Social Security survivor benefits - does my start date count from appointment scheduling or actual appointment?

The start date for survivor benefits is generally based on when you FIRST contact SSA to file your application (today), not your appointment date. This is called your "protective filing date" and protects your filing date even though the actual application isn't completed until Oct 31. Make sure you get confirmation of today's contact! During your appointment, specifically mention that you initiated the process today and want that documented as your protective filing date.

when my husband passed away last year i had the same worry. they backdated to when i first called them even though my appointment was 3 weeks later. just make sure to remind them during your appt that you called earlier!

My condolences on your loss. Yes, the initial contact date becomes your filing date. They should have given you a confirmation number when you called. Check any emails or texts they might have sent. Good luck with your claim!

Be VERY careful about this! When I applied for survivor benefits, they did NOT automatically backdate to my first call. I had to FIGHT for months to get them to acknowledge my protective filing date. The system is designed to cheat you out of benefits if you don't know exactly what to say and which forms to fill out. INSIST on documentation of your initial contact date and don't let them tell you otherwise. The difference cost me almost $2000 that I had to battle to get back!!!

SSA claims specialist here. Your protective filing date (when you first contacted SSA about filing) establishes your application date, which can be up to 6 months retroactive from that date (depending on your age and circumstances). During your Oct 31 appointment, clearly state that you want your application protected as of today's date. The representative should document this in your claim. If they don't mention it, specifically ask them to note it. For survivor benefits, this distinction can be particularly important for benefit calculation purposes.

My mom just went thru this process last month! Make sure u get the name of who u talked to today cuz sometimes they lose records of initial calls. Her benefits were backdated to her first call but only after she complained to a supervisor. the protection filing date thing is real but sometimes they forget to enter it

I had survivor benefits after my wife died and started right when I called too. But I think there's something about not being able to get more than 6 months of back benefits even if you could have filed earlier. Anyone know if that's still true?

one more thing to remember is that survivor benefits at 62 are reduced! did they talk to u about waiting til ur full retirement age? might get a lot more money if u can wait

The REAL problem is that the SSA's systems are outdated and the different offices don't communicate. I've had THREE different answers from THREE different representatives about the same question. Your best bet is to DOCUMENT EVERYTHING. Write down who you talked to today, the time, what they told you, and any confirmation numbers. Trust me, when they inevitably mess something up, you'll need this information to fight them!!!

I went through this exact situation when I applied for survivor benefits at 60. The protective filing date is crucial - it saved me about $1,800 in back benefits! When you call SSA, they should give you what's called a "receipt notice" or confirmation that you initiated contact on today's date. If you didn't get one, I'd recommend calling back tomorrow and specifically asking for documentation of your protective filing date from today's call. Also, during your October 31st appointment, bring up the protective filing date first thing - don't wait for them to mention it. Some reps are great about this, others need reminding. The system works, but you have to be proactive about protecting your rights.