The SSA should be paying you the highest benefit you're entitled to automatically, but in my experience they DON'T always do this correctly!! You need to specifically ask them to compare ALL your potential benefits. And get it in writing!! Don't trust verbal answers - I learned that the hard way.

I recommend asking SSA for a "what-if" analysis showing all three scenarios (retirement only, survivor only, and with ex-spouse benefits). Specifically, you'll want to know: 1. Your PIA (Primary Insurance Amount) based on your own work record 2. The survivor benefit amount (which should be up to 100% of your late husband's benefit at your FRA) 3. The potential divorced spouse benefit (up to 50% of your ex's PIA) The good news is that at FRA, your work income won't cause any benefit reductions. You'll just need to consider potential tax implications if your combined income exceeds certain thresholds.

Since your ex-husband passed away 2 years ago, be sure to ask about potential retroactive benefits. While retirement benefits can only be retroactive 6 months, survivor benefits can sometimes be paid retroactive to the date of death (if you were already at eligible age) or the date you reached eligible age. Just be aware that any retroactive payment may affect your tax situation for the year you receive it.

congrats on the benefits!! my mom got survivors from my dad and its been a life saver for her. just make sure u call them right away cause they dont give u benefits from before u apply usualy.

When my wife died in 2020 I was taking care of my granddaughter and couldn't get to the SSA office during the pandemic. When I finally went to get estimates, they calculated everything and even showed me charts comparing different claiming ages. So yes, they can definitely tell you these numbers! Bring your marriage certificate, his death certificate, and your ID.

this whole system is so complicated! my husband died last month and i have no idea what im going to get. i should probably do what your doing and figure it out early but im still dealing with all the funeral expenses and paperwork. why cant they just make this stuff simple??

Does anybody know if this affects the amount HE gets? My friend's ex-wife started collecting on his record and he's worried they're gonna reduce his checks?

Just to summarize the key points for your situation: 1. You qualify for ex-spouse benefits because you were married over 10 years and divorced for at least 2 years 2. Your ex does NOT need to be collecting for you to claim on his record 3. Your ex will NOT be notified when you file 4. At your FRA, you'll get either your own benefit or up to 50% of his FRA amount, whichever is HIGHER (not both) 5. Waiting beyond FRA won't increase ex-spouse benefits 6. Bring complete documentation including marriage certificate, divorce decree, birth certificate, and photo ID when you apply Hope this helps clarify everything!

tell her to go to the office IN PERSON!!! do NOT rely on the phone. my daughter wasted 6 months trying to call about her sons benefits on her disability. we finally just went to the local office and waited all morning but at least got it done in one day!!!

Just to add a bit more info since there are some good questions here: 1. Regarding the Family Maximum Benefit that several people mentioned - yes, there is a cap that's generally 150-180% of the disabled parent's benefit. With two children, they might each get somewhat less than 50%, but it's still significant. 2. Timeline: Once she applies, it typically takes 1-3 months for auxiliary benefits to be approved (much faster than disability applications). Back benefits are limited to 6 months from application date. 3. The older child's benefits will stop at age 18 unless they're still in high school, in which case benefits can continue until graduation or age 19 and 2 months, whichever comes first. 4. Application process: If your daughter has mobility issues, she can: - Start the application online at ssa.gov - Call for a phone appointment - Request an in-person appointment - In some cases, request an accommodation if visiting the office is difficult Make sure she doesn't delay - every month she waits is potentially lost back benefits!