wait im confused, can u explain the difference between spousal benefits and survivor benefits? my husband is still alive but he gets wayyyy more SS than i would. can i get some of his now or only after he dies???

I'm a former SSA employee and unfortunately what you experienced is becoming the norm at most field offices. The staffing shortages are real and many offices are operating with skeleton crews. Here's what I'd recommend based on your situation: 1. **Online application is your best bet** - Complete it as a retirement application, then in the remarks section write something like: "I am applying for SPOUSAL BENEFITS ONLY on my husband's record. Husband's name: [Full Name], SSN: XXX-XX-XXXX. I want to file a restricted application for spousal benefits while allowing my own retirement benefit to continue growing until age 70." 2. **Upload documents** - You can upload your marriage certificate directly through the online portal, which will speed up processing. 3. **Don't wait for their call** - In my experience, about 30% of scheduled phone appointments either don't happen or happen late. The online route is much more reliable. 4. **Follow up** - After submitting online, call the 800 number in about 2 weeks to confirm they received everything and understood your intent for spousal benefits only. The whole "I don't have 45 minutes" excuse is ridiculous - that's literally what they're paid to do. But fighting the system won't help you get your benefits faster. The online route with clear instructions in the remarks section is your fastest path forward.

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.

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.

How will you know for SURE what onset date they used? My husband's award letter didn't specifically say his onset date and we had to call 100 times to figure it out. Make sure you look at that letter carefully when you get it because changing the onset date later is a NIGHTMARE if they get it wrong!!!

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!!!

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.