are absolutely correct - your mother's July Social Security payment should NOT be returned to SSA. The rule is crystal clear: beneficiaries are entitled to Social Security benefits for any complete month they were alive, regardless of when the payment is deposited. Since your mother lived through all of July, that payment (deposited in August) rightfully belongs to her estate. Banks often have blanket policies to return ALL Social Security payments when notified of a death, but they're not trained to understand the timing nuances. What you need is official documentation from SSA to override their standard procedure. I'd recommend visiting your local Social Security office in person rather than trying to get through on the phone - the wait times are brutal right now. Bring her death certificate and request written confirmation that the July payment is legitimate. Once you have that documentation, take it to the bank manager (not just a regular teller) and firmly explain that this is not an overpayment. Don't let them bully you into returning money that legally belongs to your mother's estate. You have enough to handle right now without giving up funds that are rightfully yours. Stay strong and advocate for what's correct - the law is on your side here.

Thank you everyone for the helpful responses! I called my local SSA office this morning and got some additional information. They confirmed what many of you said - my son can receive both benefits, but the SSI amount will be reduced. They also explained that the autism diagnosis doesn't affect his current benefits from his dad at all. I'm going to go ahead with the SSI application mainly for the Medicaid coverage. Really appreciate all your help navigating this complicated system!

I'm so glad you got the confirmation you needed from SSA! Just wanted to add that when you do apply for SSI, make sure to ask about expedited processing if available. Some offices can fast-track applications for children with certain conditions like autism, especially if you have all the medical documentation ready. Also, don't be discouraged if the first application gets denied - it's unfortunately common and doesn't mean your son doesn't qualify. Many families have to go through the appeals process. The most important thing is that you're getting him the services he needs. Wishing you and your son all the best!

One more consideration: have you checked if you might qualify for spousal benefits instead of your own? Sometimes that can be higher depending on your situation. Also, filing at 62 permanently reduces any potential survivor benefits your spouse might receive if you pass away first. Worth discussing with a financial advisor who specializes in Social Security strategies before you pull the trigger.

Just wanted to add my experience - I filed at 62 last year and the amount on my statement was exactly what I received (before Medicare deductions). One tip: apply about 3 months before you want your first payment to start. The process was actually smoother than I expected, but it does take time to process. Also double-check your earnings record online before applying - I found an error from 2019 that would have cost me about $15/month for life if I hadn't caught it. The SSA corrected it pretty quickly once I provided my W-2. Good luck with your decision!