How long until Social Security survivor benefits start after application? Already on retirement at 62

First, I'm very sorry for your loss. Processing time for survivor benefits can vary quite a bit. In my experience (my mom went through this last year), it took about 6-8 weeks for the benefits to start. The good news is that they will backpay from the date of application. Since your husband was already on SSDI, the SSA already has much of the documentation they need, which helps speed things up versus starting from scratch. And yes, survivor benefits at age 62 are approximately 71.5% of your husband's full benefit amount, which might be higher than your own retirement benefit depending on your respective earnings records. The SSA will pay you whichever is higher, but not both.

srry abt ur husband. my aunt waited like 2 months for survivors after my uncle died. she said the worst part was not knowing if they were working on it or if it was just sitting in a pile somewhere. she wished shed called more

The entire SSA system is BROKEN! I waited almost THREE MONTHS for survivor benefits when my wife passed last year. Called EVERY WEEK and got different answers EVERY TIME. One rep would say "we're just waiting on verification" then the next would say "oh we never received your marriage certificate" even though I submitted everything in person! They'll make you wait forever unless you keep pushing them. Don't trust them to "just handle it" because they WON'T!

When my husband died I had to wait about 10 weeks and I was already on social security disability. They kept saying they needed to verify his death even though I brought the death certificate to the office personally. Someone told me the verification process takes longer than it used to. It's probably different for everyone though.

Survivor benefit processing typically takes 4-6 weeks under normal circumstances, but can stretch to 8-12 weeks during busy periods. Since your husband was already on SSDI, this should help expedite the process somewhat. Some key points to understand: 1. You'll receive the higher of either your retirement benefit OR the survivor benefit (approximately 71.5% of your husband's benefit since you're claiming at 62), but not both. 2. Benefits are paid in the month following the month they're due for. So even after approval, it may take another payment cycle before you see the adjusted amount. 3. If approved for the higher survivor benefit, you'll receive retroactive payments back to your application date. It's perfectly reasonable to call and check on your claim status after 3-4 weeks. Request a specific update on where in the process your application stands. If they say it's "pending review," ask what specific documents or verifications they're waiting on.

My neighbor went through this last summer and I remember her saying something about needing to provide proof of marriage even though they'd been married for like 30 years! Make sure you submitted all the right documents. I think she said it took like 2 months total? Can't remember exactly how long but it definitely wasn't quick.

I've been trying to reach SSA for weeks about my disability review and CANNOT get through no matter what time I call! It's so frustrating. Have you tried calling to check on your application? If so, were you able to get through to an actual person? I recently tried using Claimyr (claimyr.com) after another forum member suggested it. They connect you to SSA without waiting on hold for hours. I was skeptical but it worked - got through to an agent in about 10 minutes when I'd been trying for days on my own. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Might be worth trying if you want to check on your survivor benefits status without the frustration of constant busy signals. With something important like survivor benefits, I wouldn't just wait around hoping they're processing it correctly.

wait i just remembered my aunt got a letter after like 3 weeks saying they were working on it before the benefits actually started. did u get any mail from them yet??

It's definitely not too early to call for a status update. One thing to mention - when you do call, specifically ask if they need any additional documentation. Sometimes applications get held up waiting for a document that was never actually requested from you. Also, verify they have your current phone number and address on file. The timeline really depends on your local office's workload and the complexity of your case. Since you're already receiving benefits and your husband was on SSDI, your case should be relatively straightforward. But it's always better to proactively check than to assume everything is proceeding normally.

When my mom applied for survivors after my dad died last year she called the SSA after 2 weeks and found out they were missing a document she already submitted! They fixed it right away after she called and she got her first payment 3 weeks later. So definitely call!!

Just to follow up on what others have said - you mentioned your husband was on SSDI. One important thing to verify when you call is that they're correctly handling the transition from dual benefits (your retirement + his disability) to single benefits (your higher survivor benefit). Sometimes the SSA computers don't automatically make this transition smoothly. Also, if your survivor benefit will be about $450 higher per month as you mentioned, you'll want to confirm that the retroactive adjustment (back to your application date) is being processed correctly. That could be a significant payment that you wouldn't want to miss. When approved, you should receive a detailed award letter explaining the calculation of your new benefit amount. Keep that letter for your records as it's important documentation.

