Multiple marriages complicating Social Security survivor benefits at 60 - need advice before SSA appointment

You're asking exactly the right questions! This is complicated, but here's what you need to understand: 1. At 60, you can only claim survivor benefits if your current husband passes away. The benefit would be reduced to about 71.5% of what he receives. 2. You're right that at 62, you could take your own retirement benefits (reduced) potentially with a spousal supplement if your current husband is still living. 3. For ex-spouse #2, you need to have been married at least 10 years (which you were at 13 years) to qualify for divorced spouse benefits. You could potentially claim those at 62 (reduced) or wait until FRA for full amount. 4. The real strategy comes with survivor benefits: You can actually switch between benefits. So if both your current husband and ex-husband pass away, you can take whichever survivor benefit is higher. Be sure to ask the SSA rep about the "restricted application" strategy and how the timing of claiming affects your benefit amounts. Also ask about the impact of any future work earnings on benefits if you decide to work part-time.

u should ask bout the survivor bene max cuz there's this thing called the RIB-LIM rule! my friend got dinged by this cuz she took benfit too early and then wen spouse died SSA did some complicated crap and she got less than expected. something about how they calculate FRA vs early filing. ask specifically!!!

I've been through something similar with multiple marriages and a disabled spouse. Here's what you NEED to ask about: 1. Request a benefits calculation printout for ALL potential benefits: your own record, current spouse, and ex-spouse. 2. Ask specifically about the impact of the RIB-LIM rule if you take your own benefit early and then later switch to a survivor benefit. 3. Find out exactly what documentation you need to prove all marriages/divorces. You definitely need divorce decrees for any ex-spouse benefits. 4. Ask about the "deemed filing" rules and how they might impact your situation. One strategy to consider: If your current husband passes away, you could take the reduced widow's benefit at 60, then at your FRA, switch to your ex-spouse benefit if it's higher. You have options to switch between survivor benefits. Also, has your current husband explored whether his SSDI payment will increase when he converts to regular Social Security? Sometimes there's a difference.

Sorry your going through this. My husband died when I was 58 and the SSA gave me so much wrong info! Make sure you speak to a Technical Expert or Supervisor not just the first person at the window. And WRITE DOWN what they tell you with their name!

If you are dealing with SS or even trying to reach them for basic QUESTIONS, good luck getting through! I spent 6 WEEKS calling every day only to be disconnected or on hold for hours. Finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to a real person in 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. WORTH IT because I was finally able to get actual answers about my complicated divorce/remarriage situation instead of generic web info. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real claims specialist about your specific case.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you should ABSOLUTELY ask about the family maximum benefit rule. When I was in a similar situation with my terminally ill husband, nobody told me about this and it severely limited what I thought I would receive. Also, you mentioned being denied disability before - if your condition has worsened, you might want to consider reapplying as the rules change when you turn 60 (they use different medical-vocational guidelines). I'm so sorry about your husband's health situation.

dont forget to bring ur marriage certificates and divorce papers!! they wont be able to tell u accurate info without those!! my sister went in 3 times before they could help her with ex spouse benefits bcuz she didnt have right paperwork

Something no one has mentioned yet: if your current husband passes away, you could take widow's benefits at 60 (reduced), then switch to your own retirement at 62 if higher, then potentially switch AGAIN to ex-spouse survivor benefits if ex-spouse #2 passes away and those benefits would be higher. This maximizing strategy is complex but could mean thousands more in benefits over your lifetime. Make sure to ask the SSA rep to explain all possible sequencing scenarios. And definitely mention the RIB-LIM rule specifically - not all reps are familiar with how it works unless you use the technical term.