Can I switch to survivor benefits at 63 after already filing for my own SS retirement? Ex-spouse just died

YES! This is exactly what you should do. As a surviving divorced spouse, you can claim survivors benefits now and switch to your own retirement later. Since your ex made considerably more, the survivor benefit might be higher than your own retirement benefit would be at 63. And by waiting to claim your own retirement until later (ideally FRA or even 70), your own benefit will grow. Call SSA tomorrow and specifically ask about \

Thank you so much! That gives me some hope. Do you know if they'll automatically calculate which benefit is higher, or do I need to specifically ask them to compare these options?

my sister went thru similar. make sure you tell them specifically you want to RESTRICT APPLICATION to survivor benefits only!!! they almost made her take both at once which woulda been a mistake. bring death certificate and marriage/divorce papers to prove 19 years

Thanks for the tip about bringing documentation! I'll make copies of everything. Did your sister have any issues with the SSA understanding what she wanted to do?

To clarify a few technical points: 1. Since you're already 63, you can definitely file for survivor benefits on your ex-spouse's record and then switch to your own retirement later. 2. Survivor benefits reach their maximum at your FRA, while your own retirement benefit maximizes at age 70. 3. The 230 hours of PTO payout in 2025 won't affect survivor benefits (those aren't subject to earnings test), but might affect your own retirement benefits if you take them before FRA and earn above the annual limit ($22,320 for 2025).4. Since you've already filed for your retirement benefits to start in February, you need to contact SSA IMMEDIATELY to withdraw that application. You have up to 12 months to withdraw, but must do so before benefits begin.I'd recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to reach SSA quickly for your call tomorrow. They can connect you directly to an agent without the usual hold times. They have a video demo here: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. With something this time-sensitive and complex, you don't want to risk getting disconnected or waiting hours.

Thank you for that detailed information! I didn't know I needed to officially withdraw my retirement application. I'll definitely ask about that tomorrow and check out that claimyr service - I've been worried about getting disconnected during the call.

just wondering why would you even bother with survivor benefits?? if you already filed for your own SS just take that and be done with it. all this switching around sounds like asking for trouble and delays.

Because financially it can make a HUGE difference! If her ex-spouse earned significantly more, taking survivor benefits now (even at a reduction) while letting her own benefit grow until 70 could mean tens of thousands more dollars over her lifetime. That's not \

I went thru something kinda similar when my ex died 2 years ago. Honestly the SSA people DIDNT know everything I needed!!! I got told different things by different reps. One told me I couldn't get survivors benefits as divorced spouse which was WRONG. Another one didn't mention I could switch later. I had to talk to 3 different people!!! MAKE SURE YOU INSIST on talking to a technical expert if the first person seems confused. And write down NAMES of who you talk to!!!

Oh that's concerning but good to know. I'll ask for a technical expert if I sense any confusion. Did you find any specific wording that helped them understand what you were trying to do?

Not to bring up something depressing, but make sure you get multiple certified copies of the death certificate. You'll need them for EVERYTHING. SS, insurance, banks, etc. So sorry for your loss even if you were divorced.

Thank you for your kindness. We remained cordial after the divorce, so it's been difficult. I have several certified copies already - my daughter helped me get them. Good reminder though!

the PTO payout is considered earned income for the year it's paid (2025). If you take retirement before FRA there's an earnings limit ($22,320 for 2025 I think). But if you're on SURVIVOR benefits, the earnings limit is different - higher in the year you reach FRA. So that's another reason survivor benefits might be better right now with that big payout coming. Also, I learned the hard way - some SSA reps don't realize divorced spouses married >10 years have same survivor rights as current spouses IF you're unmarried when claiming! Blew my mind when one rep didn't know this basic rule.

I had no idea the earnings limits were different between retirement and survivor benefits. That's really helpful information about the PTO payout. I'll definitely mention I was married 19 years and am currently unmarried when I talk to them.

One more crucial detail: Since your ex passed away in December 2024, you can apply for the one-time death benefit of $255. It's not much, but it's something. Also, make sure you specifically ask if your ex-spouse had claimed his benefits early - it affects the survivor benefit calculation. If he took benefits before his FRA, your survivor benefit might be limited by the

Thank you! I didn't know about that death benefit or the RIB-LIM rule. I'll definitely have all those dates ready. Would it be helpful to have his SSN as well? I think I have it somewhere.

btw the Claimyr thing that person mentioned above actually works!!! used it last week after sitting on hold for 2 HOURS and getting nowhere. got connected in like 10 mins

That's good to know! I'm seriously considering trying it because my appointment tomorrow is so important and I don't want anything to go wrong.

I JUST REMEMBERED SOMETHING!!! Since you already filed for your retirement, you need to WITHDRAW that application before your benefits start in February!!! There's a specific form called SSA-521 \

Good catch! I didn't even think about that part. Once benefits start it's much harder to change course.