@profile4 - Yes, but with strict limitations. You can withdraw your Social Security application (Form SSA-521) within 12 months of first receiving benefits. However, you must repay ALL benefits you've received so far, including Medicare premiums and any benefits family members received on your record. After 12 months, or if you can't repay benefits, withdrawal isn't an option.\n\nAlternatively, if you've reached FRA, you can suspend benefits, which doesn't require repayment but just stops current and future payments until you restart them (or reach 70 when they automatically restart). This allows your benefit to grow with delayed retirement credits.\n\nBut neither of these affects the RIB/LIM rule being discussed here, which specifically applies to people who took their own retirement first, then became eligible for survivor benefits later.

I don't think I can pay back everything! Ugh, I should have researched more before filing. I just assumed taking it at 62 was best because I needed the money then. Nobody told me about all these exceptions and special rules!

My friend's ex tried to claim on his record even tho she was remarried and SSA denied her. So your ex definitely can't claim while she's still married. But I think the more important question is are YOU getting the maximum benefit you're entitled to? Did you check if you qualify for any of those special filing strategies before they were eliminated?

Thank you all for the helpful information! It seems clear that my ex-wife has no claim to benefits on my record as long as she remains married. That's a relief to know. My current wife and I are satisfied with our benefit decisions, even though she's receiving a reduced amount by claiming early. One follow-up question - if my ex-wife's current marriage ends and she then claims on my record when she's eligible, would I be notified by SSA? Or would that happen without my knowledge?

my cousin had this problem and she just kept calling the 800 number until she got someone helpful. said it took like 8 tries but finally got a rep who knew what to do. good luck!!

Something to consider - have you calculated what your spousal benefit will be at FRA versus what your own benefit will grow to with delayed retirement credits if you wait until 70? If your own benefit plus delayed credits would be higher than your spousal benefit at FRA, this whole issue might be moot. For example, if your own benefit at FRA would be $1,500 and could grow to $1,860 at age 70, but your spousal benefit at FRA would only be $1,700, you'd be better off focusing on maximizing your own benefit rather than worrying about the spousal component. Do you know both those numbers? If not, I'd recommend calling SSA to get an estimate of both scenarios before proceeding with any withdrawal.

That's great news! Just be prepared that the actual benefit amount might be different once they do the final calculations. Also remember that these benefits will automatically stop when your daughter turns 16, and if your income increases above the annual limit ($22,320 for 2025), your benefits could be reduced. Make sure to report any significant income changes to avoid overpayments that you'd have to pay back later.

congrats!!! that extra $$ will def help with a 9yo (they get expensive lol). glad u got thru to someone who knew what they were talking about!

OMG the whole WEP thing is SUCH A SCAM!!! I worked for 20 years in the private sector paying into SS and then 15 years teaching in Texas. They've cut my SS benefit by almost HALF because of my teacher pension. It's TOTALLY UNFAIR! They're basically STEALING money I earned!!!!!

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! I'm going to try calling my local office first thing tomorrow morning, and if that doesn't work, I'll try the Claimyr service that a couple of you mentioned. I'll also have my pension increase letter ready to fax or mail if needed. I appreciate all the suggestions!

These survivor benefit rules are SO CONFUSING!!! 😫 I've called SSA like 5 times and gotten different answers each time about switching between deceased spouses. One person told me I could only get benefits from my most recent spouse (WRONG), another said I couldn't switch at all once I started taking benefits (ALSO WRONG). The whole system is a mess. I wish they would train their employees better or at least have a clear explanation on their website. Why is it so hard to get consistent information??!! Sorry for the rant, just been dealing with this for 7 months and I'm at my wit's end.

I just wanted to thank everyone for all the helpful information! I feel so much better knowing I CAN switch to my second husband's survivor benefit when I reach FRA, regardless of when each spouse passed away. I've been stressing about this for weeks! I'll pass the information along to my sister about her spousal benefit situation too. It sounds like she should probably wait until her FRA if she wants to maximize her options, or at least carefully compare both ex-spouses' benefit amounts before making any decisions. I'm still nervous about dealing with SSA when the time comes to make the switch, but at least now I know what to expect and that I'm entitled to make this change. I really appreciate all your experiences and expertise!

my neighbor said they always mess up payments. she got wrong amount for like 5 months before they fixed it. make sure u check everythng twice

This happened to me too! They underpaid me for 4 months before I noticed. The backpay was a hassle to get straightened out. Keep detailed records of EVERYTHING and check your bank account against the benefit verification letter they send you.

SSA system is completely broken anyway. Friend of mine tried to do what ur talking about, waited till 70, then the govt changed how they calculate COLA and he barely got more than if hed taken it at normal time. Just take the money now!!!!

Thank you all for the thoughtful responses! After considering everything, I think I'm going to wait until 70 to start my benefits since I'm still earning good income and don't need the SS money right now. The guaranteed 8% annual increase is appealing, and given my family history, I'm likely to live past the break-even point. I appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and knowledge!

watch out for march payments they sometimes get delayed because of tax season the system gets overloaded

I'm jealous you get the 3rd! It comes earlier than my payment on the 4th Wednesday. I have to budget really carefully at the end of each month. 😩

Just wanted to say THANK YOU for asking this question!! I'm a teacher in Texas with 31 years in and my husband gets SS. I had NO CLUE about these changes and have been assuming I'd get nothing from his record. Going to look into this more now!!!!

One final consideration: make sure you're looking at your true pension amount when doing these calculations. Some public pension systems offer annuity options with survivor benefits that reduce the monthly payment. The GPO calculation would be based on the pension amount before any such reductions. Also, don't forget that the spousal benefit maximum is 50% of your husband's PIA, not 50% of what he actually receives. If he delayed claiming past his FRA to increase his own benefit, your spousal benefit would still be based on his PIA at full retirement age, not his increased amount. I'd recommend scheduling an appointment with SSA in early 2025 once they've fully implemented the new calculation procedures. They should be able to provide you with personalized estimates based on your specific situation.