Social Security survivor benefits experience - surprisingly helpful agent for terminal illness situation

I'm so sorry about your wife's diagnosis, but thank you for sharing this experience. SSA does have some truly excellent representatives who understand the sensitivity of these situations. Since your wife is still living, you should ask specifically about potential disability benefits that might be available immediately, rather than just focusing on survivor benefits for later. Also, make sure to ask about the lump sum death benefit (though it's only $255) and whether your wife has enough work credits for you to potentially claim widower benefits down the road. The backdating policy you mentioned is correct - they'll use your protective filing date from that first contact.

sorry to hear about ur wife. my mom went thru something similar last year. just make sure u get EVERYTHING in writing. the person I talked to was nice too but then when I went to actually file they said something totally different about the backdating! had to fight for weeks to get it sorted

As someone who works with Social Security cases professionally, I can tell you that preparation is key for your upcoming appointment. With 25 years of work history, your wife almost certainly has enough credits for survivor benefits. However, there are several strategic decisions you'll need to make: 1. If you're over 60, you could be eligible for widower benefits when the time comes (though reduced if taken before your FRA) 2. If you have minor or disabled children, they may qualify for auxiliary benefits 3. The maximum family benefit (family max) will cap the total amount your household can receive 4. You'll need certified copies of marriage and eventually death certificates 5. Consider whether you might have higher benefits on your own record versus taking survivor benefits Also, the 7-8 week wait for appointments is unfortunately standard right now, but you can use that time to gather all necessary documentation.

I had a similar experience when my husband passed last year. The agent was very helpful. Just be prepared with BOTH of your SSNs, marriage certificate, and her diagnosis documentation. They'll need all of that.

I'm really sorry you're going through this difficult time. I was in a similar situation with my partner and the wait for the callback appointment was HORRIBLE. I kept hitting redial for days and got nowhere. After someone on this forum suggested it, I tried Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through to SSA in under 20 minutes instead of waiting weeks. There's a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU I know it seems small in the grand scheme of what you're dealing with, but eliminating that waiting and uncertainty was a huge relief during an already stressful time. Sending your family strength.

The SSA people can be hit or miss. You got lucky with someone experienced! My first call I got someone who clearly had no idea what they were talking about and gave me completely wrong info about survivor vs retirement benefits. Had to call back 3 times before getting someone who knew the rules. DEFINITELY write down the name and ID number of anyone helpful you talk to!!!

Something important no one mentioned yet - if your wife is terminal and not expected to live through the application process for disability, there's something called "Compassionate Allowances" that can expedite SSDI claims for certain severe medical conditions. Terminal cancer is typically one of those conditions. The agent should have mentioned this! It could get benefits approved in weeks rather than months/years. Ask specifically about this when you have your appointment. Also, while the lump-sum death benefit is only $255 as someone mentioned, the monthly survivor benefits can be substantial depending on your wife's earnings record. And don't forget to ask about Medicare enrollment if she qualifies for disability - that happens automatically after 24 months of SSDI in normal cases, but there are special rules for terminal patients. Wishing you and your wife peace during this difficult time.

wait did they actually call u back on the SAME DAY?? ive never heard of that happening b4! usually its weeks!!

Just want to say sending prayers to you and your wife. This stuff is so hard to deal with on top of everything else.

Has anyone mentioned the fact that you might have choices about WHEN to take survivor benefits? Like if you have your own work record, sometimes it's better to take your own retirement at 62 and then switch to survivor benefits at FRA, or vice versa. The rules changed in 2015 but some options still exist. My financial advisor helped me figure this out and it meant about $45,000 more over my lifetime!