Survivor benefits confusion - did I miss checking a box for my spouse on my Social Security application?

Don't worry! You didn't miss anything crucial. Survivor benefits aren't something you sign up for when you apply for your own retirement benefits. Your spouse will be eligible for survivor benefits when you pass away regardless of what you checked on your application. She'll need to apply for those benefits after your passing, but your current application doesn't affect her future eligibility. What you might be remembering is something about spouse benefits (while you're both alive), which is different from survivor benefits (after one spouse dies).

My husband died last year and I had to go to the SSA office to apply for survivor benefits. They don't automatically switch you over!! You have to apply and bring death certificate. Also they don't pay for the month the person died, learned that the hard way

There are two separate issues here: 1. Spousal benefits (while you're both alive): If your spouse wants to claim benefits on your record while you're both living, that's a spousal benefit. She would need to apply for this separately. 2. Survivor benefits (after you pass away): This is completely separate from your retirement application. Your widow would apply for these after your passing and would receive either her own benefit or up to 100% of your benefit amount, whichever is higher. The box you might be thinking of could have been about computing your own benefit amount considering the effect on family benefits, but this doesn't "register" or "sign up" your spouse for anything. Your current benefit choices (like when you claimed) DO affect the survivor benefit amount, though - the earlier you claimed, the lower her survivor benefit would be.

I think what you're remembering is probably from the benefit calculator on the SSA website, not the actual application. They have a thing where you can estimate your spouse's benefit based on your record. But that's just a calculator, not an election. Nothing to worry about!

To add to what others have said, your wife should make sure she has easy access to these documents when the time comes to apply for survivor benefits: - Your death certificate (several certified copies) - Your Social Security number - Your marriage certificate - Birth certificates for both of you - Your most recent tax return And just so you know - she would need to contact Social Security within 30 days of your passing. They don't automatically start survivor benefits.

Call the SSA to confirm if you're really concerned, but trying to reach them by phone is a NIGHTMARE. I spent 6 hours on hold last month and got disconnected twice. I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that holds your place in line and calls you when an agent is available. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. Saved me hours of frustration. But honestly, based on what others are saying, I don't think you need to worry about this right now.

my aunt thought the same thing and was worried for years!!! turns out it was fine. SSA isn't great at explaining things clear

One important thing to know: if your wife is planning to claim her own retirement benefits before her Full Retirement Age, she should consider how that might affect her future survivor benefits. Sometimes it's better financially to take your own reduced retirement benefit early and then switch to the survivor benefit at your Full Retirement Age. Other times it makes more sense to wait. It depends on your specific benefit amounts. This is one area where getting some professional advice might be worthwhile. The rules around survivor benefits and optimal claiming strategies can be quite complex, especially when both spouses have their own earnings records.

doesnt matter what u checked or didnt check. my mom got my dads SS after he died but she had to go apply for it they dont do anything automatic. SS never makes anything easy lol