Can I claim SS survivor benefits at FRA without claiming my own retirement benefits first?

You absolutely CAN claim survivor benefits without claiming your own retirement benefits first. In fact, that's often a smart strategy. Survivor benefits reach their maximum at your FRA (unlike retirement benefits which grow until 70). Since your survivor benefit would be 100% of what your husband was receiving ($2,800), you can claim that at your FRA, then switch to your own retirement benefit at 70 if it's grown larger than the survivor benefit. The SSA should have explained this option to you - it's one of the few remaining opportunities to use a "switching strategy" since the law changed in 2015. Just make sure when you apply to be very clear you're ONLY applying for survivor benefits, not retirement.

My condolences on your loss. I was in your shoes 2 years ago. I'm pretty sure you can get either one first, but definitely check with SSA directly to make sure. Good luck!

You're getting confused advice because the rules changed in 2015 with the Bipartisan Budget Act, but survivor benefits were treated differently than spousal benefits. Here's the deal: You CAN take survivor benefits at FRA and then switch to your own later (or vice versa). This is still allowed. You'll want to compare what your own benefit would grow to at age 70 - if your own benefit amount × 1.32 (8% per year growth for 4 years) exceeds your survivor benefit, then your strategy makes sense. Based on your numbers ($1,950 × 1.32 = $2,574), it might not be worth waiting since the survivor benefit is still higher at $2,800. But you absolutely have the CHOICE to apply for either one first - that's your right under the current rules.

I've been through this EXACT situation and dealt with so much MISINFORMATION from SSA itself!!! Here's what happened to me: applied for survivor benefits at my FRA, clearly stated I ONLY wanted survivor benefits, but when I got my award letter they had processed BOTH benefits!!! Took me 4 months of calls and finally going in person to get it fixed. The system seems designed to confuse us! They even tried telling me I couldn't do what I was asking for until I showed them their own policy. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING. Write down who you talk to, when, and what they said. Ask for managers when needed. The rules DO allow what you're asking about but some reps don't understand the nuances.

my mom took her husbands benefits first (he passed 5 yrs ago) and it worked out good for her. but she was younger than u are now so maybe different for your age. good luck with everything sorry about ur husband

I've been trying to reach SSA for weeks about a similar question and can't get through! I spent over 3 hours on hold yesterday only to get disconnected. Has anyone found a better way to actually speak to someone at Social Security? I need real answers not what's on their website (which is so confusing).

I think you're all missing something important here. Survivor benefits and retirement benefits are two totally different programs with different rules. You HAVE to apply for both separately anyway, they're not automatic. You can definitely do what you're asking. I worked for 30+ years before retiring, and one thing SSA doesn't tell you is there's a special "restricted application" form you should ask for specifically when you go in. Make an appointment at your local office rather than calling - you'll get much better service in person.

This thread is super helpful for me too!! Im in a similar spot but Im only 60 - lost my hubby last year and trying to figurre out when to take which benefit. So confused!!

I just wanted to update everyone. I finally got through to a supervisor at SSA who confirmed that YES, I can take ONLY survivor benefits at my FRA without taking my own retirement benefits. She explained I need to be very explicit when applying that I'm only applying for widow's benefits. Thank you all for your help and advice - it gave me the confidence to keep pushing for a clear answer!