Confusion about SS retirement benefits starting while already receiving survivor benefits - will amounts change?

This is a case of SSA automatically enrolling you in Medicare, not necessarily switching your benefits. At 65, you're eligible for Medicare even if you haven't filed for retirement benefits. The letter is likely confirming your Medicare enrollment, and the amount mentioned could be your own retirement benefit amount if you were to claim now. However, you are NOT required to switch from survivor benefits to your own retirement benefits at 65. The general rule is you receive whichever is higher - your own retirement benefit OR your survivor benefit, not both. If your survivor benefit is higher ($2,340 vs $2,140), you should definitely keep those instead of switching.

the same thing happend 2 my mom last year!!! she was on my dads benefits after he died and they tried to switch her to her own at 65 even tho it was like $300 less!! she had to call them and it took forevar but they fixed it. dont let them auto switch you!!

So what you're actually receiving right now is called "surviving divorced spouse benefits" (since you were divorced when he passed away). At 65, SSA automatically enrolls everyone in Medicare, but they don't automatically switch your benefit types unless you applied for retirement benefits (which you said you didn't). What's probably happening is they're just SHOWING you what your own retirement benefit would be ($2,140) if you chose to switch. But here's the good news - you don't have to decide now! You can stay on the survivor benefit and switch to your own retirement benefit later if it makes sense. Your own retirement benefit will grow until age 70 if you wait. When you have your callback, specifically ask them to explain the letter and confirm you'll continue receiving the survivor benefits uninterrupted. I'd write down exactly what they tell you during that call for your records.

I had exactly this situation last year. The letter is extremely confusing! What's happening is that you're being enrolled in Medicare (mandatory at 65 unless you have other qualified coverage) but NOT being switched to retirement benefits. Call them ASAP though because sometimes they DO mistakenly switch people. When you call, ask specifically about "continuing survivor benefits while enrolling in Medicare." Make them confirm that your survivor benefits won't be interrupted. Ask for the name of the person you speak with and write everything down. You might want to try using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to SSA faster instead of waiting for the callback. I used it when I had this same issue and actually got through in about 20 minutes instead of waiting days. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU

My situation was different but I had Medicare start while on SSDI. The letter is just telling you Medicare is starting. They aren't changing your survivor benefits. Don't worry!

BTW I forgot 2 say my mom ended up having to go to the actual SS office to fix it cause the phone ppl kept giving different answers. if u can go in person do that

YOU NEED TO BE CAREFUL HERE. Social Security does sometimes automatically switch people at FRA if they don't specify otherwise. I've seen it happen to three different people in my retirement group. One lady lost almost $400/month because they switched her and then told her she couldn't go back!!! The system is BROKEN.

Update: I used Claimyr to get through to SSA this morning instead of waiting for my callback. The agent confirmed the letter was just about Medicare enrollment but also said there was a note in my file about "benefit type review" which is why it showed my own retirement amount. She put a note in my file that I want to CONTINUE my survivor benefits and not switch to retirement benefits at this time. She also said I should receive a clarification letter within 2 weeks. Thank you all for your help!