Can I switch to higher survivor benefits from recently deceased ex-spouse after already claiming from another ex?

Yes, you absolutely can switch to the higher survivor benefit! Since you're already at Full Retirement Age (FRA), you can get 100% of your recently deceased ex-spouse's benefit amount if it's higher than your current survivor benefit. The early claiming reduction only applied to the first benefit - it doesn't follow you when you switch to a different ex-spouse's record. Contact SSA right away because survivor benefits are not retroactive for very long. You'll need his death certificate and your marriage certificate showing you were married at least 10 years. The several hundred dollars difference will definitely be worth the effort - that's thousands per year for the rest of your life!

I went thru something similar when my 2nd ex died. The SSA will pay u the HIGHER of the two benefits not both added together just so u know. I had to bring marriage certificate divorce papers and his death certificate to my appointment. Took like 3 months to switch over but the extra $230 a month was def worth it!!

This is a common misconception, but the previous replies are correct. Survivor benefits from different deceased spouses are treated separately. Since you're at FRA, you're eligible for the maximum survivor benefit based on either ex-spouse's record, whichever gives you the higher amount. The early claiming reduction from your first survivor benefit doesn't transfer over. One important note: when you apply for the new survivor benefit, SSA will automatically compare the two amounts and pay the higher one. They calculate this based on the Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) of each deceased ex-spouse, so the difference might be slightly different than what you're estimating. Be prepared with all documentation: marriage certificate proving the 15-year marriage, divorce decree, and his death certificate. Also bring your current benefit verification letter showing what you receive now.

I think your cousin's situation must have been different. Perhaps she wasn't at full retirement age yet when applying for the second benefit? The rules are clear that once you reach FRA, you can get the full survivor benefit regardless of any previous early claiming.

Good luck getting through to anyone at Social Security these days! I've been trying to get an appointment for THREE MONTHS about my own widow benefits. Every time I call, I'm on hold for hours, then get disconnected. Their online system is worthless for complex situations like this. So frustrated!!!

Thank you everyone for the helpful responses! I'm going to gather all my documents (marriage certificate, divorce decree, death certificate) and try to schedule an appointment. It sounds like the few hundred dollars extra each month will definitely be worth the hassle of dealing with SSA, especially since it's for the rest of my life. I appreciate the tip about the phone service too - I might try that if I can't get through the normal channels. I'll update here once I've made progress with my application!

Make sure u bring id also they asked me for 2 forms of id when i went!!

Did anyone else notice how complicated our system is?! Why should someone have to jump through all these hoops just to get benefits they're entitled to? Two deceased ex-spouses, early vs. full retirement age rules, documentation requirements... No wonder people give up or miss out on benefits they deserve. The whole system needs an overhaul!