I'm confused about something - does it matter that he's already collecting his SS? I thought once someone starts taking benefits early it reduces what survivors get too??

make sure u keep track of when he dies. my mom had trouble proving her ex died because his new family didn't tell her and she needed the death certificate.

hey did ur disabled son have any trouble with his benefits when u started collecting? my kid is worried cause i might start mine soon but they get ssi not ssdi if that makes a difference

Circling back to your original question about increasing your benefit: While you can't withdraw and reapply, remember that if you continue working, even part-time, Social Security will automatically recalculate your benefit annually to see if your new earnings increase your benefit amount. Also, once you reach age 70, you should check if you might qualify for a higher spousal benefit from your ex-husband's record, especially if he's filed for his benefits by then. The $8,000 annual earnings you mentioned likely won't make a huge difference, but it could cause some small increases over time if those earnings replace lower-earning years in your calculation.

Everyone's answers have been so helpful! Another quick question - do they count my gross income or net income toward this limit? If I do consulting work, can I subtract business expenses before comparing to the limit?

My wife started SS at 62 last year and I'm still working full time making about $110k. They DEFINITELY don't count my income against her limit - they only care about what SHE makes. She does some craft shows and makes sure to stay under the limit. Her financial advisor told her that even her pension and IRA distributions don't count as "earnings" - just actual work income.

i got cic benefits when my husband died. one thing - make sure your own work credits and earnings record are good because once your youngest turns 16, your cic benefits will stop completely. i wasnt prepared for that and it was a shock financially

For your appointment, bring as much documentation as possible: 1. Birth certificates for both children 2. Your marriage certificate 3. Your husband's death certificate 4. Your husband's Social Security number 5. Your Social Security card 6. Your ID 7. Recent pay stubs or proof of earnings 8. Direct deposit information When applying, be sure to emphasize that you are caring for children under 16 who are receiving benefits on your husband's record. The technical term is "mother's/father's benefits" (though many people call it CIC benefits). Also, keep in mind that your CIC benefits will continue until your youngest child turns 16, after which you won't be eligible again until you reach widow's benefit age (currently 60). So it's important to plan for that transition.

Just wanted to add - make sure your wife knows exactly what paperwork she'll need if something happens. My mom had to provide: death certificate (certified copy), marriage certificate, both their Social Security cards, birth certificate, and photo ID. The SSA website lists everything but having it all ready saved her a second trip. Also tell her she should apply in the month of death - they don't pay benefits retroactively beyond a certain point.

To answer your follow-up question about optimal strategy: Generally, yes - claiming the lower benefit first then switching to the higher one later can maximize lifetime benefits. For example, if your wife's own benefit at age 70 would be higher than your survivor benefit (unlikely with the numbers you provided, but possible for others), she could take reduced survivor benefits at 60, then switch to her own maximized benefit at 70. More commonly for couples with disparate earnings like yours, she might take her own reduced retirement benefit at 62, then switch to the full survivor benefit at her FRA. The optimal approach depends on: 1. Both benefit amounts 2. Her life expectancy 3. Whether she's still working (earnings test) 4. Any other income sources during potential gap years The SSA won't automatically tell her about these strategies, so it's good you're researching now.

my aunt had this happen got less $ than expected cuz they said something about WEP or GPO or something?? she worked for a school district that didnt pay into ss. does that apply to u?

my condolenses. i just want to add that when my mom was trying to get my dads benefits the funeral home actually helped her with some of the paperwork. they dealt with ss stuff all the time so maybe ask them if they have any advice?

If you're trying to reach SSA to ask about this, good luck. I tried calling them about a different issue for TWO WEEKS and couldn't get through. Every time I called it was either "all representatives are busy" or I'd wait on hold for hours and then get disconnected. The system is completely broken!

To clarify what others have said - this is indeed the COLA adjustment payment. There was a recalculation of the 2024 COLA due to updated inflation data. The Social Security Administration is issuing these one-time payments to millions of beneficiaries to account for the difference between what you've received so far in 2024 and what you should have received under the corrected calculation. The amount varies by individual based on your benefit amount and when you started receiving benefits. This is not an error or overpayment - it's money you're entitled to. You should receive an official notice in the mail explaining the adjustment within 7-10 business days after the deposit. There's no need to call SSA about this unless you don't receive an explanation letter within two weeks.

This distinction is super helpful - thank you! I can see how people would get confused between these two completely different things.

oh also make sure ur bank info is correct when u apply!!! my friend had an old account number and his first payment went to a closed account. was a huge mess to fix

what was your FRA? isnt it 67 now? im confused how your already at FRA at 66 and 2 months

Just wanted to update everyone. I called SSA this morning (took forever to get through!) and the representative confirmed I AM eligible for the spousal top-up right now - I didn't need to wait until my husband reaches any specific age. However, there was a correction to my original post - I miscalculated my FRA. Since I was born in 1959, my actual FRA is 66 and 10 months, which I haven't reached yet. The rep said I can still apply now, but the amount will be slightly reduced until I reach my true FRA in 8 months. I decided to go ahead and apply now anyway, since the reduction is small and I'd rather start receiving the higher benefit amount. Thank you all for your help!

The whole system is SO CONFUSING!!! Why can't they just make it simple to understand??? Every time I think I get it someone tells me something different. And don't even get me started on trying to talk to someone at the actual office! 🤬

To summarize for the original poster: 1) No family maximum concerns for you and your husband since you're claiming on separate work records, 2) Your decision should focus on the early claiming reduction vs. getting payments sooner, 3) Consider survivor benefit implications, and 4) Be aware of potential tax implications of having both benefits coming in. These are the key factors for your situation.