Can I claim survivor benefits from ex-husband's Social Security after taking early retirement?

Yes, you should absolutely be eligible for surviving divorced spouse benefits! Since you were married more than 10 years and never remarried, you qualify. The fact that your daughters already received benefits doesn't affect your eligibility. However, since you already filed for your own retirement benefits at 62, things get complicated. You'll be eligible for the higher of either your own benefit or up to 100% of what your ex-husband would have received. But because you took early retirement, any survivor benefits will be reduced. You should contact SSA immediately to file for the survivor benefits - they are not automatic and are separate from your retirement claim. They'll calculate if you're due any additional amount.

congrats you hit the lottery!!! my sister went thru this exact thing and got an extra $900 a month from her deadbeat ex! but dont call the regular ssa number youll never get through lol

I went through EXACTLY the same situation last year!!! I was married 15 years, divorced in 2009, and my ex died in 2020. I took early retirement at 63 and was getting $1,900 from my own record. The SSA office was USELESS when I called - waited 2.5 hours only to be told I needed to make an in-person appointment, which was scheduled 6 weeks out! When I finally got in, they told me I qualified for an additional $720/month based on my ex's record!!! BE PERSISTENT and don't let them brush you off! The rules are complicated but you DEFINITELY qualify based on what you shared.

My mom just went through this last year. Got an extra $650/month! But Social Security never told her about it - she only found out through her friend who works at H&R Block.

I had a similar situation and let me tell you - calling SSA was IMPOSSIBLE!!! I tried for WEEKS and either couldn't get through or would wait forever and get disconnected. I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an agent within 15 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Once I actually talked to someone, they confirmed I was eligible for survivor benefits from my ex. The whole process took about 45 minutes on the phone plus sending in some documents. My first increased payment came about 6 weeks later.

u need to find out what ur ex's FRA benefit was. that's what they base survivor benefits on. if he died before taking SS they use what he would have got at FRA even if he died younger. also did u know u could have filed for JUST survivor benefits at 60 and then switched to ur own retirement later at 70? that maximizes lifetime benefits. but since u already filed for ur own at 62 u cant do that strategy anymore. not trying to make u feel bad just sharing for others who might be reading this thread.

Based on what you've shared, here's what you need to know about your situation: 1. As a divorced spouse whose marriage lasted more than 10 years, you're eligible for survivor benefits exactly as if you were still married when he died. 2. Since you've already filed for your own retirement benefits at 62, you'll receive the higher of either your own benefit or the survivor benefit (not both combined). 3. Your survivor benefit would be based on your ex-husband's full benefit amount, but reduced because you're claiming before your Full Retirement Age (FRA). 4. The fact that your daughters received benefits has no impact on your eligibility. Important action steps: - Contact SSA specifically to file for survivor benefits (this is a separate application) - Gather your marriage certificate, divorce decree, and your ex's death certificate - Have your ex's Social Security number ready if possible - Be prepared to provide information about your daughters' previous benefits As others have mentioned, if you're within 12 months of filing for your retirement benefits, you could potentially withdraw that application, repay benefits received, and switch to a potentially more advantageous filing strategy.

The whole system is set up to confuse us! They NEVER tell people about benefits they're entitled to. My aunt missed out on 3 years of widow benefits because nobody told her!

quick question - does anyone know if child support arrears affect this? my ex still owed like $12k when he died but i never pursued it after he passed

I just wanted to update everyone! I called SSA this morning and after being on hold for about 2 hours, I finally spoke with someone who confirmed I'm eligible for survivor benefits! My ex-husband's benefit was significantly higher than mine, so even with the reduction for taking it early, I'll get about $850 more per month than I'm currently receiving. They're processing my application now and said it will take 4-6 weeks. I'm also considering the withdrawal option to maximize my benefits long-term, but I need to think about whether I can afford to repay the three payments I've received so far. Thank you all SO MUCH for your help! I would never have known about this without this community.