I'm so sorry for your loss, and I understand how stressful this waiting period must be. Three weeks is actually a reasonable time to follow up, especially given your financial concerns. From my experience helping family members navigate SSA processes, I'd recommend calling next week to check your status. When you call, ask specifically: 1. What stage your application is currently in 2. If they need any additional documentation 3. An estimated timeline for completion 4. Confirmation that they're processing the higher survivor benefit vs. your current retirement benefit Keep a log of when you call, who you speak with, and what they tell you. If you're having trouble getting through on the phone, try calling right when they open (8 AM) or mid-afternoon around 2-3 PM - those tend to be less busy times. The retroactive payment back to your application date should help with the financial gap once everything is processed. Hang in there - the waiting is the hardest part, but following up proactively is definitely the right approach.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Mei. Going through this process while grieving is incredibly difficult, and the financial stress just makes everything worse. Three weeks is actually a perfect time to follow up - not too early, but early enough to catch any potential issues. When I helped my sister with her survivor benefits application two years ago, we found that calling around the 3-4 week mark was really helpful. A few things that might help when you call: - Have your application receipt number ready - Ask specifically if they're processing this as a survivor benefit switch (since you're already receiving retirement benefits) - Confirm they have all required documents on file - Get an estimated processing timeline for your specific case The fact that your husband was already on SSDI should actually work in your favor - they already have his earnings record and benefit information in their system, which eliminates some of the verification steps. Also, don't worry about the retroactive payment - once approved, you'll receive the difference between what you've been getting and your new survivor benefit amount, calculated back to your application date. That should help with the financial gap you're experiencing. Calling weekly after the first follow-up is reasonable if you don't get clear answers. Document everything - dates, representative names, what they tell you. This helps if you need to escalate later. You're doing everything right by being proactive. Hang in there.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Mei. Three weeks is actually a reasonable time to check on your application status - you're not being impatient at all. Based on what others have shared and my own experience helping my father-in-law with his survivor benefits, I'd definitely recommend calling next week. When you do call, make sure to ask: 1. What specific stage your application is currently in 2. Whether they need any additional documentation from you 3. If there are any holds or delays on your case 4. An estimated timeline for when you can expect a decision Since your husband was already receiving SSDI, that should actually help streamline the process since SSA already has his earnings record and benefit information in their system. One thing to keep in mind - the retroactive payment you'll receive (the difference between your current retirement benefit and the higher survivor benefit, calculated back to your application date) can be substantial. In your case, with $450 more per month, that could be around $1,350-$1,800 depending on exactly when everything gets processed. Try calling right when they open at 8 AM - the wait times are usually shorter then. And don't hesitate to follow up weekly if you don't get clear answers. You're dealing with a lot right now, and staying on top of this is completely reasonable.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Mei. Losing a spouse is incredibly difficult, and dealing with bureaucracy during grief just adds to the stress. Three weeks is actually a perfect time to follow up - you're not being pushy at all. When I helped my mother navigate this process after my stepfather passed, we learned that being proactive really makes a difference. A few tips for when you call: - Call right at 8 AM when they open (much shorter wait times) - Have your receipt number and Social Security numbers ready - Ask specifically what stage your claim is in and if they need anything else from you - Request an estimated timeline for your specific case Since your husband was already on SSDI, the SSA has most of his information already, which should help speed things up. The good news is that once approved, you'll get retroactive payments back to your application date - so that extra $450/month will be calculated from when you first applied. Don't hesitate to call weekly if you don't get clear answers. This is your livelihood we're talking about, and staying on top of it is completely reasonable. Keep notes of who you speak with and what they tell you - it helps if you need to reference previous conversations. You're handling this really well under difficult circumstances. Hang in there.