Social Security survivor benefits after husband's death - can I delay taking my own SS until 70?

I'm so sorry for your loss. You're on the right track with your plan. Since you've already reached your FRA, you absolutely can take survivor benefits now and later switch to your own retirement benefits at 70 (when they'll be maximized with delayed retirement credits). The "restricted application" phase-out doesn't affect survivor benefits - that rule change was for spousal/retirement benefit combinations. For survivors, you still have full flexibility. When you call SSA, simply say: "I'd like to apply for survivor benefits based on my deceased husband's record. I want to delay filing for my own retirement benefits until age 70." They'll understand exactly what you mean. You'll need: - Your husband's death certificate - Marriage certificate - Both SSNs - Your bank info for direct deposit If possible, ask a trusted friend or family member to be with you during the call for emotional support.

so sorry about your husband passing away. had the same situation with my mom last year. the ssa phone lines are TERRIBLE right now!! she waited 3+ hours and got hung up on twice. its super stressful when your already dealing with grief. just warning u so your prepared

So sorry for your loss. Been there. Just make sure you tell them SURVIVOR benefits, not widow benefits. My SSA rep got confused when I said widow. And yes you can definitely switch later to your own. I did exactly this when my husband passed 2 years ago. Took his smaller amount until I hit 70 last month, now getting my full amount plus delayed credits.

I tried calling SSA after my wife died and spent HOURS on hold only to get disconnected. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through to a person in under 10 minutes. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Totally worth it when you're dealing with grief AND need to handle important benefits stuff. Made the whole process so much less stressful during an already terrible time.

Your strategy is EXACTLY what my financial planner recommended when my husband passed. But BE CAREFUL!!!! The SSA rep might try to get you to take YOUR retirement instead, saying it's "better" or "easier." DON'T DO IT!!!! They sometimes don't understand the long-term strategy of switching at 70. If they push back, ask to speak to a technical expert or supervisor who understands survivor benefit maximization strategies. Also file ASAP - you only have 6 months to get retroactive survivor benefits back to the month he passed away!!!!

wait are u sure ur not supposed to take the higher benefit first? i thought u always get whichever is more $$$. my neighbor got survivors and they just gave her the bigger one automatically. this stuff is so confusing!!

Thank you all for the incredibly helpful information. I've made notes of everything and feel much more prepared now. I'll make sure to: 1. Specifically ask for survivor benefits (not widow) 2. Be firm that I want to delay my own benefits until 70 3. Have all documents ready 4. File within the 6-month window for possible retroactive benefits 5. Consider using Claimyr to avoid the hold-time nightmare It means so much to have this guidance when I'm not thinking clearly. I'll update on how it goes after I speak with SSA.

Just thought of something else - when you do this, also ask them to send you a letter confirming your plan to switch at 70. I didn't do this and then had trouble 4 years later when I went to switch because the new person didn't see notes about my plan. Having something in writing helps.

The strategy you're planning is called "survivor benefits only" or sometimes "filing a restricted application for survivor benefits." The phase-out of restricted applications only affected spousal benefits combined with retirement benefits (under the 2015 Bipartisan Budget Act), not survivor benefits. For maximum clarity when you call, I recommend this specific phrasing: "I wish to file for survivor benefits only on my deceased husband's record. I understand I'm eligible for both survivor benefits and retirement benefits on my own record, but I want to restrict my application to survivor benefits only at this time, as I plan to switch to my own retirement benefits at age 70." This leaves no room for misunderstanding. Also, if you have any issues, reference POMS GN 00204.020, which is SSA's internal policy that confirms your right to restrict an application to survivor benefits.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Zoe. What you're going through is incredibly difficult, and it's completely understandable to feel overwhelmed by these decisions while grieving. I want to add one more practical tip that helped me when I was in a similar situation: consider scheduling your SSA call for a time when you feel most emotionally steady (for me, that was mid-morning), and have a glass of water nearby. The call might take a while, and grief can be physically exhausting. Also, don't hesitate to tell the SSA representative at the start of the call that you recently lost your spouse and may need them to speak slowly or repeat information. Most are very understanding and will take extra care to make sure you understand everything correctly. You've got a solid plan, and this community has given you excellent guidance. You're going to get through this. ❤️

I'm so sorry for your loss, Zoe. Reading your post brought back memories of my own experience navigating this exact situation two years ago. The combination of grief and complex Social Security decisions is overwhelming, but you're asking all the right questions. I want to emphasize something that others have touched on but bears repeating: when you call SSA, be very specific that you want to file for "survivor benefits only" and that you are intentionally delaying your own retirement benefits until age 70. Some representatives may not immediately understand this strategy and might suggest you file for your own benefits if they appear higher on paper right now - but they won't account for the delayed retirement credits you'll earn by waiting until 70. One thing that really helped me was writing down my key points on a notecard before the call: my husband's death date, that I wanted survivor benefits only, and that I planned to switch to my own benefits at 70. When grief brain kicked in during the call, I could just read from my notes. Also, don't feel bad about taking your time during the call or asking them to repeat things. You're dealing with a lot right now, and getting this right is important for your financial future. Take care of yourself. ❤️