Social Security survivor benefits stopped after SSDI approval - can I still claim husband's higher SS later?

Yes, you absolutely can still claim your husband's retirement benefit when you're older! What's happening now is that you can only receive one benefit at a time, and the SSA automatically gives you whichever is higher. But later, you'll have options. When you reach age 60, you'll be eligible again for survivor benefits based on your husband's record. Then you'll have choices about when to take which benefit to maximize your lifetime payout. Since your husband never filed, his benefit amount would be based on what he would have received at his full retirement age. I went through this exact situation with my mom. She took her own retirement at 62, then switched to survivor benefits from my dad at her FRA for a much larger amount. The key is working with an agent who understands this strategy!

the SSA people don't always know the rules!! my sister got told wrong info 3 different times when she called about her widows benefits. you definitely can get survivors later, they just don't want to tell you that because its complicated for them lol

I've spent HOURS trying to reach SSA agents who actually understand complex situations like yours. I finally found a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an agent in under 2 hours instead of waiting days. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU showing how it works. When I finally got through, I specifically asked for a technical expert who understands survivor benefits and switching strategies. That made a huge difference in getting correct information.

Speaking as someone who worked with retirement benefits at SSA for over 20 years, I can clarify this situation: 1. You are currently receiving SSDI because it's higher than your survivor benefit 2. When you reach age 60, you can CHOOSE to switch to survivor benefits if that would be higher 3. When you reach your own Full Retirement Age (FRA), your SSDI automatically converts to retirement benefits at the same amount 4. At any point from age 60 to age 70, you can evaluate which benefit is higher and select accordingly The confusion comes because many SSA reps are thinking about your current situation, not planning decades ahead. Get everything in writing and keep detailed records of who you speak with. And yes, your 12-year marriage easily meets the 9-month minimum requirement for survivor benefits.

I'm so confused by all this switching stuff!! I thought once you pick a benefit you're stuck with it forever?? I've been taking my dead husband's SS since I was 60 (I'm 63 now) but mine would be higher if I waited until 70. Can I switch?? Nobody told me this!!

The rules for survivor benefits are RIDICULOUS!!! I lost my husband last year and spent 6 MONTHS trying to get straight answers from SSA about survivor benefits with my own SSDI. Every single person told me something different! They don't train their employees AT ALL on these complicated situations and WE suffer for it. The whole system is designed to confuse us so we get less money than we deserve. I finally had to hire a lawyer to get it straightened out because I was about to lose my house waiting for benefits! OP - document EVERYTHING. Get names of who you talk to. Ask for supervisors. Don't trust the first answer you get!!!

My mom had the same situation!!! She got disability first and then when she turned 60 she applied for my dads survivors benefit and got it no problem! But that was back in 2019 so maybe rules changed?

Here's a specific tip that might help: when you call SSA, specifically ask to speak with a "Technical Expert" who specializes in survivor benefits. Regular claims representatives often don't deal with these complex situations daily. Technical Experts have additional training on the nuances of survivor benefits, deemed filing, and switching strategies. Also, there's a helpful publication called "If You Are The Survivor" (SSA Publication No. 05-10084) that explains many of these rules. You can find it on ssa.gov and bring it with you to any in-person appointments as a reference.