Hi Larry, I'm 65 years young, this coming September 2020, will be 66 years young. I been on disability for quite awhile 44 years , when I start my (SSDI) and (SSI) Both equals to $690.. My ex.husband just recently passed away May 2020.
I received a letter from Social Security Administration, about my ex.husband survivor benefits, total $840..Prior to his death he was collecting (SSDI) total of $ 1,440 per month. I also received Certificate of Election for Reduced Widow(ER)'S and Surviving Divorced Spouse's Benefits. Should I sign it or not? Or maybe wait until I have reached full retirement age , which is in few months.? To get his full of $1,440 . Not sure , what they trying to do SC office,if they mean....pay me my (SSDI) and portion of his $840? And , when I turn 66, I maybe will not get my $690 only ex's $840? Just never know, what they are trying to do? It is confusing to me. Please help....Mr. Larry,
please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Thank you!

Hi,

If you receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income) benefits and you don't accept the survivor benefits effective with the earliest possible month, then your SSI benefits will stop. SSI is a needs based program, and in order to remain eligible you're required to file for any Social Security benefits for which you can qualify. Your SSI benefits will stop anyway, though, assuming that your total Social Security benefits amount to at least $803. That would put you over the income limit for SSI eligibility.

Even if you weren't getting SSI, however, it sounds like it would be advantageous in your case to claim the survivor benefits as soon as possible. You can do so using the form that Social Security sent you to sign. Although your survivor rate may be slightly reduced for starting the benefits prior to your full retirement age (FRA) of 66, since you're already drawing Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits any reduction for age applied to your survivor rate will only be temporary and will be removed effective with the month you reach FRA.

I don't have sufficient information to be able to tell you exactly how much you'll end up being paid, but you'll continue to receive your SSDI benefits and you'll also qualify for a partial survivor benefit equal to roughly the difference between your SSDI rate and your ex-husband's full rate. So, between the 2 benefits it should add up to roughly the full amount that your ex-husband was getting.

Best, Jerry