Can my boyfriend claim survivor benefits from ex-wife's Social Security if he took early retirement at 62?

sorry ur going thru this. my cousin was in similar spot. think he CAN get them but only if her benefit was bigger than what he gets now. they dont add together, he just gets the higher amount.

Yes, your boyfriend would likely qualify for surviving divorced spouse benefits since they were married for over 10 years (the minimum required is 10 years) and he hasn't remarried. The fact that he took his own retirement benefits at 62 doesn't prevent him from receiving survivor benefits, but it does affect how they're calculated. Here's how it would work: - He would be eligible to receive the higher of either his current benefit or up to 100% of what his ex-wife was receiving - Since he's over full retirement age (which is currently 66-67 depending on birth year), the early filing reduction only applies to his own retirement benefit, not to survivor benefits - He would need to apply for the survivor benefits - it's not automatic - He should contact SSA as soon as possible after her passing as benefits can only be paid from the time of application in most cases One important note: There's a time limit for filing. He should contact SSA within 30 days of her passing to ensure he doesn't miss out on any benefits he's entitled to.

Went through this with my dad last year. You're getting some good advice already but wanted to add that your boyfriend should DEFINITELY apply for the survivor benefits! My dad didn't know he could get his ex-wife's higher benefit and missed out on almost 6 months of higher payments because nobody told him to apply right away.

The previous responses are correct. I'd like to add a few technical details that might help: 1. This is specifically called "Surviving Divorced Spouse's Benefits" in SSA terminology 2. The exact amount he'll receive depends on multiple factors, but the general rule is he'll receive the higher of: - His own retirement benefit - Up to 100% of her Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) or what she was receiving, whichever is higher 3. Taking his own benefits at 62 created a permanent reduction to his retirement benefit (probably about 25-30% less than his full amount), but that reduction doesn't affect survivor benefits 4. He'll need to provide documentation including: marriage certificate, divorce decree, and her death certificate when it's available 5. There's a one-time death benefit of $255 he may also be eligible for I recommend he schedule an appointment with SSA after her passing. The earliest he can apply is the month of her death.

When my husband's ex passed away, we had to call Social Security about 25 TIMES over THREE DAYS!!! Each time we'd wait on hold for 1-2 hours and then either get disconnected or told we needed to speak to a different department!!! IT WAS INFURIATING!!! The survivor benefit amount was worth it in the end, but dealing with the SSA phone system is absolute TORTURE!!!

wait im confused... someone said he can get 100% of her benefit? i thought survivor benefits were reduced if you claim early? or is that only if HE dies? the rules are so confusing!!

Thank you all for the helpful information. I'm taking notes on everything so we can be prepared. Just to clarify something I'm still confused about - if he does qualify for her higher benefit amount, would his own benefit amount just stop completely and be replaced by hers? Or would he get some combination of the two?

btw make sure he brings ID and the marriage certificate if he still has it when he applies. my uncle forgot his and had to go back a second time

Also just wanted to say... I'm sorry about his ex-wife's condition. Even though they're divorced, I know it can still be emotional when someone you shared that much life with is in hospice. Sending good thoughts to everyone involved.