I wanted to add another perspective as someone who works with families navigating both Social Security and Medicaid systems. One thing that hasn't been mentioned is that you should also verify with your Kentucky Medicaid waiver program administrator about any reporting requirements when you start receiving Social Security benefits. Some states require notification of any household income changes, even if those changes don't affect the waiver payments themselves. It's usually just a formality, but better to be proactive than have any issues later. Also, since you mentioned being nervous about the paperwork - many Area Agencies on Aging have benefits counselors who can help walk you through the Social Security application process for free. They're often very familiar with how disability benefits and caregiving situations interact. Worth checking if Kentucky has similar resources available!

As a newcomer to this community, I wanted to share a resource that might help with finding a Certified Social Security Advisor. The National Social Security Association (NSSA) has an online directory where you can search for CSSAs by location. You can find it at nssa.com - just look for their "Find an Advisor" tool. I used this when I was dealing with my own complex Social Security situation involving spousal benefits and it was really helpful. Many CSSAs also offer virtual consultations, so even if there aren't many in Kentucky specifically, you might be able to work with someone remotely. Also, I wanted to add that some non-profit organizations like AARP and local Senior Centers sometimes have volunteers or staff who are trained in Social Security basics and can help you organize your questions before you meet with SSA or a paid advisor. While they can't give the same level of specialized advice as a CSSA, they can often help you understand the terminology and prepare better for those more detailed consultations. Your situation really highlights how valuable this community is for sharing experiences and resources!

I'm so sorry for your loss and understand how overwhelming this can be. As someone who's been navigating the system for a while, I wanted to add a few practical tips based on what others have shared: 1. Document EVERYTHING - keep copies of all forms, letters, and notes from phone calls with dates and representative names 2. Consider getting your benefit estimates in writing before making any decisions - the my Social Security online account can show projected amounts 3. If you do use a service like Claimyr to get through to SSA, have all your questions written down beforehand since you'll want to maximize that conversation One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is that you might want to consult with a fee-only financial planner who specializes in Social Security strategies. Given your income level and the complexity of survivor vs. retirement benefit timing, the few hundred dollars for professional analysis could potentially save you thousands over your lifetime. The strategy of taking survivor benefits at FRA and switching to your own at 70 sounds promising based on your numbers, but make sure to verify those projections and understand exactly when the switch would happen and how it affects your total lifetime benefits. Hang in there - this system is unnecessarily complex but you're asking all the right questions!

I'm so sorry for your loss. Going through this while grieving is incredibly difficult, and you're being very wise to research everything thoroughly before making decisions. I wanted to add something that hasn't been mentioned yet - when you do finally get through to SSA (whether through traditional phone lines or services like Claimyr that others mentioned), ask specifically about "protective filing." This allows you to establish an intent to file date while you're still gathering information and making your final decision. It can protect you from losing any potential back benefits if you decide to claim retroactively later. Also, since you mentioned making $68k annually and are concerned about the earnings test, consider whether your income varies significantly by month or if you have any control over the timing of bonuses, commissions, or other variable income. In the year you reach FRA, strategic timing of when you receive certain income could help you stay under the $59,520 limit for the months before your FRA. One more practical tip: if you have access to your late husband's Social Security statement or know his earnings history, you might be able to get a rough estimate of your survivor benefit amount using online calculators before speaking with SSA. This can help you verify whether the amounts they quote you are in the right ballpark. The strategy others outlined (survivor benefits at FRA, then switching to your own at 70) does sound promising based on your situation, but definitely get those exact numbers confirmed in writing before proceeding.

My mother just went through this process! One thing that helped was printing out her husband's benefit verification letter from his my Social Security account. It didn't specifically show the current PIA, but when she took it to her appointment, the SSA rep was able to look up the current PIA with all COLAs applied. That might be easier than trying to calculate it yourself.

I went through this exact same situation last year when I was trying to figure out my spousal benefits! The confusion is totally understandable because the SSA website and phone reps don't always explain it clearly. Yes, your spousal benefit will be calculated using your husband's current PIA, which includes ALL the COLA adjustments that have been applied since he reached his FRA in 2021. So you would include the 2022 (5.9%), 2023 (8.7%), and 2024 (3.2%) COLAs that have already been applied. The 2025 COLA (2.5%) won't be reflected in current calculations, but it will automatically be added to your benefit starting in January 2025 once you're receiving payments. One tip that really helped me: I created a my Social Security account for my husband and we were able to see his current benefit amount there. While it doesn't show the PIA directly, it gave us a good starting point. You can also request a benefit verification letter through the online account. The $175 difference you mentioned sounds about right when you factor in all those COLAs compounding over the years - it really does add up! Don't let anyone tell you to use the 2021 PIA without adjustments.

After reading through all the comments, here's a summary for you: 1. Yes, you qualify for ex-spouse survivor benefits at 60 (must stay unmarried) 2. Taking benefits at 60 = about 71.5% of what you'd get at full retirement age 3. Watch out for the earnings test if you're working 4. Bring death certificate, marriage certificate, and divorce decree when you apply 5. You can switch to your own benefit later if it would be higher 6. You cannot apply for survivor benefits online - must call or visit in person Hope this helps!

I'm so glad you found this community! Your situation is actually pretty common and yes, you should definitely be eligible for survivor benefits from your ex-husband. Since you were married for 18 years (way more than the 10-year requirement), you meet the duration test. A few things to keep in mind as you move forward: - You'll need to remain unmarried to keep receiving these benefits - The SSA will calculate his benefit based on what he would have received at full retirement age, not what he actually received (since he hadn't claimed yet) - If you claim at 60, you'll get a reduced amount, but you can always switch to your own retirement benefit later if yours ends up being higher The paperwork everyone mentioned is crucial - definitely have all your documents ready before you call. And don't get discouraged if the first person you talk to seems confused about ex-spouse survivor benefits - sometimes you need to ask for a supervisor who specializes in survivor benefits. Good luck with your application! This benefit can really make a difference for people in your situation.

make sure u tell ss when u start the new job. they dont automatically know ur working and if they find out later ull have a big overpayment to deal with!!

Just wanted to add - when you report your estimated earnings to SSA, try to be as accurate as possible. I made the mistake of underestimating my income when I went back to work at 64, and then had to deal with a mess at tax time. SSA will withhold based on your estimate, but if you earn significantly more than projected, you could end up with an overpayment that needs to be resolved. Also, keep good records of when you start the job and your actual earnings - it'll make things much smoother when they do the annual reconciliation. The earnings test can be confusing but it's really not that bad once you understand how it works!