Social Security survivor benefits at 65 - will I get my deceased husband's full SSDI amount?

Congrats on filing! I did this last yr after my wife passed. So stressful!!! The amount DOES get reduced if ur taking it b4 FRA, your right about that. I think its like 4.75% per year early or somethin.

There are special rules that might apply in your situation. If your husband was receiving SSDI (not regular retirement), and you're over 60, you may qualify for what's called the 'disabled widow(er)' benefit. In some cases, this can affect the reduction calculation. When did your husband pass away, and have you worked enough to qualify for your own retirement benefits as well? Those factors impact the amount.

SSA told me something similar when my husband passed from cancer last year. I was so confused! Turns out they were half right in my case. The rep didn't explain that while I qualified for his full PIA (Primary Insurance Amount), there WAS still an early filing reduction since I was only 63. I ended up getting about 82.5% of what he was receiving. The whole system is SO confusing because they use all these calculations and weird rules. You should definitely double-check this before counting on that money. I spent 3 weeks calling SSA trying to get through to clarify and kept getting disconnected or waiting for hours.

DID YOU MAKE SURE THEY KNOW YOUR TAKING WIDOWS BENEFITS EARLY????? The SSA people REGULARLY get this wrong!!!!! My sister got told the same thing and then when her first payment came it was $540 LESS than what they said!!!! And then they acted like she misunderstood them when she called back. TYPICAL. You should get the reduction calculation IN WRITING before you count on that amount.

Social Security survivor benefits specialist here. There's often confusion about survivor benefits from SSDI. Here are the facts: 1. The full survivor benefit equals 100% of what your deceased spouse received in SSDI benefits 2. But, if you claim before your FRA (67 in your case), reductions do apply - approximately 4.75% per year early 3. At age 65, you'd receive roughly 90.5% of the full survivor benefit 4. Exception: If you're caring for his child under 16, or if you qualify as disabled yourself, different rules apply Since your own benefit at FRA is lower than his, taking reduced survivors now and switching to your own at 70 (when it will have grown) might be strategically smart. The SSA rep may have been explaining the base amount before reduction.

my condolences on your loss. when my hubby died i was only 61 and they told me id get his full amount too but then the check came and it was less. i think they mean youll get his full benefit as the BASE amount but then they reduce it. good luck with everything its not easy dealing with all this when your grieving

One more important thing to consider: If you're still working, the earnings test might apply until you reach your FRA. In 2025, you can earn up to $22,150 without any reduction in benefits. Above that, they withhold $1 in benefits for every $2 earned. Are you still working, and if so, do you earn above this threshold?

I called back to SSA three times and got three slightly different answers about my survivor benefits. The third rep finally took the time to do the actual calculation with me on the phone and explain each step. Don't be afraid to keep calling until you get someone who will take the time to go through the full calculation with you so you understand exactly what you'll be receiving.