Can I claim Social Security survivor benefits after ex-husband died? Divorced 20 years, never remarried

Yes, you can absolutely apply for survivor benefits as a divorced spouse! The requirements are: 1) marriage lasted at least 10 years (yours was 21), 2) you haven't remarried before age 60 (you haven't remarried at all), and 3) you're at least 60 years old (you're 64). The fact that you've been divorced 20 years doesn't matter at all for survivor benefits. You should contact SSA right away because survivor benefits can sometimes be retroactive to the date of death.

I'm in almost the exact same situation!!! My ex passed 3 months ago and I was totally LOST about what to do. Called Social Security 23 times before finally getting through. The survivor benefits are different from regular spousal benefits after divorce - you CAN get them even all these years later!! Make an appointment ASAP because it can take FOREVER to process!!!

Since you're still working full-time at age 64, there are some important things to consider: 1. If you take survivor benefits now at 64, they'll be reduced since you're below your Full Retirement Age (FRA). 2. Working full-time means you're still subject to the earnings test until FRA, which could reduce your benefits if you earn above $22,750 in 2025. 3. You might consider taking reduced survivor benefits now and switching to your own retirement benefit at 70 if it would be higher. 4. Alternatively, you could take your own reduced retirement benefit now and switch to full survivor benefits at your FRA. The best strategy depends on your own earnings record compared to your ex-husband's. I'd recommend making an appointment with SSA to review both records and calculate the optimal filing strategy.

my mom just went thru this exact thing!!! the social security office was sooooo confusing. they kept telling her different things each time she called. make sure u get everything in writing!!

Just a heads up - I've been through this process and there's a huge difference between divorced spouse benefits (when ex is living) and divorced spouse survivor benefits (when ex has died). Since your ex has passed, you're eligible for the full survivor benefit amount regardless of whether your ex remarried or whether they had started collecting benefits. But watch out for the earnings test if you're working - they'll deduct $1 for every $2 you earn above the annual limit until you reach FRA.

I see comments suggesting you apply right away, but consider this: At 64, you'd get approximately 87.5% of the full survivor benefit. If you wait until your FRA (probably 66+4 months based on your age), you'd get 100%. Plus, with your good income, the earnings test would significantly reduce any benefit you'd receive now anyway. The smart move might be to: 1. Apply ONLY to establish eligibility 2. Request to have benefits suspended until your FRA 3. Continue working without worrying about the earnings test 4. Start receiving full survivor benefits at FRA 5. Evaluate at FRA whether to switch to your own benefit at 70 if it would be higher

When my husband died I had to wait 8 weeks just to get an APPOINTMENT to apply for survivor benefits! and then another 3 months to actually get my first payment. start the process now even if you decide to suspend payments until later.

My sister in law tried to claim on her exs record and SSA sais she couldnt because she didnt have her marriage certificate anymore after all those years. Make sure you have all your paperwork before you go!!