Social Security agent said restricted applications for survivor benefits no longer exist - is this true?

The SSA rep gave you incorrect information. Restricted applications DO still exist for survivor benefits at any age. There were changes made under the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, but those only affected spousal benefits, not survivor benefits. What you're doing is completely valid and a smart strategy - collect survivors now and switch to your own larger benefit at 70. When you have your phone appointment, make it CRYSTAL CLEAR you are ONLY applying for survivor benefits. Use those exact words. If they seem confused, ask to speak with a technical expert or supervisor. Document everything - who you spoke with, when, what they said. I'd even recommend recording the call if legal in your state (just tell them you're recording).

RESTRICTED APPLICATIONS ARE ABSOLUTELY STILL A THING FOR WIDOW(ER)S!!!!!!! The 2015 law changes only affected spousal benefits, NOT survivor benefits!!! SSA phone reps are notorious for giving wrong info. I went thru this EXACT situation last year. First rep told me I couldn't do it, second rep said the same, third rep knew exactly what I was talking about and processed it correctly. What you want is 100% allowed and is actually the SMART financial move if your own benefit will be higher at 70. Don't let them tell you otherwise!!! Ask for a supervisor if needed. Be FIRM!

My sister just did this exact strategy last yr. The key is to tell them u ONLY want to file for survivor benefits and explicitly state u are NOT filing for retirement. She had to be super firm about this because the first agent kept trying to get her to take both. Good luck!

Sometimes the folks answering phones at SSA don't know all the details of the rules. The person you spoke with probably was thinking about restricted applications for spousal benefits (which were phased out for most people born after 1/1/1954). The rules for survivor benefits are different! You are absolutely allowed to take survivor benefits and later switch to your own retirement benefit. When you have your call, just be very clear that you are applying ONLY for widow's benefits at this time. Say it multiple times if needed.

i work at a financial planning firm and we help clients with this exact strategy all the time. the ssa rep is definitely wrong. restricted applications for widow(er) benefits absolutely still exist. specifically tell them you are ONLY filing for your survivor benefit. if they seem confused ask to speak to a technical expert. have your husband's death certificate and marriage certificate ready. good luck!

After trying to get through to SS for 3 weeks about my survivor benefits (kept getting disconnected!), I found a service called Claimyr that got me through to an agent in under 10 minutes. You might want to check them out at claimyr.com if you need to call back and clarify before your appointment. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU I also did the survivor-now-my-own-later strategy and had to be SUPER clear about what I wanted. The first agent was confused but I asked for a supervisor who understood immediately.

My mom went through this last year and the SSA kept messing it up! They initially tried to file her for both benefits even though she clearly said she only wanted survivors. She had to call back 3 times and finally got someone who understood what she wanted. Just keep pushing and don't sign anything until you're 100% sure it's correct.

make sure u get the name and direct extension of whoever u talk to!! i didn't do this and regretted it when i had problems later

To be extra prepared for your phone appointment: 1) Have your late husband's SSN, death certificate details, and marriage info ready 2) Write a script for yourself with key phrases like "I am ONLY filing for widow's benefits" and "I do NOT want to file for my own retirement at this time" 3) Take detailed notes during the call 4) Ask them to email you confirmation of exactly what was filed 5) If anything seems off, immediately ask to speak with a supervisor or technical expert Many SSA phone reps truly don't understand the nuances of survivor benefit strategies, so don't take the first answer if it doesn't match what you know to be true.

Yes, they should send you a confirmation letter after your application is processed. If they don't mention sending one during the call, specifically ask for it. The letter should clearly state which benefit you applied for. Keep this for your records!

From your username it looks like you're in Texas? My mom had the exact same experience with the Dallas SSA office. The frontline staff gave her incorrect info about survivor benefits but when she got to the actual claims specialist, they handled it correctly. Just make sure to escalate if needed during your call.

I went through this exact same situation 2 years ago and can confirm - the SSA rep was completely wrong! Restricted applications for survivor benefits are absolutely still allowed. The 2015 changes only affected spousal benefits, not widow(er) benefits. Here's what worked for me: During your phone appointment, say "I am filing a restricted application for survivor benefits ONLY" and repeat that you are NOT applying for your own retirement benefit at this time. If the agent seems confused or pushes back, politely ask to speak with a technical expert or supervisor who specializes in survivor benefits. Also bring up that you plan to file for your own retirement benefit at age 70 when your delayed retirement credits max out - this will help them understand your strategy is intentional and legitimate. Don't let them talk you out of what is absolutely the right financial move for your situation!

I'm a newer community member but wanted to chime in since I just went through this process myself 6 months ago. The SSA representative you spoke with is absolutely incorrect - restricted applications for survivor benefits are still very much allowed and are actually a common, smart strategy for people in your exact situation. What you're describing is textbook correct: take survivor benefits at FRA, let your own benefit grow with delayed retirement credits until 70, then switch. The confusion likely stems from the fact that many SSA phone reps mix up the rules for spousal benefits (which were restricted under the 2015 law changes) with survivor benefits (which were NOT affected). During your phone appointment, I'd recommend being very direct: "I am applying ONLY for widow's benefits at this time. I am NOT applying for my own retirement benefit." If they try to process both or seem confused, don't hesitate to ask for a supervisor or technical specialist. One thing that helped me was explaining upfront that I understood this was a two-step process and that I planned to file for my own retirement benefit at age 70. This seemed to help the agent understand I wasn't confused about the process. Stay confident - you clearly know what you're doing and your strategy is both legal and financially sound!