Can I apply for survivor benefits at 64 without permanent reduction before FRA conversion?

Yes, you're correct! This is one of the few exceptions in Social Security rules. As a disabled widow over age 60, you can apply for survivor benefits now, and they will NOT be permanently reduced. At your Full Retirement Age (66 + 4 months for someone your age), they'll automatically increase to 100% of your ex-husband's benefit amount. This is covered under what SSA calls the RIB-LIM rule (Retirement Insurance Benefit Limitation). The technical section on SSA's website is in their POMS manual at DI 10115.001, but it's very technical. For a more readable explanation, look at the 'If You're The Worker's Widow Or Widower' section on this page: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/survivors/ifyou.html Since your ex was receiving $4,125, your survivor benefit at FRA would be that amount, which is significantly more than your current SSDI. I'd recommend applying ASAP.

My mom went thru this last year!!! Same exact situation basically except she was 63. She got survivor benefits from my dads SS and it wasnt reduced permanent. When she hit her FRA it went up to the full amount he was getting. The SSA made it SUPER confusing for her tho and she almost didnt apply becuz one person told her it would be reduced forever!!

The rules about widow/widower benefits are SO CONFUSING. I spent 3 weeks trying to figure this out last year when my husband died. I kept getting different answers every time I called SSA. Eventually I figured out that disabled widow rules are different than regular widow rules. I think what you're referring to is the "disability freeze" provision where your benefits aren't permanently reduced if you're already on disability. But I'm not 100% sure about ex-spouse situations. Has anyone else successfully gone from SSDI to ex-spouse survivor benefits without permanent reductions?

Im in almost identical situation except Im 61. My ex died in 2023 and we were married 15 years. I get SSDI too. When I called SS they told me I could get suvivor benefits now but theyd be reduced. No one said anything about them going up at my FRA??? Now Im confused

I went through this exact nightmare last year trying to figure out survivor benefits after my husband died. Called SSA literally 47 times and gave up because I could never get through. Then I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that gets you through to an actual SSA person usually within 30 minutes instead of waiting for hours or getting disconnected. They have this video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Once I finally got through to a knowledgeable person at SSA, they confirmed that as a disabled widow I could get survivor benefits that would increase to 100% at my FRA. It's definitely worth making sure you talk to someone who really knows these rules, not just any random phone rep.

im pretty sure your gonna need to apply at your local office for this kind of thing. the online application doesnt handle complicated stuff like disability + survivor benefits very good. my sister tried to do it online and it got all messed up. just my 2 cents

Let me clarify something important here: The provision you're asking about is specifically for disabled widow(er)s. Since you're already on SSDI and over 60, you qualify. Here's exactly what happens: 1. You apply for survivor benefits now at 64½ 2. Your benefit will be reduced because you're taking it before FRA (about 10.75% reduction) 3. You'll get the higher of either your SSDI or the reduced survivor benefit 4. When you reach your FRA (66 years and 4 months), the reduction will go away completely 5. Your benefit will automatically increase to 100% of your ex's PIA (Primary Insurance Amount) This is one of the most advantageous provisions in Social Security. The technical term is the 'widow(er)'s guarantee' or sometimes 'widow(er)'s limit provision.' It's designed to protect disabled survivors. Important: Make sure whoever you speak with at SSA understands you're specifically asking about disabled widow benefits with the automatic increase at FRA.

So does anyone know if this still applies if youre on SSI instead of SSDI? My friends in that situation and she's confused about if she can get her late husbands SS

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.