Social Security survivor benefits delay - can ex-wife block payments to other children?

I went through something similar last year. The issue isn't that the wife is blocking payments, but that SSA has to determine the "family maximum" benefit which is shared between all eligible survivors. They can't finalize any payments until they know exactly how many qualified children there are, plus any spouse benefit. It's frustrating but normal. Have you tried using Claimyr to reach an actual SSA agent? I was stuck in the same situation for months until I used claimyr.com to get through to someone who could actually help. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU - saved me hours of hold time and I finally got clear answers about why my kid's benefits were delayed.

This is unfortunately a common situation with survivor benefits when multiple families are involved. The SSA has to determine several things: 1) Each child's eligibility, 2) The widow's eligibility if she's caring for a child under 16, 3) The total family maximum benefit, and 4) How to properly allocate those benefits among all eligible survivors. Each parent/guardian must file separately for their children, but the benefits are calculated together. The family maximum is typically 150-180% of the deceased worker's benefit amount, divided among all eligible recipients. What often causes delays is verification of relationships, especially when children have different last names than the deceased parent. Make sure you've provided birth certificates showing parentage and death certificate for the father.

Wait I thought each kid would get their own payment? My neighbor gets survivor benefits for her daughter and nobody else's benefit amount affects hers.

SSA IS THE WORST!!! I've been fighting with them for 2 YEARS over my kids' survivor benefits. One rep tells you one thing, the next tells you something completely different. They lost our paperwork TWICE and I had to resubmit everything. The current wife probably IS holding things up - my ex's new girlfriend claimed she was common-law married (she WASN'T) and that delayed everyone's payments by 8 months while they "investigated" her bogus claim!!! You need to DEMAND to speak to a supervisor and keep calling EVERY SINGLE DAY until they fix it!!!

Have you gone into your local field office in person? When my husband died 3 years ago, I had much better luck getting answers face-to-face than over the phone. Bring all your documentation - your son's birth certificate, father's death certificate, proof of paternity if the father's name is on the birth certificate, your ID, and your son's social security card. The benefits should be backdated to when you first applied, so even though it's frustrating now, your son won't lose any money he's entitled to. The wife can't block payments forever, but SSA does need to determine all eligible beneficiaries before distributing funds because of the family maximum rules.

sounds like u just gotta wait unfortunately... my cousins kid had similar issue, ended up taking almost 9 months but they did get all the back pay eventually. the wife prob has like 60 days or something to apply before they move on without her maybe? not sure tbh

I want to clarify something important: While the SSA does need to determine all eligible children for the family maximum calculation, they should not indefinitely delay all payments if one party is non-responsive. If the current wife is continuously rescheduling, after a reasonable time period (usually 3-6 months), the SSA should proceed with provisional payments based on the known beneficiaries, then adjust later if needed. Ask specifically about "provisional benefits" or "initial determination" when you call. Also request to speak with the Claims Specialist handling your case, not just the general phone representatives. The fact that you've waited 4 months with no payment is concerning and warrants escalation.

My friend works for SS (not giving advice just sharing what I know) - definitely call the main number not your local office. The national line has access to more info. And keep calling until you get someone helpful cuz some reps are way better than others honestly

Just checking back - were you able to get through to someone who could help? The situation with multiple families definitely complicates things, but 4 months is still excessive for not even having an update.