I am 67 years old and was thinking about taking SS when I turn 68. I looked at the SS website and found out that I am eligible for survivor benefits because my husband died in 1982 so I can get benefits now without affecting my benefits at 70. I went to the SS office and they said that I can get 6 months of retroactive payments on survivor benefits but no more. Are there any exceptions to this rule? SS was aware of the death because my late husband had children who received benefits. They started to send me checks but I had to return the money because I wasn't eligible. I didn't know I was entitled to survivor benefits until now so it looks like I have been missing out for years. Thank you for your response. Maureen

Hi Maureen,

Unfortunately, cases like yours are cautionary tales for others to be sure to investigate and understand your options with regard to Social Security benefits. Although exceptions are extremely common when it comes to Social Security regulations, nothing that you've stated in your question would lead me to believe that you would qualify for one.

The only thing I can think of that would potentially allow you to claim more than 6 months of retroactive benefits would be if you had previously inquired about filing for benefits and received incorrect or incomplete information from Social Security (https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200204008). When misinformation causes a person not to file for benefits for which they are eligible, Social Security has the ability to rectify the error by establishing a deemed filing date for the misinformed individual. It nothing like that was involved in your case, then I'm afraid you'll be stuck with no more than 6 months of back pay.

Best, Jerry