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.