Social Security survivor benefits question - take mine at 62 and switch to husband's SSDI later?

I think if u take urs early it affects EVERYTHING including survivors. not sure tho cuz SSA tells different things to diffrnt people!!

The good news is that survivor benefits work differently than retirement benefits. You CAN take your own retirement benefit at 62 (with the reduction) and later switch to survivor benefits at your FRA (67) to receive 100% of your husband's benefit. Your early filing of your own benefit will NOT affect your survivor benefit amount. However, if you claim survivor benefits BEFORE your FRA, then those would be permanently reduced. So your strategy of claiming your own at 62 and switching to survivor at 67 would maximize the survivor benefit. This is one of the few remaining "claim now, claim more later" strategies still available after the 2015 rule changes.

@profile7 Your neighbor might have been dealing with spousal benefits, which work differently than survivor benefits. With survivor benefits, you can still use the "claim one benefit now, claim the other later" strategy. @profile4 Here's exactly how it would work: You can claim your reduced retirement benefit at 62 ($950 minus the reduction). Then, if your husband passes away, you could either: 1. Switch immediately to a reduced survivor benefit if it's higher than your reduced retirement, OR 2. Wait until your FRA (67) and switch to 100% of what your husband received. You should run calculations for both scenarios based on your expected longevity. The Social Security BEST tool on their website can help with this.

I went through this EXACT scenario when my husband passed from cancer two years ago!!!! It was a NIGHTMARE trying to get actual correct information from Social Security!!! I called TWENTY TIMES and got disconnected or told different things every single time!!! One rep told me I couldn't switch later, another said I could!!! SO FRUSTRATING!!!

my mom did exactly what ur planning. took her own SS at 62 (it was tiny, like $700) and then when my dad died she waited til her FRA to get his full amount. worked out way better for her financially in the long run.

@profile4 Regarding your question about the application process: When the time comes to switch to survivor benefits, you'll need to contact Social Security and file an application specifically for survivor benefits. It's not automatic. You'll need your husband's death certificate, your marriage certificate, and both your Social Security numbers. I recommend applying for survivor benefits within the first month after your husband's passing (though of course we hope that's many years away). While you can retroactively receive up to 6 months of benefits, it's best not to delay. The actual switch at your FRA from your benefit to survivor benefits requires a separate application, which you should submit 3-4 months before you want the switch to occur.

sorry for your situation. my sister did something like this but she got confused and missed out on some $$ because she didn't file the right paperwork at the right time. the rules r so complicated! hope it works out better for u

One more important point: If you're still working while collecting your own reduced retirement benefit at 62, be aware of the earnings limit ($22,320 in 2025). If you earn above that limit, $1 in benefits will be withheld for every $2 earned above the limit. However, this limitation goes away once you reach your Full Retirement Age. Also, any benefits withheld due to excess earnings will be returned to you in the form of higher monthly payments once you reach FRA. This earnings limit would apply to your own retirement benefit but would not affect your survivor benefit strategy.

does anyone know if the survivor benefit includes the COLA increases that would have happened? like if he passes away this year but I wait 5 years to claim survivors at my FRA would I get his amount plus all the COLAs?

Thank you all for the helpful information! I feel much more confident about my options now. I'm planning to call SSA to confirm everything directly, but having this knowledge beforehand will help me ask the right questions. It seems like taking my reduced benefit at 62 and then switching to the full survivor benefit at 67 (if needed) would be the best financial strategy in my situation. I really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and expertise.