I'm in a similar situation with my spouse on SSDI, so I've been researching this extensively. One thing I wanted to add that might be helpful - even though you can't use the old "file and suspend" or "restricted application" strategies anymore due to deemed filing, you can still optimize by timing when you file based on your respective benefit amounts. Since your husband's SSDI benefit will remain the same when it converts to retirement at his FRA, you know exactly what his benefit amount is. If your own retirement benefit at FRA would be significantly higher than 50% of his benefit, it might make sense to delay filing until your FRA to avoid the early filing reduction. But if the spousal benefit would be higher even with the early filing reduction, then filing at 62 could make sense. Also, don't forget that if you do decide to file early, you'll be locked into that reduced benefit amount for life (unless you withdraw your application within 12 months and pay back all benefits received). The reduction is permanent, so it's worth running the numbers carefully before deciding.

I'm also navigating Social Security planning as I approach 62, and this conversation has been incredibly informative! One thing I wanted to mention that might help with your decision-making process is that SSA has a retirement estimator tool on their website (in addition to the my Social Security account that Alexander mentioned) that can help you see how different claiming strategies might work out financially over time. Also, since you mentioned having trouble getting through to SSA by phone, you might want to try scheduling an in-person appointment at your local Social Security office. In my experience, they're often better able to walk through complex scenarios like yours when you can sit down together and review your actual records. You can schedule online or try calling early in the morning or later in the day when phone wait times tend to be shorter. The key thing I'm taking away from everyone's responses is that there's no "one size fits all" answer - it really depends on your specific benefit amounts, health, financial needs, and life expectancy expectations. But at least now you know the basic rules about SSDI conversion and deemed filing, which gives you a good foundation for making an informed decision!

I went through something similar with my late husband's benefits. One thing I learned that might help you - when you have your SSA phone appointment, ask them to send you a written summary of what you discussed via mail or secure message in your mySSA account. This creates a paper trail if there are any disputes later. Also, since your husband's PIA is significantly higher than yours ($3,600 vs $2,100), you'll likely be eligible for a decent spousal excess benefit now. But more importantly, if he passes away, your survivor benefit at FRA would be based on his full $3,600 amount - that's a substantial increase from your current reduced benefit. The peace of mind knowing you can delay survivor benefits until 67 is worth protecting. Don't let anyone pressure you into making immediate decisions if that unfortunate situation arises.

I'm in a somewhat similar situation and have been researching this extensively. What I've learned from speaking with multiple SSA representatives and reading the actual regulations is that you have complete flexibility with survivor benefits regardless of your current benefit status. The key point that hasn't been mentioned yet is that when your husband passes (hopefully many years from now), you'll actually want to do a careful calculation. At that time, you'll need to compare: 1. Your current reduced retirement benefit plus any spousal excess 2. The survivor benefit amount (reduced if taken before FRA, full if taken at FRA) Sometimes it's actually better to keep your own benefit even past FRA if the survivor benefit isn't significantly higher. Since your husband's PIA is $3,600 and yours is $2,100, the survivor benefit will likely be much better, but it's still worth running the numbers. Also, one practical tip - if you do end up in this situation, you can actually file a "protective filing" for survivor benefits to preserve your right to back benefits while you decide on timing. This gives you some breathing room to make the best financial decision without losing potential money.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Dominique. This thread has been incredibly comprehensive and I wanted to add one final perspective that might be helpful as you prepare for your SSA visit. As someone who has helped family members navigate these decisions, I'd suggest creating a simple one-page summary of your key questions before you go to the office. Based on this discussion, your main points would be: 1) Confirm COLA increases will apply to survivor benefits during any delay period, 2) Get official benefit estimates for claiming survivor benefits now vs. waiting until 70, 3) Confirm the 6-month retroactivity limit, and 4) Request the break-even analysis showing lifetime benefit comparisons. Having these written down will help ensure you don't forget anything important in what can be an emotionally overwhelming appointment. It also shows the SSA representative that you've done your homework and helps them provide more focused assistance. The consensus from everyone here - including the actual SSA employee who confirmed the advice - is crystal clear: claim your survivor benefits now while letting your retirement benefit grow until 70. You'll maximize your lifetime benefits while not missing out on years of payments you're entitled to receive. You've approached this decision with such careful thought and research. Your preparation and the support from this community should give you complete confidence as you move forward. Wishing you all the best with your appointment!

