Can I collect ex-spouse survivor benefits at 66 while delaying my own Social Security until 70?

Thank you so much! Do you know what documents I'll need? I have our divorce decree but not sure what else they'll want to see.

There's actually a crucial distinction here. You're thinking of claiming both your OWN retirement benefit AND spousal benefits simultaneously - that's no longer allowed for people born after 1/1/1954. But this situation is about survivor benefits, which have different rules. When an ex-spouse dies, if you were married 10+ years, you CAN claim survivor benefits at FRA while delaying your own retirement benefit until 70. This is completely legitimate and one of the few remaining ways to receive some benefits while letting your own retirement benefit grow.

I had the same problem trying to reach SSA last month about my survivor benefits. After 3 disconnected calls and waiting on hold for over 2 hours, I tried a service called Claimyr that got me through to a rep in about 20 minutes. They basically call SSA for you and then connect you when they reach a representative. Saved me so much frustration. You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU or their website claimyr.com - definitely worth it for something this important where you need to speak to someone directly.

this is why social security is so confusing! different benefits have different rules about back pay and retroactive amounts. i got so confused when i was helping my mom file

The survivor benefit amount is based on several factors. If your ex was already receiving benefits when he died, you'd generally get what he was receiving (potentially reduced if he claimed early). If he wasn't receiving benefits yet, it would be based on what he would have received at his FRA. Since you're at your FRA, you can get 100% of his benefit amount. The SSA will calculate all this when you apply - just know that his earning history and when he claimed (if he did) affects the amount.

That's encouraging to hear! Did she have any trouble with the application process?

she had to go to the office in person i think cause she kept getting confused on the phone. bring ALL ur paperwork if u go, they sent her away the first time cause she didnt have enough documents

I hear your frustration. The system is complicated, and not all SSA employees have the same training on complex claiming strategies. That's why I always recommend getting information in writing and, for important decisions like this, consulting with a financial advisor who specializes in Social Security claiming strategies. The right approach can mean tens of thousands of dollars difference over your lifetime.

While it's true the trust fund faces challenges, the system won't collapse entirely. Without legislative changes, after 2034-2035 (depending on which report you read), Social Security would still pay about 76-78% of promised benefits from ongoing payroll taxes. But historically, Congress has always acted before reaching that point. They could raise the payroll tax cap, increase retirement age, or make other adjustments. For current retirees and those close to retirement age, the impact will likely be minimal.

That's great news! Congrats on getting an appointment so quickly. This approach could add thousands to your lifetime benefits. Make sure to bring all your documentation to the appointment - birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree, his death certificate, and your ID. Let us know how it goes!

Smart move! My mom did something similar and it worked out great. Those 4 years of survivor benefits really helped her finances, and then at 70 her own benefit was much higher. Best of both worlds.