Widow seeking survivor benefits at FRA - can't get husband's benefit amount from SSA

I went through this same process last year. You need to specifically request a 'Survivor Benefit Estimate' when you go into the office. They won't automatically calculate this for you. Bring your husband's death certificate, your marriage certificate, and his Social Security number. Also bring your own earnings record printout from your online account. The reason it doesn't show on your account is that survivor benefits are calculated differently than retirement benefits. They're based on your husband's earnings record, possibly adjusted if he was receiving reduced benefits, and also affected by your age when you claim. The best approach is to schedule an appointment specifically for this purpose rather than walking in. Tell them you need detailed survivor benefit projections for your financial planning. Also ask them to show you the calculations so you understand where the number comes from.

The SSA's failure to provide this basic information is frustrating but unfortunately VERY common. I've been fighting this exact battle for months!!! What worked for ME was calling the main SSA number (1-800-772-1213) and specifically asking to speak with a Technical Expert who specializes in survivor benefits. Regular reps CAN'T access all the calculation systems needed for accurate estimates. You need a higher-level person. WARNING: Be prepared to be on hold for HOURS or get disconnected multiple times. The phone system is AWFUL! Once I finally reached a Technical Expert, they were able to calculate my survivor benefit in about 15 minutes. The number was completely different than what a regular rep had told me previously!!!

sry your goin thru this. my mom had same issue last yr when my dad passed. she ended up having to talk to 3 diff ppl at ssa before someone finally knew wat they were doing. survivor benefits are way more complicated then regular ss!

You definitely need to get specific numbers to plan properly. Your situation - claiming survivors at FRA while your own benefit grows to age 70 - can be a very smart strategy if your own benefit at 70 will be higher than your survivor benefit. Here's something important to know: If your husband had already started receiving his benefits when he passed, your survivor benefit will be based on what he was actually receiving (including any reductions if he claimed early). If he hadn't started benefits yet, your survivor benefit would be based on what he would have received at his FRA. Also, make sure you get clarity on exactly when the switch from survivor to retirement benefits should happen. It's not automatic - you have to apply for the switch. And there's sometimes a gap month with no payment when you transition between benefit types. I went through a similar situation and found that keeping detailed notes of every conversation with SSA was essential - different reps often give conflicting information.

I had this EXACT SAME ISSUE! It's absolutely ridiculous that they expect us to plan our financial futures without giving us the basic information we need!!! I ended up having to go to my Congressional Representative's office and have them intervene. Suddenly SSA was able to provide the information within 48 hours. AMAZING how that works!!! The system is BROKEN. They expect elderly widows to navigate this impossible maze with no guidance. My heart goes out to you because I know exactly how stressful this is.

Since you're planning to switch from survivor benefits to your own retirement benefit at 70, you should also request a retirement benefit estimate for age 70. Make sure this amount will actually be higher than your survivor benefit before committing to this strategy. Also, when you do apply for survivor benefits, make it very clear to the claims representative that you are NOT applying for your retirement benefits. There have been cases where widows intended to apply only for survivor benefits but were mistakenly signed up for both, which permanently reduced their retirement benefit. When you go in, use these exact words: "I want to file a restricted application for survivor benefits only." Write it down and show them if necessary. And get confirmation in writing about what you've applied for before you leave the office.

My aunt just went thru this whole process. She said the online calculators are useless for widows benefits. Ended up just having to wait til she applied to find out the real number.

I'm so sorry about your husband. When I lost my spouse, dealing with SSA was the last thing I wanted to do, but it had to be done. Here's what worked for me - I scheduled an appointment at my local office (didn't just walk in) and specifically asked for someone who specializes in survivor benefits. I brought a list of questions including exactly what my benefit amount would be. It took some persistence but I finally got the information. The survivor benefit amount should be approximately what your husband was receiving when he passed, if you claim at your full retirement age. If he hadn't started benefits yet, it would be what he would have received at his FRA. Hope that helps with your planning at least a little while you wait for the official number.

My sister had to call like 6 or 7 times before she got someone who actually knew how to calculate survivor benefits. Not all the reps are trained on all the different benefits I guess. So frustrating!