After scheduling with Claimyr, I found the SSA agent I spoke with was really helpful about explaining the next steps. They told me exactly what documents to bring to my in-person appointment. Saved me from making multiple trips. Since you're dealing with a somewhat unusual situation with your brother-in-law being estranged and homeless, it might help to talk to an agent first who can advise on your specific case before going in.

I'm so sorry for your loss and what you've had to go through with this difficult situation. As someone new to navigating Social Security benefits, I wanted to ask - is there a time limit on when you need to apply for the $255 death benefit? I see someone mentioned 2 years, but I'm wondering if that's a hard deadline or if there are any exceptions, especially in cases like yours where the person was homeless and estranged from family. Also, if you don't mind me asking, roughly how long did the whole process take from start to finish for those who have been through this? I'm trying to help my elderly neighbor who might be in a similar situation soon.

had this happen last year banks dont know SS rules half the time lol they almost sent back june and july payments when my uncle died in august!!! crazy stuff

I'm sorry for your loss, Ella. I went through this exact situation when my father passed away in 2022. The key thing to remember is that Social Security payments are made for the PREVIOUS month, so that August 3rd payment was legitimately for July when your mother was alive the entire month. Here's what I'd recommend: Contact the bank manager immediately and be very specific - tell them to ONLY return the August 28th payment (which would be for August, a month she didn't live through completely). The August 3rd payment should stay in the account as it was properly earned for July. I'd also suggest getting this in writing from the bank about which payment they're returning, just in case there are any issues later. Banks sometimes get confused about Social Security payment timing, so being crystal clear upfront will save you potential headaches down the road. If they do accidentally return the wrong payment, you'll need to contact SSA with your executor paperwork and death certificate to get it straightened out. Better to prevent the mistake than fix it later though!

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! I'm definitely going to try to get through to a Technical Expert since it seems like they're the only ones who really understand these complicated cases. I'll plan on getting some increase but not the full 50% I was hoping for. At least I know now why I was getting such different answers. I'll update after I speak with someone who can do the actual calculations for my specific situation.

I'm a Social Security Administration representative and want to clarify the correct information about divorced spousal benefits since there's been some confusion in this thread. When you file for divorced spousal benefits after your Full Retirement Age (which you will be at 69), the divorced spousal portion itself won't be reduced for age. However, since you took your own retirement benefit early at 62, that portion remains permanently reduced. Here's how it works: You'll receive the HIGHER of either (1) your current reduced benefit, or (2) up to 50% of your ex-husband's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). You don't get both benefits - it's not additive. The key calculation is comparing 50% of his PIA to your current reduced benefit amount. If 50% of his PIA is higher than what you're currently receiving, you'll get that higher amount. If your current benefit is already close to or exceeds 50% of his PIA, you may see little to no increase. For accurate calculations specific to your situation, I recommend scheduling an appointment at your local SSA office or requesting to speak with a Technical Expert who can access your earnings records and provide exact figures. The online my Social Security account at ssa.gov can also provide benefit estimates.

Has anyone else noticed their monthly payment amount is WAY LESS than expected??? My friend with lung cancer got approved last year and was shocked when he only got about $1900/month even though he made good money before getting sick. I heard SSDI has some weird maximum cap on benefits no matter how much you paid into the system!!!

I'm so sorry you're going through this difficult time with your diagnosis and the financial stress that comes with it. I wanted to share some additional information that might help ease your worries. Since you mentioned your case was expedited with a handwritten note, that's actually a really positive sign. It shows the examiner took special care with your file and felt confident about the 09/15/2023 onset date recommendation. In my experience with family members who've gone through similar situations, when there's clear documentation like hospitalization records supporting the onset date, SSA rarely changes it in the final decision. One thing that might help with the waiting anxiety - you can create a my Social Security account online if you haven't already. Once your case is fully processed, you'll be able to see your benefit amount and payment schedule there. It's usually updated within a few days of the decision. Also, don't forget to ask about Medicare eligibility when you speak with SSA. With SSDI, you typically become eligible for Medicare 24 months after your entitlement date, but there are some exceptions for certain conditions that might apply to your situation. Take care of yourself and focus on your treatment. The financial piece will work itself out, and from what you've described, it sounds like everything is moving in the right direction.

To summarize what you should do: 1. Continue receiving your current benefit until your husband retires 2. When your husband files for his benefits, contact SSA (ideally make an appointment) to apply for your spousal benefit 3. Bring your marriage certificate, both birth certificates, and both Social Security cards to the appointment 4. You'll then receive your own $980 benefit plus a spousal add-on of approximately $570 (assuming your husband's benefit is $3,100) 5. The total will be $1,550, which is exactly 50% of your husband's benefit And just to be clear - this isn't SSI, this is regular Social Security retirement with a spousal benefit component.

One thing I'd add is to keep track of your husband's exact filing date because your spousal benefit increase should start the month after he files. Sometimes there can be a delay in processing, so if you don't see the adjustment in your payment within 2-3 months, follow up with SSA. Also, when you do contact them to apply for the spousal benefit, ask them to confirm the exact amount you'll receive - it's always good to have that in writing so you know what to expect in your monthly payment.