Social Security survivor benefits - will I get topped up to deceased husband's higher benefit amount?

Yes, you would receive his full benefit amount as a survivor benefit. The good news is that your husband does NOT need to have started collecting Social Security for you to receive survivor benefits based on his record. If he passes away before claiming benefits, you would be eligible for his full benefit amount at your full retirement age (which I believe is 67 for you at age 59). If he had started receiving reduced benefits early, your survivor benefit would be based on that reduced amount with some adjustments. That's why some financial advisors suggest the higher-earning spouse delay claiming as long as possible - it essentially creates a higher survivor benefit for the remaining spouse.

my husband died in 2022 and i get his full benefit now insted of mine. you have to provide death certificate and marriage stuff when you apply. but be careful they never told me I couldnt get both!!! you only get the higher one not both added together

Anyone know how long it takes for survivor benefits to start after applying? My neighbor's been waiting almost 3 months and still nothing.

The previous responses are correct - you'd receive your husband's full benefit amount as a survivor benefit (assuming you're at full retirement age when you claim), and he doesn't need to have started collecting for you to receive it. One thing to consider: If you're still working when he passes, you might want to take your own reduced benefit early (as early as 60 for survivor benefits), and then switch to your own retirement benefit later if it would be higher. Or you could take your own retirement benefit at 62 and later switch to the survivor benefit at your full retirement age to get the maximum amount. Planning for these scenarios is complicated because there are so many variables based on your ages, when you claim, and whether you're still working. I'd recommend talking to someone at SSA directly to map out your specific options.

I spent WEEKS trying to get through to Social Security about my husband's survivor benefits last year. Constant busy signals and disconnects. Finally tried using Claimyr.com to get through - it actually worked and got me connected to a live agent within about 15 minutes. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. Saved me so much frustration when I was already dealing with grief. Just wanted to share since planning for these scenarios is important but you'll eventually need to talk to SSA directly.

Does anyone know if they count your husband's delayed retirement credits if he dies after 67 but was waiting to claim at 70? My dad is planning to wait but my mom is worried.

Be aware that you WILL be subjet to the earnings test if you claim survivor benefits before your full retirement age AND are still working!!! Social Security will withhold $1 for every $2 you earn above the annual exempt amount ($19,560 in 2023, probably higher in 2025). I learned this the hard way!!

whats full retirement age anyway? isnt it different for everybody?

One other important thing to know: If you're eligible for survivor benefits before your own retirement (say your husband passed when you were 60), you could claim REDUCED survivor benefits at 60, let your own retirement benefit continue growing, and then switch to your own benefit at 70 if it would be higher than the survivor benefit. Or the reverse: You could take your own reduced retirement benefit at 62 and then switch to the full survivor benefit at your full retirement age. This is one of the few scenarios where you can still switch between benefit types after the rules changed in 2015. The key is comparing the two amounts and understanding how claiming early reduces benefits permanently. These calculations get complicated, which is why discussing your specific situation with SSA is so important.