Has anyone here actually RECEIVED survivor benefits? All this theoretical knowledge is great but I want to hear from someone who's been through the process. My husband is 12 years older than me and I'm worried about navigating this system when I'm grieving someday.

One important strategy note: If your wife is still relatively young, you might want to consider whether she should switch her benefit strategy. If she's currently receiving a reduced retirement benefit plus spousal supplement, when you pass away, she would receive the higher of: 1. Her own reduced retirement benefit 2. The reduced survivor benefit (reduced because she's taking it before FRA) Depending on your specific benefit amounts and her life expectancy, it might actually be more advantageous for her to restrict her application to just spousal benefits now (if she was born before January 2, 1954 and is at least at FRA) or consider other strategies to maximize her long-term benefits. This is complex enough that you might want to consult with a financial advisor who specializes in Social Security claiming strategies.

One more thing to consider: if you're still working at your state job while collecting Social Security before reaching age 70, make sure you understand how that might affect your taxes. Up to 85% of your Social Security benefits can be taxable depending on your combined income. This tax situation, combined with IRMAA considerations, makes it worth running detailed calculations or even consulting with a financial advisor who specializes in retirement planning for government employees. The right timing can make a difference of tens of thousands of dollars over your retirement.

did u know that if u work for a state that doesnt pay into SS (like some do and some dont) it can really mess up ur benefits? my cousin lost like half his SS because of something called windfall elimination provision. just mentioning in case ur state job is one of those???

I just remembered something important! My mom had to specifically REQUEST the RIB-LIM calculation when she was talking to SSA. The first person she talked to had no idea what she was asking about, but when she got a supervisor they knew exactly what to do. Print out the info from that POMS section the expert mentioned above and bring it with you!

One last thing I'd add - make sure you gather all necessary documents before applying: 1. Your ex-husband's death certificate 2. Your marriage certificate 3. Your divorce decree 4. Your ID and Social Security card 5. If possible, information about his earnings record/benefit amount Also, when you apply, make it clear you're applying as a disabled divorced widow. This is a special category, and not all SSA representatives are equally familiar with the rules. If you get pushback or contradictory information, politely ask to speak with a Technical Expert who specializes in survivor benefits. Good luck! This could mean a significant increase in your monthly income.

My brother thought he was getting one amount and ended up with something totally different. The SSA is always changing things and you cant trust what they tell you anymore. The whole system is broken if you ask me!!!

wait ur turning 70 next month and havnet applied yet?? i thought u had to apply 3-4 months before? Will u still get all the back payments??

My brain hurts trying to understand all this lol. But I do know that the SSA workers are SUPER OVERWORKED so sometimes they don't have time to look into complicated cases. I would definitely try again and maybe go in person like others have said. Phone calls are useless for complicated stuff!!

One more important point that hasn't been addressed: Your friend mentioned her first husband was on disability when he died. This means his SSDI benefit amount would have already been calculated before his death, making it easier to determine what the survivor benefit would be with COLAs applied. She should request what's called a "Survivor Benefit Estimate" from both deceased spouses and compare them to her current benefit. If either would be higher, she can switch. The fact that the SSA representative dismissed her quickly suggests they either: 1. Didn't understand the full complexity of her case 2. Didn't check both deceased spouses' records with COLAs applied 3. Saw something specific that would disqualify her, but didn't explain it properly Definitely worth following up with a scheduled appointment. Make sure to bring: - Marriage certificates for both marriages - Death certificates for both husbands - Any old benefit award letters she might have kept - Her own Social Security statement showing current benefits Persistence often pays off with these complex cases.