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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.
Oh! I hadn't thought about retroactive benefits. That would be really helpful if possible. I'll definitely bring that up when I talk to them. Thank you!
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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?
No it doesnt affect his benefit at all! Thats a common misconception. He'll still get his full amount regardless of whether exes or current spouse claim on his record. The divorced spouse benefit doesnt reduce the worker's benefit in any way.
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!
Thank you so much for this clear summary! This is exactly what I needed to know. I'll save this for reference when I approach my FRA.
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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.
yep my mom got underpaid for 2 years because they didnt automatically give her the higher amount. she had to fight to get backpay
This is concerning. I'll definitely make sure to get everything in writing. Did you find any particular wording that was effective in getting them to do a complete comparison of all benefit types?
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.
Thank you for suggesting the "what-if" analysis - that's an excellent approach! I'll specifically ask for that when I connect with them. It's reassuring to know my work won't reduce my benefits, at least.
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this reminds me i need to figure out my own ss stuff, just turned 62 last month and got that packet in the mail but havent opened it yet lol
You should definitely open that packet! It contains your benefit estimates at different claiming ages. Generally, unless you have health issues or really need the money now, waiting past 62 will give you a larger monthly amount - about 8% more for each year you delay, up to age 70.
Thank you everyone for all the helpful responses! I feel much better knowing that our strategy is sound. I'll make sure to organize all our documentation in case something happens to me before I file at 70. I appreciate all your insights and personal experiences - this community is wonderful.
You're very welcome! It's always good to plan ahead. My sister's husband was so grateful they had discussed their Social Security strategy before she passed - it made a difficult time a little easier when at least the financial part was clearer.
Carmen Reyes
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.
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Mei Chen
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??
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Andre Moreau
•I'm very sorry for your recent loss. Please know that you likely qualify for a one-time death benefit payment of $255 from Social Security if you were living with your husband when he passed. Also, if you have minor children, they may be eligible for survivor benefits immediately. You don't have to figure everything out about your future benefits right now, but applying for any current benefits should be done within the first few months as some benefits are time-sensitive.
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