SSA denied my widow benefit estimate while divorcing - can't get info until divorce is final?

ya this is weird, they usually will give estimates over the phone. have you tried going in person to a field office? sometimes they tell u different things depend who u talk to

SSA policy can be confusing here. Generally, they should provide benefit estimates regardless of current marital status. However, your current marriage does affect your eligibility for widow's benefits from your first husband. While you're still married, you're not eligible for those widow's benefits, which might explain why they were reluctant to provide estimates. Once your divorce is finalized, you would regain eligibility for widow's benefits based on your first husband's record (assuming you don't remarry before age 60). At that point, they should provide estimates. You might try explicitly asking for a "What-if" scenario calculation based on when your divorce is final, though some representatives are more helpful than others with these hypotheticals.

I went through something similar when I was thinking about retirement!!! The SSA people REFUSED to give me any information about my ex-husband's benefits even though we'd been divorced for 12 years!! Said it was PRIVACY issues!! I had to bring our divorce decree and marriage certificate to the office and THEN they finally talked to me. The system is SO FRUSTRATING!

When I needed accurate information about survivor benefits after my wife passed, I spent DAYS trying to reach someone at SSA. The regular number was useless - hours on hold only to get disconnected. I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual SSA agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. Saved me so much frustration, and the agent I spoke with was able to give me clear information about my survivor benefits. Might be worth trying since you need specific information about your widow benefits.

Let me explain what's likely happening: While you're still legally married, you technically aren't eligible for widow's benefits from your first husband. This changes once your divorce is final. You can still get information by being specific about what you're asking. Call again and request: 1. A statement of your deceased husband's earnings record (you're entitled to this information) 2. Ask specifically for a "hypothetical benefit calculation" for when you're divorced and turn 60 3. Make it clear you understand you're not currently eligible but are planning for the future Also, be aware that taking widow benefits at 60 means accepting a reduced amount (about 71.5% of the full benefit). And if you're working at 60 with substantial earnings, you may face the earnings test which further reduces benefits.

My cousin went thru this exact thing! They wouldnt tell her nothing till the divorce was done. Something about how being married cancels out widow benefits so they dont even wanna discuss it til ur single again. She waited 4 months after divorce was final and then they answered all her questions.

One more important point: Even after your divorce, the maximum you can receive at age 60 is 71.5% of your deceased husband's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). Each month you wait beyond 60 increases this percentage until you reach 100% at your Full Retirement Age (probably 67 for you). Additionally, if you're entitled to retirement benefits on your own record, you should know that you can: 1. Take reduced widow benefits at 60 2. Switch to your own retirement benefit later if it would be higher Or alternatively: 1. Take your reduced retirement benefit at 62 2. Switch to unreduced widow benefits at your Full Retirement Age This flexibility is valuable for maximizing your lifetime benefits, so getting accurate estimates is truly important for your planning.

im confused bout somthing - if ur 51 now why worry bout benefits at 60? thats 9 years away! SSA changes rules all the time anyways so whatever they tell u now might be different by then

Based on your follow-up comments, here's what I suggest for your specific situation: 1. Complete your divorce first 2. Request your own Social Security Statement through your my Social Security account online 3. Contact SSA specifically requesting: - Verification of your deceased former husband's PIA (Primary Insurance Amount) - Calculation of your widow benefit at age 60 (71.5% of his PIA) - Calculation of your own retirement benefit at FRA With these three figures, you can work with a financial advisor to determine whether keeping your house is financially viable. The most accurate calculation will include both your reduced widow benefit at 60 and how it compares to your own benefit at your FRA. This information is essential for making informed long-term financial decisions.

DON'T go to a bank financial advisor!!! They don't know SS rules AT ALL and just want to sell you products!!! I learned this the hard way when mine told me completely wrong information about survivor benefits and almost cost me THOUSANDS!!! Find someone who specializes in Social Security claiming strategies - there are actual consultants who ONLY do this!