Social Security survivor benefits and RIB LIM rule - will I get full benefit when spouse claimed early?

The RIB LIM rule (Retirement Insurance Benefit Limitation) does restrict survivor benefits based on early claiming by the deceased. Since your husband claimed at 62, your maximum survivor benefit would generally be limited to what he was actually receiving at death ($2200), not what he would have received at his full retirement age. However, there's an exception - if you're receiving your own retirement benefit that's less than the survivor benefit, there can be some adjustments. The limit specifically applies when you're claiming survivor benefits before your own full retirement age.

When I was dealing with this after my wife passed, I was so frustrated trying to understand all the rules. I ended up spending WEEKS trying to reach someone at Social Security who could explain it. After getting disconnected multiple times and waiting on hold for hours, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an SSA agent in under 5 minutes. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. The agent I spoke with explained my RIB LIM situation clearly and it was worth every penny to not waste days trying to get through.

Unfortunately, RIB LIM is confusing because SS doesn't explain it well. Here's the bottom line: When a person claims retirement benefits early (before FRA) and later dies, their survivor's benefit amount is generally limited to the higher of: 1. 82.5% of the deceased's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) 2. The actual amount the deceased was receiving Since your husband started at 62, he was likely receiving about 75% of his PIA (the reduction for claiming 48 months early). So in your case, the 82.5% limit would likely be higher than what he was actually receiving, meaning you'd get slightly more than the $2200 he was getting.

my husband did the same thing took ss at 62 died last year and the ssa gave me less then he was gettin!!! they said because i'm only 60 i get reduced amount. so confusing and the ppl at the office dont explain anything right. its all TERRIBLE

I went through this EXACT situation last year. The RIB LIM is the most ridiculous rule nobody knows about until it's too late! My husband collected early at 62 and passed away at 75. When I applied for survivor benefits, I discovered I was permanently limited because of HIS decision years ago! The SSA representative told me I could've gotten almost $800 more per month if he had just waited until his full retirement age. It's completely unfair that we're penalized for decisions our spouses made decades ago when nobody explained this to them.

Wait so if I'm reading this right, even if you wait until your full retirement age, you still don't get what he would've gotten at his FRA? That doesn't seem right...I thought survivors always got 100% of the benefit amount if they wait until their FRA?

I'm going to call SSA tomorrow to get my specific numbers. Seems like I might get slightly more than the $2200 he was receiving based on that 82.5% rule someone mentioned. This whole system is so confusing - I wish they would explain these things more clearly on their website!

Just be sure to ask specifically about the RIB LIM calculation when you talk to them. Many SSA reps automatically calculate it in their system but don't explain it well. Ask them to tell you what your husband's PIA was (that's the amount he would have received at his full retirement age), then what 82.5% of that figure is, and compare that to the $2200 he was receiving. You're entitled to the higher amount.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Evan. This is such a complicated situation and you're definitely not alone in being confused by the RIB LIM rule. From what I understand based on the helpful explanations here, you should actually receive the higher of either what your husband was getting ($2200) OR 82.5% of his Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). Since he claimed at 62 and was getting about 75% of his PIA, the 82.5% figure would likely be higher than the $2200 he was receiving. When you call SSA, definitely ask them to walk through both calculations so you can see which amount you're entitled to. Also, if you have trouble getting through to SSA, don't give up - it's worth persisting to get the correct amount you're owed. Wishing you the best during this difficult time.

