Update: I finally got through to SSA this morning! The representative confirmed I'm eligible for additional benefits based on my ex-husband's record. They're going to add about $270 to my monthly payment going forward. They also said they'd backdate it for 6 months. Thank you all for your help - I never would have known to ask about this without this community!

I don't understand why Social Security makes these rules so complicated!!! Nobody ever tells you about these benefits until it's almost too late. Why don't they automatically check if you qualify for ex-spouse benefits when you apply? The whole system is designed to keep us from getting our full benefits IMO.

DONT FORGET to ask about the lump sum death payment too!!! Its only $255 but its something extra!!!! A lot of people dont know about this and SSA wont tell u!!!!

After your call tomorrow, if they don't agree to use your August date, you can request a formal determination in writing and then appeal if necessary. SSA has an established appeals process. But hopefully they'll handle it correctly tomorrow if you clearly explain the situation. Also, make sure you're prepared to provide all the necessary information for your application: your spouse's death certificate, marriage certificate, both your Social Security numbers, and your direct deposit information. Having this ready will help ensure the application gets completed this time.

To give you an update on your timeline question - the investigation process typically takes 30-90 days. During this time, SSA will contact both you and your ex to gather information. They may also contact other sources like schools or doctors to verify living arrangements.Since you mentioned urgency with winter clothes and school supplies, be sure to emphasize this when you file your SSA-11. In some cases where there's immediate need, SSA can expedite the process or make a temporary payee determination.Also, be prepared that your ex might fight this change. If he does, it could extend the timeline. Document any evidence that the current funds aren't being used for the children's benefit, as this will strengthen your case substantially.

Thank you for this timeline info. I'm going to try to get an appointment at the local office this week. My ex will definitely fight it - he's already told me he's

THE WORST PART of dealing with SS is trying to get through to ANYONE on the phone!! I spent THREE DAYS last month trying to get a simple question answered!! They either disconnect you or put you on hold for 2+ hours and then the call drops. The system is BROKEN!!!

My condolences on losing your husband. When my husband died I was so overwhelmed with paperwork and decisions. Take your time and don't rush into decisions about benefits unless you have to for financial reasons. The choices you make now can affect benefits for many years.

when i got my benefits they gave me a pamphlet that explained all this stuff but i lost it lol

One additional thing to be aware of: if you're receiving SSI (Supplemental Security Income) rather than regular Social Security retirement benefits, different rules apply. For SSI, selling your home could potentially affect your benefits because SSI has asset limits. But since you mentioned early retirement benefits at 62, I'm assuming you're on regular Social Security retirement, not SSI, so the earnings test is what applies to you - and home sale proceeds don't count toward that.

One thing nobody has mentioned yet - you should immediately request an itemized explanation of how they calculated the overpayment amount. In about 30% of the cases I've seen, the SSA calculations contain errors that inflate the overpayment amount. Also, check if you qualify for a "without fault" waiver. If you reported all changes in income/resources on time and the overpayment was due to SSA error, you may qualify to have the entire overpayment waived. Finally, if you're facing immediate financial hardship (risk of eviction, utilities shut off, inability to buy food or medicine), make sure to clearly state this in your communication with SSA. Document any hardship with letters from landlords, past due bills, etc. This can help expedite your case.

did u try calling ur congressperson? my aunt had a problem with SS and she called her congressmans office and they fixed it in like 2 days

To directly answer your question: Yes, a January 10th appointment for April benefits (after a March FRA) is sufficient time. However, I'd recommend having your free mySocialSecurity account fully set up before the call. This allows you to track your application status online after your appointment. Also, have your planned retirement date clearly established, your complete work history organized (especially any government or foreign employment), and all family information ready (marriages, divorces, dependent children). This preparation will help ensure your application is processed efficiently.

My sister applied for her SS retirement last year and she said they asked her a bunch of questions about whether she ever had a different SSN or if she'd ever used another name that wasn't from marriage. Just something else to be prepared for! Also they wanted to know about any pensions from jobs that didn't pay into Social Security (for WEP calculation I guess).

Your benefit amount from your first husband's record should remain exactly the same after you report your marriage. The remarriage after age 60 rule specifically allows the benefit to continue unchanged. The only thing that would potentially change your benefit amount would be if you later became eligible for a higher benefit (such as potentially from your new husband's record in the future).

When my dad remarried at 75 he said the SSA never even asked him about his previous marriage or benefits. I think they really don't care once you're over 60. Enjoy your wedding!

when i applied they told me u get paid the month after. so december benefits come in january. january benefits come in february. remember to set up direct deposit makes it faster

Based on what you've shared about your income ($65,000) and age (turning 60), here's my recommendation: 1. Since you're substantially over the earnings limit, most or all of your survivor benefits would be withheld until you reach FRA or reduce your work hours. 2. You might consider waiting to apply until either: - You're closer to retirement or reducing hours, OR - You reach FRA when the earnings test no longer applies 3. If you decide to apply anyway, January would be slightly better than December for tax purposes, but the earnings test impact would be far more significant than any tax difference. 4. Remember that the reduction for taking survivor benefits early is permanent, but if your own retirement benefit at 70 would be higher than your survivor benefit at FRA, there might still be a strategy in taking reduced survivor benefits for a period and then switching.

i wonder if her retirement $ will be affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision? my cousin had problems with that when he switched from government pension to social security

Update: Thank you everyone for all the great advice! I talked to my sister and we're going to start gathering her documents now and plan to apply in March (3 months before her birthday as suggested). I've also helped her create an account on my.ssa.gov to check her earnings record. According to the estimate, her retirement benefit would be about $1,120/month, which is definitely better than her current SSI payment! We're also going to check on how this might affect her Medicaid coverage since that's really important for her health needs.