Can I claim survivor benefits from wife who died 24 years ago as I approach FRA?
My wife passed away 24 years ago when she was only 45. Our children received survivor benefits until they turned 18, but I never applied for anything myself at that time. I'll be turning 64 this December and wondering if I can now claim survivor benefits based on her record? I'm still working full-time and plan to continue for a few more years. Would it make sense to claim survivor benefits now and then switch to my own retirement benefits later when I fully retire? Or should I wait? Not sure if there's even an option after so many years have passed. Any insights would be appreciated!
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Natalie Wang
Yes! You absolutely can claim survivor benefits even after all these years. There's no time limit for filing as a surviving spouse. Since you're turning 64, you could claim reduced survivor benefits now (you'd get about 90.5% of her full benefit amount). If your own retirement benefit will eventually be higher than the survivor benefit, this could be a smart strategy - collect reduced survivor benefits now, then switch to your own retirement benefit at age 70 when it's maximized.
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Michael Adams
•That's such a relief to hear! I had no idea this was still an option after so many years. Do you know if I need to provide any special documentation since her death was so long ago? And will working full-time affect the amount I receive?
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Noah Torres
Glad someone asked this! My husband died 15 years back and I never thought to check if I could get anything.
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Samantha Hall
•You should definitely look into it! The rules for survivor benefits are different from regular retirement benefits. Many people don't realize they can claim as early as age 60 (though reduced), or that they can switch between their own and survivor benefits to maximize lifetime payments.
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Ryan Young
BE CAREFUL!!! Since you're still working full-time, you'll be subject to the earnings test if you claim ANY Social Security before your full retirement age (which would be 66+). They will take back $1 for every $2 you earn above the annual limit ($21,240 in 2025). Could end up getting NOTHING if you earn too much!!!
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Natalie Wang
•This is an important point about the earnings test. However, remember that money withheld isn't permanently lost - SSA recalculates your benefit when you reach FRA to give credit for months when benefits were reduced or withheld. But you're right that if earnings are high enough, it could completely offset the survivor benefit for now.
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Sophia Clark
my dad was in a simlar situation when mom died he got bennefits even tho it had been like 10 years but he had to bring death certificate and mariage license to the office
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Katherine Harris
•I went through this whole process last year and they also asked for birth certificates for both people. And they wanted my banking info for direct deposit. Took FOREVER to get an appointment though, kept calling for weeks!
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Madison Allen
I was in a similar situation and had a hard time getting through to SSA on the phone - spent hours on hold only to get disconnected multiple times. After struggling for weeks, I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to a real SSA agent in under 10 minutes. Saved me so much frustration! They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU - definitely worth it for complicated situations like survivor benefits where you really need to speak with someone who knows the rules.
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Michael Adams
•Thanks for the tip! I was dreading the phone process. I'll check out that service if I can't get through. Really appreciate everyone's help here.
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Samantha Hall
Here's what you should consider for your specific situation: 1. If your wife worked enough to qualify for Social Security (generally 10 years), you can claim survivor benefits. 2. Since you're turning 64, claiming now means taking a reduced benefit (~90.5% of her PIA) 3. At your full retirement age (probably 66+8 months based on your birth year), you'd get 100% of her benefit amount. 4. The earnings test applies until you reach FRA, so your benefits could be reduced or eliminated depending on your work income. Most beneficial strategy: If your own benefit at 70 will be higher than her full benefit amount, consider claiming survivors now (or when the earnings test won't impact you), then switch to your own retirement at 70. If her benefit is higher, wait until your FRA to claim the full survivor benefit.
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Noah Torres
•wait I'm confused does this mean he can get HER full benefit amount? I thought it was always reduced for the surviving spouse?
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Samantha Hall
•No, survivors can receive up to 100% of what the deceased worker would have received if they wait until their own full retirement age to claim. If they claim earlier (as early as 60), the benefit is reduced. This is different from spousal benefits, which are capped at 50% of the worker's amount.
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Katherine Harris
Did you know they might owe you retroactive benefits too? When my sister filed for survivors after her husband passed, they gave her six months of back payments from before she applied! Might be worth asking about.
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Natalie Wang
•Good point, but important clarification: retroactive benefits for survivors are limited to 6 months maximum, and only if you're past full retirement age when you apply. Since the original poster is 64 and not yet at FRA, retroactive benefits wouldn't apply in this specific case. But definitely something to keep in mind for others reading this thread!
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Michael Adams
Thank you everyone for all the helpful information! I've decided to schedule an appointment with SSA to discuss my options. I'll gather my documentation (marriage certificate, her death certificate, our birth certificates) before going in. Since I'm earning well above the earnings limit right now, I'll probably wait until closer to my full retirement age before applying, but it's such a relief to know this option exists! I had no idea I could still claim these benefits after all these years.
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