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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.
I have (unfortunately). The process was a nightmare!!! They required his death certificate and our marriage certificate and about a million forms. Then they messed up the calculation TWICE. The first check took almost 3 months to arrive after he passed. Make sure you have at least 6 months of expenses saved because the SSA moves like molasses!!!
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.
I appreciate the suggestion, but unfortunately my wife was born in 1960, so she doesn't qualify for that restricted application option. The SSA representative told us her best option was to take her own reduced benefit with the spousal supplement now, then switch to the survivor benefit if/when I pass away. We didn't even know about the possibility of a restricted application until after she had already filed.
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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.
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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!!!
Good advice. My daughter's mobility issues make waiting at an office difficult, but maybe I can go with her to help. Did your daughter have to bring the kids to the office too, or just their documents?
just the documents was fine. birth certificates and social security cards. and her photo id. but call first to check if your office requires appointments now cause some do since covid
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!
Thank you so much for this detailed information! I'm going to help her start the online application this weekend. We'll gather all the documents mentioned. It's good to know about the continuation for her oldest since he is still in high school. This could really make a difference for their family.
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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!
That's a great tip! I'll definitely do that. Did your mom have to wait a long time to actually receive benefits after she applied?
It took about 6 weeks for everything to process but they did backpay to her application date! The increase at her FRA happened automatically too, she didnt have to do anything for that part.
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.
Thank you so much for all this information! I've gathered most of these documents already, just need to locate our marriage certificate. I really appreciate everyone's help and will update once I've applied and heard back from SSA.
Theodore Nelson
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.
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Carmella Fromis
•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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Margot Quinn
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.
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