Can I switch from my own Social Security to ex-spouse survivor benefits if they die after I reach FRA?

Thank you so much! That's such a relief to hear. Do I need to do anything special now to make sure this option is available to me later? Should I mention this possibility when I apply for my own benefits next year?

Oh that's interesting! I didn't know the SSA might actually reach out. I was worried I'd miss the opportunity if I didn't know to apply. That makes me feel better about the process. Sorry about your dad's passing.

This is correct. While SSA does sometimes identify potential survivor benefit recipients, you should never count on this. When your ex passes away, you should contact Social Security promptly (within 30 days if possible) to apply for survivor benefits. You'll need to provide his death certificate and proof of your marriage. The SSA can only pay up to 6 months of retroactive benefits for survivors in most cases.

I had a similar experience trying to reach SSA about survivor benefits last month. After getting nowhere for days, I found this service called Claimyr that got me connected to a real person at Social Security in under 20 minutes. Saved me hours of frustration. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU showing how it works. Definitely worth it for something as important as survivor benefits where timing matters.

Yes, I understand I can only get one or the other. In my case, his benefit is almost double mine, so I'd definitely want to switch if something happens to him. Just wanted to make sure I wouldn't be locked into my own benefit forever once I start taking it.

That's a good point about the different duration requirements. For divorced spouse benefits while the ex is still alive, you need the 10-year marriage minimum. For survivor benefits after an ex passes away, you only need to have been married for 9 months - unless the death was accidental or in the line of duty as a military service member, in which case the duration requirement might be waived. But as you noted, with a 30-year marriage, the OP easily meets either requirement.

There shouldn't normally be a 3-4 month waiting period for survivor benefits, though processing can sometimes take several weeks. What your sister may have experienced is related to the month of entitlement rules. Survivor benefits are payable from the month of death if filed quickly, but Social Security payments come a month after the month for which they're due. There can also be delays in processing if all required documentation isn't readily available. It's best to apply as soon as possible after the death occurs.

Great question! In this scenario, the OP mentioned her ex-husband is already at his Full Retirement Age (FRA), so he's not taking reduced early benefits. If someone takes benefits before their FRA, it can indeed reduce the survivor benefit that their spouse or ex-spouse might later receive. However, since the ex is already at FRA, his benefit isn't reduced, and therefore any potential survivor benefit would be based on his full benefit amount.

That's a really good point I hadn't considered. We're not on bad terms, but we don't really keep in touch either. I should make sure I have contact with someone who would let me know if something happens to him. Thank you for bringing that up!