Confused about SS survivor benefits - can I get husband's higher amount if I don't file until FRA?

Yes, survivor benefits work differently than regular retirement benefits. If your husband passes away, you can get his FULL benefit amount as a survivor, but ONLY if you wait until your FRA to claim them. If you claim survivor benefits before your FRA, they'll be reduced based on how many months early you claim. Since your own benefit would be less than his, it would make sense to eventually switch to survivor benefits if he passes before you. The good news is that even if you claim your OWN retirement benefits early (before YOUR FRA), you can still get the full survivor benefit later by waiting until your FRA to switch to survivor benefits.

I think u can get widows benefits at 60 but they r reduced. not sure tho mayb someone else knows better

I went through this exact situation when my husband died 2 years ago. The SSA people were ACTUALLY HELPFUL believe it or not! But they didn't call me - I had to call them multiple times and waited FOREVER. They explained I had options depending on my age. If he passes before your FRA, you can take reduced survivors OR wait for full amount. The WEIRD THING is that survivors benefits and retirement benefits have DIFFERENT rules!!! So confusing!!!

After dealing with numerous clients in similar situations, I can confirm what others have said. Here's the technical explanation: 1. Survivor benefits can be claimed as early as age 60 (50 if disabled) 2. Taking survivor benefits before your FRA results in a reduction of approximately 0.396% per month early 3. At your FRA, you're entitled to 100% of your deceased spouse's benefit amount (including any delayed retirement credits they earned) In your specific situation, since your husband's benefit ($1650) is higher than your own potential benefit ($1100), you have strategic options: - You could claim your own reduced retirement benefit now and later switch to full survivor benefits at your FRA - Or claim reduced survivor benefits if he passes while you're under FRA, then switch to your own retirement benefit at 70 if it would be higher after delayed credits The key is that you have the flexibility to switch between benefit types at different points.

I've been trying to reach the SSA for weeks about a similar question. Impossible to get through - busy signals, disconnects, or 3+ hour waits. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an agent in 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU The agent confirmed what others here are saying - you can claim reduced survivor benefits as early as 60, but waiting until your FRA gets you 100% of your husband's benefit amount. The agent also mentioned that if you're already receiving retirement benefits when your spouse dies, SSA will automatically adjust your benefit to the higher survivor amount if you're eligible.

My neighbor had this same question!!!! She started getting her own SS at 62 (big mistake i think) and when her husband died last year they switched her to his amount but it was reduced cuz she wasnt at FRA yet. ugh so complicated

wait i'm confused...i thought survivors and retirement were the same thing?

One thing NOBODY mentioned yet - after your husband passes away, you'll also get a one-time death benefit payment of $255. It's pathetic honestly. Barely covers any funeral costs. The system is so outdated!!!

I just wanted to add - make sure all your work credits and earnings history are correct in your Social Security statement. My mom found errors in hers that would have reduced her benefit by almost $200/month! You can check your statement online at ssa.gov by creating a my Social Security account if you haven't already.