I'm so sorry for your loss, Dominique. This has been such an incredibly thorough and helpful discussion to read through as someone who will likely face similar decisions in the future. What strikes me most is how this thread demonstrates the importance of asking questions and seeking multiple perspectives on complex Social Security issues. You came in with one specific question about COLA increases and discovered an entire claiming strategy that could save you tens of thousands of dollars over your lifetime. The key takeaways that emerge from all the expert advice here are crystal clear: 1) COLA increases DO apply to survivor benefits even during delay periods, 2) the 6-month retroactivity limit makes waiting costly, 3) survivor and retirement benefits are separate entitlements that can be claimed at different times, and 4) your specific situation strongly favors claiming survivor benefits now while maximizing your retirement benefit at 70. Having an actual SSA field office employee confirm all this advice should give you complete peace of mind. Combined with all the practical tips about documentation, office visits, and what questions to ask, you're incredibly well-prepared for your appointment. Your thoughtful approach to this decision during such a difficult time is really admirable. This thread will undoubtedly help many other people facing similar situations. Thank you for asking the question that led to such a comprehensive discussion of survivor benefit strategies!

I went through something very similar about 18 months ago! I had been collecting my reduced retirement benefit since age 62, and when my husband finally filed for his benefits at his FRA, I had no idea I could get additional spousal benefits. Like you, I couldn't get through on the phone - it was incredibly frustrating. What finally worked for me was going to my local SSA office first thing in the morning without an appointment. I got there about 30 minutes before they opened and was one of the first people seen. The whole process took about 45 minutes once I sat down with a representative. They were able to calculate my excess spousal benefit on the spot and process the application immediately. In my case, I started receiving the additional amount the following month, plus they gave me 4 months of retroactive payments (I wish I had known sooner!). The extra monthly amount has been a real help with rising costs. One thing the representative emphasized was that I needed to specifically ask for the spousal benefit application - they don't automatically check if you're eligible for higher benefits. Definitely don't wait any longer since you're already missing out on money you're entitled to!

I'm in a very similar situation and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm 70 and have been collecting my own reduced benefits since age 63 (I received about $1,180 monthly). My husband just turned 66 last month and started receiving his full retirement benefit of around $2,400. Based on what everyone is explaining here, it sounds like I should be eligible for spousal benefits that would bring me up to about $1,200 monthly ($600 more than my current amount). Reading through all these responses, I'm definitely going to try the early morning visit to the local office approach that @Gael Robinson suggested. The phone system has been impossible for me too. I'm also going to make sure to use the specific terminology about "excess spousal benefits" that several people mentioned. One question for those who have been through this process - do I need to bring any specific documents with me to the SSA office, or will they have everything they need in their system already? I want to make sure I don't waste the trip if I'm missing something important. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences - this community has been more helpful than anything I could find on the official SSA website!

I'm so sorry for your loss, Chloe. I went through this exact situation when my mom passed away last year, and I can tell you that the SSA rep who told you about "representative payee" was completely wrong and clearly not properly trained. What you need is Form SSA-1696 (Appointment of Representative), NOT representative payee. Representative payee is for people who can't manage their own finances - your mom sounds perfectly capable. The SSA-1696 just lets you speak to SSA on her behalf and help with paperwork. About that payment in her account - that's your dad's final Social Security payment since they pay a month behind. Do NOT let her spend it! SSA will automatically take it back through the bank within 30-60 days. Here's what worked for me: Stop waiting for that appointment letter (mine never came after 3 weeks) and call back demanding a specific appointment date. When you call, use these EXACT words: "I need to schedule an appointment for WIDOW'S INSURANCE BENEFITS and complete Form SSA-1696 for APPOINTED REPRESENTATIVE status." Make sure to ask about retroactive survivor benefits back to February - they won't mention this automatically but she's entitled to it. Bring everything to the appointment: death certificate, marriage certificate, both SS cards, both IDs, and recent tax returns. The whole process is awful when you're grieving, but once you get past the initial confusion and get the right appointment, it moves much faster. You've got this!

I'm so sorry for your loss, Chloe. I went through this exact same situation when my father passed away six months ago, and I can tell you that you're absolutely right to be confused - that SSA representative gave you completely incorrect information. You do NOT need to become a representative payee! That designation is only for people who cannot manage their own finances due to mental incapacity or severe cognitive issues. Since your mom is perfectly capable of handling her money, what you actually need is Form SSA-1696 (Appointment of Representative), which simply allows you to communicate with SSA on her behalf without taking control of her finances. Regarding that payment that showed up - that's definitely your father's final Social Security payment since SSA pays one month behind. Whatever you do, don't let your mom touch that money! SSA will automatically reclaim it through their bank recovery process within 30-60 days. Here's what I learned the hard way: Stop waiting for that appointment letter and call SSA back immediately. When I waited three weeks for mine, it never came. Use these exact words: "I need to schedule an appointment for SURVIVOR BENEFITS application and I want to complete Form SSA-1696 to become my mother's APPOINTED REPRESENTATIVE." If the first rep doesn't understand, ask for a supervisor right away. Also, make sure to specifically ask about retroactive survivor benefits dating back to February (the month after your dad passed). They won't automatically offer this, but she's absolutely entitled to it. The system is frustrating when you're grieving, but once you get the right person who knows what they're doing, the process moves much smoother. You've got this!