How long after applying for Social Security widow/spousal benefits until first payment arrives?

Took me about 6 weeks to get my first widows check. Applied online back in october. They backdated it tho so I got a bigger first payment. Good luck!

The processing time for survivor benefits can vary quite a bit, but typically you can expect 4-8 weeks from application to first payment. Several factors affect this timeline: 1. Whether your application was complete with all required documentation 2. If the SSA needs to verify additional information 3. Current workload at your local office 4. Whether you applied online or in-person You should receive an award letter before your payment arrives. This letter will confirm your benefit amount and payment schedule. If it's been more than 30 days, you can call SSA to check on status. Your first payment may include retroactive benefits if applicable.

When my sister got widows benefits it took FOREVER. Like 3 whole months! And no one would tell her what was happening. SSA is so frustrating. Hope yours goes faster than hers did.

For widow's benefits specifically, first payments typically arrive 30-45 days after application if everything is in order. If you haven't received anything in 30 days, I'd recommend calling to check your status. One thing to note - the month of application matters. If you apply late in a month, your first payment might be delayed to the following month's schedule. SSA pays benefits the month after they're due, so timing can affect when that first deposit hits your account. Also, make sure you're checking the correct account. SSA will deposit to the same account your husband's benefits were going to unless you specified differently in your application.

I tried calling SSA for THREE WEEKS straight when I was waiting for my spousal benefits to start and could never get through!!! Always busy signals or disconnected after waiting forever. Finally found a service called Claimyr that got me connected to an agent in 20 minutes! They have this phone system that waits on hold for you then calls when an agent picks up. Check out their video demo at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU - website is claimyr.com. Saved me so much stress when I needed to check my application status.

my aunt got her widows benefits in like 2 weeks but shes 80 so maybe they prioritize older people? idk just guessing

I received my first spousal benefit payment exactly 5 weeks and 2 days after applying. I was checking my bank account obsessively! One thing to remember is that Social Security benefits are paid the month AFTER they are due. So for example, February benefits are paid in March. This confused me at first because I was expecting payment right away, but there's always that one-month delay in the system. Also, depending on when you applied, you might be eligible for retroactive benefits going back to the month of your husband's passing. Did the claims representative discuss this with you? If not, you should specifically ask about it when you follow up.

It took about 6 weeks for my widow's benefits to start. The frustrating part was not knowing if they were processing it correctly or if I needed to follow up. I wish they'd give us some kind of tracking system like Amazon packages!

Just to follow up on my earlier comment - you mentioned applying last week. I recommend marking your calendar for 30 days from your application date. If you haven't received any correspondence by then, that's a good time to contact SSA for a status update. The MySocialSecurity online account sometimes shows processing status, though it's not always updated promptly. Have you created an online account yet? That might give you some visibility into the process.

Just heard from a friend who recently received widow's benefits - her first payment came exactly 37 days after application. She said what helped was submitting all documentation together with the initial application rather than having SSA request additional items later. Also, for planning purposes, remember that Social Security payment dates are based on your birth date: - Birth dates 1-10: Second Wednesday of the month - Birth dates 11-20: Third Wednesday of the month - Birth dates 21-31: Fourth Wednesday of the month So once your benefits begin, you'll receive payments on the same Wednesday each month based on your birth date.