How to check future survivor benefits on deceased spouse's record before turning 60?

I'm sorry for your loss. Unfortunately, the MySocialSecurity online account doesn't show survivor benefit estimates for people under the claiming age. You'll need to contact SSA directly to get this information. When you call, specifically ask for a "survivor benefit estimate based on your deceased spouse's work record." They can run the calculations manually for you. Make sure to have your husband's SSN and death certificate information handy.

i went thru this 2 yrs ago. u have to go in person to social security office. bring death certificate, marriage certificate, ur ID. they will calculate it rite there but u cant get written statement. just bring paper to write number down. theyll tell u amount at 60 and also what it would be if u wait till ur FRA which is alot more!

If you're having trouble reaching the SSA by phone (which is very common), I'd recommend using Claimyr to get through to a representative. I was in a similar situation last year and was getting frustrated with busy signals and disconnections. Claimyr connected me to an SSA agent in about 15 minutes. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU or visit their website at claimyr.com. It was worth it to avoid the phone frustration and get the survivor benefit information I needed for planning.

I'm a financial planner who works with many widows and widowers. A few important points about survivor benefits you should know for your planning: 1. The amount you'll receive depends on what your husband was receiving (or would have received) and when you claim 2. If you claim at 60, you'll get about 71.5% of his full benefit 3. If you wait until your Full Retirement Age (66-67 depending on birth year), you'll get 100% 4. You can still claim survivor benefits at 60 even if you're working, but you may be subject to the earnings test which could reduce benefits temporarily 5. You might have a strategy option to take survivor benefits first and switch to your own retirement later (or vice versa) depending on which is higher Defnitely worth getting the actual numbers from SSA so you can plan accordingly.

The SSA is SO FRUSTRATING to deal with!!! I've been trying to sort out my husband's survivor benefits for MONTHS after he passed last year. Every time I call I get a different answer from whoever picks up the phone. One person tells me to check online, the next says I have to come in person, another says to mail in forms. NOBODY KNOWS WHAT THEY'RE DOING THERE!!! And don't even get me started on their website that looks like it was built in 1998!!!

just wondering but did you and your husband have any kids together? cuz if you had kids under 18 with him they can get survivors benefits now you dont have to wait until 60 for them

You might also want to check if you're eligible for the one-time death payment of $255. It's not much but it's something.

One more important point for your planning: be aware of the Government Pension Offset (GPO) if you have a pension from a job where you didn't pay Social Security taxes (like some government or teaching positions). This could reduce your survivor benefits. Also, if you're still working, know that claiming survivor benefits at 60 won't affect your own retirement benefit amount when you claim that later. The reduction for early filing only applies to the benefit type you're claiming early.