Social Security suddenly combined my SSI and survivor benefits into retirement - didn't apply for this!

This sounds like a potential administrative error. SSI and survivor benefits are completely different programs with different funding sources. They don't typically get "combined" into retirement benefits, especially if you're not at retirement age. Was there any notice sent to you before this happened? Did you check your mySocialSecurity account to see if there are any messages or status updates?

did u turn 57 recently? sometimez they automatic switch people at certain ages. happened to my cousins wife too but she got more money not less

This is likely related to a specific Social Security rule about survivor benefits. If you were receiving disability-based SSI plus survivor benefits, there are certain age milestones where benefits can automatically convert. At 57, you wouldn't convert to standard retirement benefits (those begin at 62 earliest), but there are special provisions for survivors and disabled individuals. That said, the SSA should absolutely have notified you before making this change, and any change that results in a reduction of benefits should have a formal notice with appeal rights. You need to speak directly with a Social Security representative to understand exactly what happened. Looking at your situation, the most likely explanation is that you've been converted to disabled widow(er) benefits, which can happen at age 50 or older if you're disabled. These are based on your ex-husband's record rather than SSI, which could explain the benefit change.

The SAME EXACT THING happened to my sister last year!!! SS is TERRIBLE about explaining these changes!!! She spent WEEKS trying to get someone on the phone and they kept disconnecting her. When she finally got through they told her it was some kind of "automatic conversion" thing but couldn't even explain why her payment went down too!!! The whole system is rigged!!!

I've been through something very similar. This sounds like an automatic conversion to disabled widow's benefits. Here's what likely happened: 1. At age 50+ (you're 57), disabled former spouses can receive benefits from their ex's record 2. This can sometimes replace SSI if the benefit amount is higher 3. However, if the conversion results in LESS money overall, you should be eligible for partial SSI to make up the difference The $175 reduction suggests they didn't properly calculate the SSI supplement you might still be entitled to. You absolutely need to speak with SSA directly to fix this.

After trying for days to reach someone at SSA about a similar issue, I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to a representative in about 20 minutes instead of waiting on hold for hours. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Once I got through, the agent explained that any time there's an automatic conversion that results in a payment reduction, you have appeal rights. Make sure to ask specifically about continuing to receive partial SSI to supplement the widow's benefits to maintain your previous payment level. Also ask them to explain why you weren't notified about this change beforehand.

I'm confused about something. You said survivors benefits from ex husband but did he pass away? Because survivors benefits only come if the person died. If he's still alive and you were getting benefits based on his record, those would be spousal benefits not survivors. Might help figure out what happened if we know which one it actually was?

I'm curious - did you get a letter saying you were eligible for Medicare? Sometimes when these conversions happen, it also triggers Medicare eligibility, which could be a silver lining here.

Please update us after you speak with SSA! I'd like to know what happened in your case as it might help others in similar situations. The disabled widow benefit conversion makes the most sense, but the lack of notice and reduction in benefits is concerning. Document everything during your call - representative's name, date/time, and what they tell you about the conversion and your options moving forward.

my mom got switched from SSI to disabled widoes benefits and got EXTRA money but also got medicare too. maybe check if u got medicare now cuz that worth something too even if money went down a little