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Mei. Losing a spouse is devastating, and having to navigate the SSA system during this time just adds to an already overwhelming situation. Three weeks is definitely an appropriate time to follow up - you're not being pushy at all. In fact, it shows you're being responsible about ensuring your financial security during this difficult transition. Based on what others have shared, it sounds like calling first thing at 8 AM is your best bet for shorter wait times. When you do call, I'd suggest asking these key questions: - What specific stage is your application currently in? - Do they need any additional documentation? - Is there an estimated completion date for your case? - Can they confirm they're processing the survivor benefit vs. your current retirement benefit? Since your husband was already receiving SSDI, the SSA should have most of his information in their system already, which typically helps expedite the process. The retroactive payment back to your application date should provide some financial relief once everything is approved. Keep detailed records of your conversations - date, time, representative name, and what they tell you. This documentation becomes valuable if you need to follow up multiple times or escalate any issues. You're doing everything right by staying proactive. This community seems really supportive, and I hope your call tomorrow provides some clarity and peace of mind. Thinking of you during this challenging time.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Mei. What you're going through is incredibly difficult - dealing with grief while navigating bureaucracy is exhausting. Three weeks is actually a good time to check in, and from reading all these responses, it sounds like you have a solid plan. I wanted to add one small tip that helped when my family dealt with SSA: when you call tomorrow at 8 AM, if the first representative can't give you specific information about your case status, politely ask to speak with someone who can access your file directly. Sometimes the initial person who answers can only give general information. Also, since you mentioned being worried about bills piling up - once your survivor benefits are approved, you might want to ask if they can expedite the first payment given your financial circumstances. They sometimes have procedures for urgent situations. Everyone here has given you excellent advice about documentation and follow-up. You're being smart and proactive during an incredibly tough time. I hope your call tomorrow gives you the answers and timeline you need. Take care of yourself through this process.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Mei. Losing a spouse is one of life's most difficult challenges, and having to worry about finances and benefits during this time just adds to the overwhelming nature of grief. Three weeks is absolutely an appropriate time to follow up on your survivor benefits application. You're not being impatient at all - you're being responsible and advocating for yourself during a critical time. From what I've seen in similar situations, calling first thing at 8 AM really does make a difference with wait times. When you call tomorrow, I'd suggest having a few key pieces of information ready: your application receipt number, both Social Security numbers, and a list of specific questions like what stage your application is in and whether they need any additional documentation. Since your husband was already receiving SSDI, the SSA should have most of his earnings and benefit information in their system, which typically helps streamline the process. The fact that you'll be receiving a higher survivor benefit ($450 more per month as you mentioned) is at least some positive news during this difficult time. One thing I wanted to mention that others touched on - that retroactive payment back to your application date could really help with the financial pressure you're feeling right now. Don't hesitate to ask about expediting your first payment if you're experiencing financial hardship. Keep detailed notes of your conversations, and remember that following up weekly is completely reasonable if you don't get clear answers. You're handling an incredibly difficult situation with grace and wisdom. This community is here to support you through this process.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Mei. Losing a spouse is incredibly difficult, and having to navigate the SSA system while grieving just adds to an already overwhelming situation. Based on everyone's advice here, it sounds like you have a solid plan to call tomorrow morning at 8 AM. Three weeks is definitely an appropriate time to follow up - you're being proactive, not pushy. One additional suggestion: when you call, ask specifically about your case priority level. Since you mentioned financial hardship due to losing your husband's income, SSA sometimes has expedited processing procedures for urgent financial situations. It's worth asking if your case qualifies for any accelerated review. Also, since your survivor benefit will be $450 higher per month, that retroactive payment could be quite substantial by now - potentially $1,800+ depending on timing. Make sure to ask about when you can expect both the ongoing benefit adjustment and that lump sum retroactive payment. The fact that your husband was already on SSDI should definitely work in your favor since they have all his information in the system. Keep us posted on how your call goes - your experience could really help others in similar situations. You're handling this difficult process with remarkable strength.