Can I claim on my deceased ex-husband's Social Security record while letting my own benefits grow?

You received correct information from SSA! As a divorced surviving spouse, you have options that most people don't realize. You can claim survivor benefits based on your ex-husband's record as early as age 60 (or 50 if disabled). The key thing here is that survivor benefits are completely separate from your own retirement benefits. Since you're 64, you could take the survivor benefit now (though it will be reduced since you're below your Full Retirement Age), and then switch to your own higher benefit at age 70 when it reaches its maximum. This is one of the few remaining "claim now, claim more later" strategies still available after the 2015 rule changes. This approach can potentially increase your lifetime Social Security income significantly. Just make sure you're clear with SSA that you want to restrict your application to survivor benefits only.

This exact situation happened to my cousin last year. The SSA didn't tell her she had this option at first! She had to specifically ask about filing a "restricted application" for survivor benefits only. When she went to her appointment, she had to repeat multiple times that she ONLY wanted survivor benefits and NOT her own retirement benefits. Be very clear and get everything in writing. She said the SSA representatives sometimes get confused about this rule too.

wait i thought they got rid of all those loopholes? my brother tried to do something similar and they told him no way. are you sure this still works in 2025?

You need to be careful here. As someone mentioned, you need to file a "restricted application" for SURVIVOR benefits only. Be crystal clear - say "I want to file for survivor benefits on my deceased ex-spouse's record and delay filing for my own retirement until age 70." Important details: - Your survivor benefit will be reduced because you're claiming before your FRA - At your age (almost 64), you'll get approximately 81.2% of his full benefit amount - When you switch to your own benefit at 70, you'll get 132% of your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) Also, since your ex-husband never filed for benefits, his PIA will be calculated as if he had reached full retirement age when he died.

WATCH OUT!!!! I tried to do this exact thing and the SSA messed up my application THREE TIMES!!!! They kept filing me for my own benefits even though I specifically asked for survivors. I ended up having to withdraw my application and start over, which was a nightmare. They had me on hold for HOURS every time I called, and half the time I got disconnected before speaking to anyone. The system is BROKEN!!!!

my aunt is in the exact same situation but shes 62 and her ex passed last year. so your saying she can take his benefits now even tho hers will be higher when she reaches 70? nobody told her this at ssa when she called

I just went through something similar with my own retirement planning. One thing to keep in mind is that when they calculate your ex's benefit, they'll base it on what he would have received at his full retirement age, even though he never claimed. If you're struggling to get clear information from SSA (which happens a lot), I recommend writing down your questions beforehand and being super specific about wanting survivor benefits only. Also, if you're having trouble getting through on the phone, I've had good luck using the field office locator on ssa.gov to find my local office and making an in-person appointment.

Did anyone actually answer whether she CAN do this? If her benefit is HIGHER than his, why would she want his at all? I'm really confused about how this works!!

When I helped my sister with this exact situation last year, we learned that the 10-year marriage requirement for divorced spouse benefits is reduced to just 9 years for survivor benefits if you have a child with the ex-spouse. Since you were married 17 years, you definitely qualify either way, but it's a little-known fact that might help someone else reading this thread. Also, make sure all your documents are ready when you apply - marriage certificate, divorce decree, and death certificate of your ex-husband. Having everything organized saves a ton of time.

so confused lol. why would SSA let us do this? seems like theyd have to pay out more money this way

This is such valuable information! I had no idea this option existed for divorced surviving spouses. I'm 58 and my ex-husband passed away two years ago after we were married for 12 years. I've been dreading the thought of claiming early and getting reduced benefits, but it sounds like I could potentially claim survivor benefits at 60 and then switch to my own higher benefit at 70. Does anyone know if there are any earnings restrictions while collecting survivor benefits? I'm still working full-time and won't be ready to fully retire for several more years.