Widow on survivor benefits turns 70, then learns SSA won't switch her to a higher check

A woman collecting survivor benefits after her husband's death reached age 70 and began wondering whether Social Security would automatically switch her to a larger monthly check based on her own work history. A Reddit thread suggested she wouldn't get it unless she applies.

Here's what to know

According to a post on r/SocialSecurity, the woman had her own work history but had been receiving survivor benefits after her husband's death. Now that she had reached 70, the issue was whether her retirement benefit on her own record had become the higher amount, and whether the Social Security Administration would make that change without being asked. 

One user said, "Nothing is automatic. If she wants to see she needs to call SSA and ask and set up an appt."

Another user said, "She has to apply for retirement to receive her benefits." 

A separate reply pointed to a digital option instead: "Or do it online at ssa.gov."

One more user said, "She can view her expected payment at 70 on her own record on the SSA website. She doesn't need to call for that amount. If it's higher than her survivor benefits, then yes, she needs to call and make an appointment to make the switch."

More background

The OP pushed back on the idea that the amount could simply be checked online: "You can't see your own record once you start drawing a benefit from another person."

The OP added, "You can see your earnings record, but you can't see the benefits based off of that record."

Not everyone in the thread said that matched their experience. 

One user said, "I receive survivor's benefits and decided that I can wait until FRA before taking my own benefits — based upon the charts they sent me."

The summary attached to the thread also said one reply warned that waiting too long after turning 70 could mean lost benefits.

One user suggested: "Can someone help her file the retirement claim online? If not, she must call SSA to schedule an appointment so an SSA agent can help her."

Where can I learn more?

For more on the financial pressures older adults can face, these stories cover pension fights, coastal erosion, aggressive sales tactics, and sudden insurance losses.

• In Illinois, lawmakers pushed major changes to pension systems through a contentious energy bill fight.

• On the U.K. coast, a widow feared losing lifelong property as erosion closed in.

• In Washington state, a retiree was left reeling when home insurance coverage vanished before renewal.

• Across Idaho, retirees scrambled as home insurers fled wildfire zones and options dried up.

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