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Mei. Losing a spouse is one of the most difficult experiences anyone can go through, and having to worry about finances and benefits during this time just adds to the overwhelming nature of grief. Three weeks is absolutely an appropriate time to follow up - you're being responsible and proactive, not impatient at all. From what I've seen in similar situations, the processing time can vary quite a bit, but since your husband was already receiving SSDI, the SSA should have most of his information in their system, which typically helps streamline the process. When you call tomorrow (and I agree with everyone about calling right at 8 AM for shorter wait times), make sure to ask about: - Your specific case status and what stage it's currently in - Whether they need any additional documentation - An estimated timeline for completion - If your case qualifies for expedited processing due to financial hardship That last point is important - since you mentioned losing your husband's income and bills piling up, SSA sometimes has procedures to prioritize cases involving financial urgency. It's definitely worth asking about. The retroactive payment back to your application date should provide some relief once everything is processed. With the $450 monthly increase you mentioned, that could be a substantial amount by now. Keep detailed notes of who you speak with and what they tell you. This community has given you excellent advice, and you're handling an incredibly difficult situation with remarkable strength. Please update us after your call - your experience could really help others facing similar circumstances. Thinking of you during this challenging time.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Mei. What you're going through is incredibly difficult - managing grief while navigating government bureaucracy is exhausting, and the financial stress just makes everything worse. Three weeks is definitely an appropriate time to check on your application status. You're not being pushy at all - you're being responsible about your financial security during a vulnerable time. From reading everyone's excellent advice here, it sounds like you have a great plan for calling at 8 AM tomorrow. I'd just add one small suggestion: if you do get transferred or put on hold during your call, don't hang up unless you absolutely have to. Sometimes it takes multiple transfers to reach someone who can actually access your specific case details. Also, given that you mentioned losing your husband's income and bills piling up, definitely ask about expedited processing due to financial hardship. The SSA does have procedures for urgent situations, and your circumstances may qualify. The good news is that once everything is processed, you'll receive that retroactive payment back to your application date. With the $450 monthly increase you mentioned, that could be around $1,800-2,700 by now depending on timing - which should help significantly with the financial pressure you're experiencing. You're handling an incredibly difficult situation with such strength and wisdom. This community is here to support you, and I hope your call tomorrow provides the clarity and timeline you need. Please update us when you can - your experience will likely help others facing similar circumstances.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Mei. Losing a spouse is devastating, and dealing with SSA bureaucracy while grieving adds such an unfair burden to an already overwhelming time. Three weeks is absolutely the right time to follow up - you're being appropriately proactive, not pushy at all. When I helped my elderly neighbor with his survivor benefits last year, we found that calling right at 8 AM made a huge difference in wait times. One thing I'd add to all the excellent advice already given: when you call tomorrow, ask specifically about the "critical pay" or expedited processing option. Given that you've lost your husband's income and mentioned bills piling up, SSA does have procedures to prioritize financially urgent cases. You may need to speak with a supervisor or case manager to access this, but it's worth asking about. Also, since your husband was already on SSDI, make sure they confirm they have his complete disability file. Sometimes there can be delays if different parts of SSA need to coordinate records, even though it should be straightforward in your case. The retroactive payment you'll receive could be substantial by now - potentially $1,800+ with that $450 monthly increase. That should provide some meaningful relief once everything processes. Keep detailed notes of your conversation, and don't hesitate to ask for supervisor escalation if you don't get clear answers. You're handling this with remarkable strength during such a difficult time. Please update us after your call - your experience will help others facing similar situations.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Mei. Losing a spouse is one of life's most profound challenges, and having to navigate government bureaucracy while grieving makes an already difficult situation even more overwhelming. Three weeks is absolutely an appropriate time to follow up on your survivor benefits application - you're being responsible and proactive, not impatient. Reading through all the excellent advice in this thread, it's clear you have a solid plan for calling tomorrow at 8 AM. I wanted to add one suggestion based on a friend's recent experience: when you call, consider asking if they can provide you with a direct phone number or case worker contact for future follow-ups. Sometimes having a specific person or department to call back can save you from starting over with general customer service each time. Also, given the financial hardship you're experiencing after losing your husband's income, definitely ask about any expedited processing options available. The SSA does have procedures for urgent financial situations, and your circumstances may well qualify. The fact that your husband was already receiving SSDI should work in your favor since they have his earnings history and benefit information readily available. Once approved, that retroactive payment back to your application date - potentially several thousand dollars at this point - should provide meaningful relief from the financial pressure you're under. You're handling this incredibly difficult situation with such grace and determination. Please update us after your call when you're able - your experience will undoubtedly help others who find themselves in similar circumstances. This community is here to support you through this challenging time.