Hi Larry If you file a survivor claim with social security the system only lets them activate it within 30 days. Not 3 months Is that true. Once a survivor claim is filed can it be cancelled Do you ever have to pay back the money.

Hi. No. You can apply for survivor benefits up to 4 months prior to the month you want to start drawing your benefits. Social Security's processing times vary depending on the circumstances involved, but that doesn't limit the time period that you're allowed to apply for benefits.

You can't "cancel" a claim for survivor benefits once it's filed, but you can withdraw the claim. But, if you've collected any benefits prior to submitting a request to withdraw your claim, you'd be required to repay in full any benefits you've collected before your claim could be withdrawn.

It sounds like you should strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully analyze all of your options so that you can determine your best strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry