Social Security survivor benefit expert here. Let me clarify exactly what's happening: 1. As a surviving spouse at FRA, you're entitled to 100% of your deceased husband's benefit amount. 2. How SSA processes this internally: - They pay your own retirement benefit first - Then they add a "partial survivor benefit" to reach the total - The sum equals your husband's full benefit amount 3. Why they suggested filing for your retirement: - Retirement claims process faster than survivor claims - You'll get some income (your retirement + 6 months backpay) while waiting - When the survivor portion is approved, your total will equal your husband's benefit - You'll also get retroactive survivor payments back to the month after his passing 4. This dual-entitlement processing is standard procedure and doesn't reduce your total benefit. The rep was actually trying to help you by suggesting this approach. It gets money in your pocket faster while the more complex survivor portion processes.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Ava. Losing a spouse is devastating, and dealing with SSA bureaucracy on top of grief makes it even harder. The rep explained it correctly - you'll receive the full amount your husband was getting, but SSA splits it administratively between "your benefit" and "survivor portion." This is completely normal and you're not being shortchanged. Since you've been without income since October, I'd strongly recommend taking their suggestion to file for your retirement benefits now. Here's why: - You'll get your retirement benefit plus 6 months backpay within a few weeks - Survivor benefits can take months to process fully - Once approved, you'll get retroactive survivor payments back to November 2024 - Your total monthly amount will equal your husband's full benefit One tip: get everything in writing or take detailed notes during calls, including the rep's name and date. SSA processing can be inconsistent, and having documentation helps if you need to follow up. You're doing everything right - hang in there. The financial relief is coming.

Update: I finally got through to Social Security today! The representative confirmed I am eligible for divorced spouse benefits from my first husband. She calculated that I would receive an additional $275 per month on top of my current benefit. She also said I could only get 6 months of retroactive payments, which is disappointing but better than nothing. Thank you all so much for your help and for encouraging me to pursue this. I never would have known to question what I was told initially. The rep is sending me some forms to fill out, and I need to locate my marriage certificate and divorce decree to submit with my application.

Congratulations Emma! This is such a great outcome and really shows why it's so important to advocate for yourself with Social Security. An extra $275/month will make a real difference in your monthly budget. For anyone else reading this thread who might be in a similar situation - this is a perfect example of why you should always get a second opinion if something doesn't sound right. The SSA representatives are human and can make mistakes or may not be fully informed about all the rules. A few tips for others: Always ask to speak with a supervisor if you're not satisfied with the answer you get, keep detailed notes of every conversation including the date and representative's name, and don't be afraid to call back if you need clarification. The rules around divorced spouse benefits are complex, but you deserve to get every benefit you're entitled to! Emma, make sure to follow up if there are any delays in processing your application. Sometimes these things can take a while to get fully resolved.

Update: I called SSA this morning (took forever to get through!) and have an appointment next week to apply for the survivor benefits. The representative confirmed that since we were married over 10 years and I haven't remarried, I'm eligible even though we were divorced. She also verified I can take these benefits now while letting my own retirement benefit grow until 70. Thanks everyone for your help and advice!

This is such valuable information for anyone in a similar situation! I'm 64 and divorced after 12 years of marriage. My ex-husband is older than me and in poor health, so this thread has been really eye-opening about potential future options. The key takeaways I'm getting are: 1) Marriage must have lasted 10+ years, 2) You can't have remarried, 3) You can collect survivor benefits at FRA while delaying your own until 70, and 4) Act quickly since there's only 6 months of retroactive benefits. Taylor, please keep us updated on how your appointment goes - it could help others navigate this process!

My cousin retired last year and she told me that the first $22,320 you make in a year doesn't count at all against Social Security regardless of when you earn it. But then her neighbor told her that was wrong and now she's all confused too. The Social Security rules are so complicated!!! Why can't they just make it simple?

I went through this exact same situation two years ago and wanted to share what I learned. The monthly earnings test ($1860/month) only applies AFTER you start collecting benefits in August. Your January-July earnings won't affect your Social Security at all. However, here's something crucial that saved me from problems: make sure you understand how SSA defines "earnings" for that monthly test. It's not just regular wages - it includes any compensation for services you perform in that month. So if you do any consulting work, freelance projects, or even help a friend with their business for pay after August, that counts toward the $1860 limit. Also, I'd strongly recommend calling SSA about 2-3 months before you plan to start benefits to go over your specific situation. Yes, it's hard to get through, but it's worth it to avoid any surprises. When I called, they walked me through exactly what would and wouldn't count as earnings in my first year. One more tip: keep detailed records of when you officially stop working and any final payments you receive. SSA may ask for documentation later to verify your earnings timeline.

My cousin said if u work for 10 more years after taking early SS they have to recalculate everything and give u the higher amount. Is that right???

I'm new to this community but going through a similar situation - started collecting at 62 and now wondering about what happens at FRA. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful! It's frustrating that the SSA doesn't explain these permanent reductions more clearly upfront. I had no idea that the early filing reduction would stick with me forever. For anyone else in this boat, it sounds like the key takeaways are: 1) Your own retirement benefit reduction is permanent, 2) Your spousal benefit might see a small increase at FRA, and 3) You'll still get annual COLAs. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this is exactly the kind of real-world info that's hard to find elsewhere!