Can I claim ex-spouse survivor benefits after taking my own Social Security at 62?

Yes, you would be eligible for ex-spouse survivor benefits since you were married for more than 10 years, haven't remarried, and are currently receiving your own retirement benefits. You could potentially receive up to 100% of your ex-husband's benefit amount if you wait until your Full Retirement Age (FRA). Since you're already claiming your own benefits, you'd essentially receive the higher of the two benefit amounts, not both combined. The reduction for claiming your own benefits early won't affect your survivor benefit amount.

I went through this exact situation last year. My ex passed away and I was collecting my own SS since 62 (about $1,600). When he died, I called SSA to apply for survivor benefits based on his record which was much higher ($2,800). Took FOREVER to get through on the phone - kept getting disconnected or waiting 2+ hours. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an agent in under 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. Saved me so much frustration! After I finally spoke with SSA, they switched me to the higher survivor benefit. You'll definitely need to apply though - they don't do it automatically.

Do you have your marriage certificate? I tried getting survivor benefits and they DEMANDED my marriage certificate even tho we'd been divorced for 15yrs!!! I had to order a copy from another state and it took over a month. Then they wanted the DIVORCE decree too!!!! Start gathering all that paperwork NOW so you're ready if something happens. The whole process is RIDICULOUS and took me nearly 3 months to get approved while I was struggling financially after my ex died.

my sister got less than her ex when he died because she took benefits at 62 too. something about early filing penalty still applying. check with SSA directly dont trust what people say here

One important thing to understand is that survivor benefits for ex-spouses work differently than spousal benefits. For survivor benefits, the marriage length requirement is 10 years (which you meet), you must be at least 60 (which you are), and you're eligible even if your ex remarried. The benefit amount would be affected by when you claim it - up to 100% of his benefit if you claim at your FRA, reduced if you claim earlier. Since you're already past 62, the reduction would be prorated based on how many months before your FRA you would be claiming. You should contact SSA directly when/if the time comes to understand your specific benefit amount.

I think survivor benefits are only for current spouses not exs. My friend got denied when she tried to claim on her ex.

my condolences in advance. it's hard thinking about these things. but smart to plan ahead.

When the time comes, you'll need to schedule an appointment with SSA to apply for survivor benefits - you can't do this online. Bring your marriage certificate, divorce decree, his death certificate (when applicable), your birth certificate, and your Social Security card. Also bring your most recent tax return as they may check your earnings. Applying as soon as you're notified of his passing is important, as survivor benefits can sometimes be paid from the date of death if you apply within a certain timeframe.

i wonder if you get to keep the higher payment for life once you switch? or can they reduce it later?