I'm really sorry for your loss, Evan. The RIB LIM rule is honestly one of the most poorly explained aspects of Social Security. What everyone has shared here is accurate - you'll get the higher of what your husband was receiving OR 82.5% of his Primary Insurance Amount. Since he claimed at 62 and was getting around 75% of his PIA (due to the early filing reduction), that 82.5% figure should work in your favor. One thing I'd add is to make sure you understand the timing too - if you're currently receiving your own retirement benefit, there might be some coordination between the two benefits that could affect your total amount. The SSA rep should be able to explain how your survivor benefit will work with any existing benefits you're receiving. It's frustrating that they don't make this information clearer upfront, but at least you're asking the right questions now.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Evan. The RIB LIM rule is definitely one of the most confusing aspects of Social Security, and you're absolutely right that the SSA website doesn't explain it clearly. Based on what others have shared here, it sounds like you should actually receive more than the $2200 your husband was getting. Since he claimed at 62 (getting about 75% of his PIA due to early filing), the RIB LIM rule's 82.5% floor should work in your favor. When you call SSA, make sure to ask them to explain both calculations - what your husband was actually receiving versus 82.5% of his Primary Insurance Amount. Also, don't forget to ask how this coordinates with your own potential retirement benefit if you haven't claimed that yet. I know this is an overwhelming time to be dealing with these complex rules, but it's important to make sure you get the full amount you're entitled to. The folks here have given you great advice about what specific questions to ask.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Evan. The RIB LIM rule really is one of those hidden Social Security rules that catches people off guard. From reading through all the helpful explanations here, it sounds like you're in a better position than you initially thought - you should receive the higher of what your husband was getting ($2200) or 82.5% of his Primary Insurance Amount. Since he claimed at 62, that 82.5% figure will likely be more than the $2200. One thing I'd suggest is to write down all the questions people have mentioned before you call SSA - ask for his PIA amount, what 82.5% of that equals, and how your own potential retirement benefit factors in. Also, be prepared for potentially long wait times. I've found that calling right at 8am local time gives you the best chance of getting through quickly. The fact that you're waiting until your full retirement age (66 and 6 months) is smart - you'll avoid the early claiming reduction that some others have mentioned dealing with. Good luck with your call, and I hope you get the clarity and full benefits you deserve during this difficult time.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Evan. The RIB LIM rule is truly one of the most confusing parts of Social Security, and you're absolutely not alone in struggling to understand it. Reading through this thread, it's clear that several knowledgeable people have given you excellent guidance. What I found helpful when I was dealing with similar questions after my father passed was to prepare a simple checklist before calling SSA. Based on what others have shared here, you'll want to ask for: 1) Your husband's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), 2) What 82.5% of his PIA equals, 3) Confirmation that you'll receive the higher of that amount or the $2200 he was actually getting, and 4) How this might coordinate with your own retirement benefit timing. The fact that you're planning to wait until your full retirement age of 66 and 6 months is really smart - you'll avoid any reduction for early claiming. And from what everyone has explained, you should actually receive more than the $2200 your husband was getting due to that 82.5% floor provision. I know this is an incredibly difficult time to be navigating these complex rules, but it's so important that you get the full amount you're entitled to. Wishing you strength and clarity as you work through this process.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Evan. The RIB LIM rule is definitely one of Social Security's most poorly explained policies, and your confusion is completely understandable. Based on the excellent explanations from others in this thread, it sounds like you're actually in a better position than you initially thought. Since your husband claimed at 62 and was receiving about $2200 (roughly 75% of his PIA due to early claiming), you should receive the higher of either that $2200 OR 82.5% of his Primary Insurance Amount. Given that he was only getting 75% of his PIA, that 82.5% figure should result in a higher benefit for you. When you call SSA, I'd recommend asking them to walk through both calculations step by step - they should tell you what his PIA was, what 82.5% of that equals, and confirm you'll get whichever amount is higher. Also ask about how this might interact with your own retirement benefit timing since you haven't claimed yet. The fact that you're waiting until your full retirement age (66 and 6 months) is the right move - you'll get the full survivor benefit without any early claiming reduction. I know dealing with these complex rules during grief is overwhelming, but this community has given you great guidance on exactly what questions to ask. Hang in there!

I'm so sorry for your loss, Evan. The RIB LIM rule is incredibly confusing and you're absolutely right that the SSA website doesn't explain it well at all. From everything I've read and experienced, you should actually receive MORE than the $2200 your husband was getting. Since he claimed at 62, he was likely receiving about 75% of his Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), but the RIB LIM rule ensures you get at least 82.5% of his PIA - which should be higher than what he was actually receiving. When you call SSA, definitely ask them to calculate both amounts for you: the $2200 he was getting versus 82.5% of his PIA, and confirm you'll receive whichever is higher. Also, since you're waiting until your FRA at 66 and 6 months, you won't face any early claiming reductions on the survivor benefit. One tip - if you're having trouble getting through to SSA (which unfortunately is common), try calling right when they open at 8:00 AM your local time. The wait times are usually shortest then. Make sure to have your questions written down beforehand because it's easy to forget important details during such emotional conversations. You're making smart decisions by waiting and asking the right questions!

I'm so sorry for your loss, Evan. The RIB LIM rule is one of Social Security's most confusing provisions, and you're definitely not alone in struggling to understand it. From what everyone has explained here, it sounds like you're actually in a better position than you initially feared. Since your husband claimed at 62 and was receiving about $2200 (which was roughly 75% of his Primary Insurance Amount due to the early filing reduction), you should receive the higher of either that $2200 OR 82.5% of his PIA under the RIB LIM rule. Given the math, that 82.5% figure should result in a higher monthly payment for you. When you call SSA, I'd suggest asking them to walk you through both calculations clearly - have them tell you what your husband's PIA was, what 82.5% of that amount equals, and confirm that you'll receive whichever figure is higher. Also ask how this might coordinate with your own retirement benefit if you haven't claimed that yet. The good news is that by waiting until your full retirement age of 66 and 6 months, you're avoiding any early claiming reductions on your survivor benefit. I know navigating these complex rules while grieving is overwhelming, but you're asking exactly the right questions. This community has given you excellent guidance on what to ask SSA. Wishing you strength as you work through this process.