Surviving spouse benefits vs. my own early retirement benefits - will SS automatically switch me to higher amount?

First, I'm very sorry for your loss. Yes, what the rep told you is partially correct, but there are important details to understand. As a surviving spouse, you're entitled to 100% of your deceased husband's benefit amount if you claim at your full retirement age. However, if you take survivor benefits early (before your FRA), they're reduced. The SSA won't automatically switch you - you need to apply for survivor benefits specifically. Since you already have that April appointment, they can help you make the switch then. But here's what's crucial: you have options that could maximize your benefits long-term. You could take the reduced survivor benefit now and switch to your own at 70 (if it would be higher by then), or take your reduced retirement now and switch to full survivor benefits at your FRA.

srry bout ur husband passing. my mom went thru this last yr. she got dad's amount instead of hers cause it was bigger. they did NOT do it automatic tho, she had to fill out paperwork and bring his death certificate.

The SSA rep was NOT giving you complete information! I went through this last year and it was a nightmare. They do NOT automatically switch you to the higher benefit - you have to apply specifically for survivor benefits, and it's a completely separate application process. If you're already approved for your own retirement benefits, you'll get those until your survivor claim is processed. And heads up - survivor claims are taking MONTHS to process right now! I waited almost 4 months for mine to be approved, and then they had to calculate retroactive payments. The whole system is BROKEN! Make sure you bring his death certificate, your marriage certificate, and his Social Security number to that appointment. And be prepared to follow up constantly.

I'm very sorry for your loss. I want to clarify some important points about survivor benefits: 1. You need to specifically apply for survivor benefits - it's not automatic. 2. You have a choice: take reduced survivor benefits now OR take your reduced retirement now and switch to unreduced survivor benefits at your FRA. 3. If you take your own retirement benefit now, and later apply for survivor benefits at your FRA, you can receive 100% of your husband's benefit amount. 4. The SSA appointment system is very backed up right now, but this is a time-sensitive matter. Have you tried going to your local office in person? Sometimes they can accommodate widow(er)s with urgent needs.

I'm sorry you're going through this. When my wife passed i had to call SSA like 32 times before i got through to someone. Their phone system is ridiculous! i finally used a service called claimyr.com that got me through to an agent in about 15 minutes. they have a demo at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU showing how it works. saved me hours of redailing. you shouldn't have to wait until april for an appointment when you're dealing with survivor benefits!

My condolences on your loss. I just want to add something important that I learned the hard way: the retroactive payment for survivor benefits only goes back 6 months from when you apply! So even though your husband just passed, it's critical you apply ASAP. I waited 8 months after my husband died because I was overwhelmed with grief and paperwork, and I permanently lost 2 months of benefits I could have received.

I think everyone is making this too complicated!!! The lady on the phone works for SSA so she would know!! If she said they switch it automatically then thats what they do now. Maybe the rules changed or something. Just wait for your appointment and everything will be fine!!

this happened to my aunt last year! the ssa people told her different things every time she called! one said she would get her husbands full amount, another said it would be reduced cause she was only 62. so frustrating! she ended up getting most of his benefit but not all of it. the whole process took like 3 months.

Thank you everyone for your helpful advice. I called the local office this morning and explained my situation. They were able to move my appointment up to next week after I mentioned I was recently widowed. I'm going to bring all the documents suggested and have made a list of questions based on your comments. I'm also going to try that phone service if I need to call again before my appointment. This is all so overwhelming on top of the grief, but I feel more prepared now. I'll update after my appointment in case it helps someone else in the future.