Just to clarify for everyone in this thread - the spousal benefit maximum is 50% of the higher-earning spouse's PIA (their benefit amount at full retirement age). If the higher earner delayed claiming past FRA and gets delayed retirement credits, the spouse does NOT get 50% of that higher amount. This is a very common misunderstanding I see with clients. If your husband's FRA benefit was $2,800 but he gets $3,400 because he delayed claiming, your spousal benefit calculation would be based on the $2,800 figure, not the $3,400. Also, if you call SSA about this, make sure to speak with someone who specifically understands spousal benefits. Not all representatives are equally knowledgeable about these complex calculations.

I'm in a very similar situation and just went through this process! I took my SS at 62 and got $1,420/month. My husband filed at his FRA last year with a benefit of $2,900. When he filed, SSA automatically reviewed my case and I started getting an additional $78/month as a spousal benefit. What really helped me understand it was getting my actual benefit statements from SSA showing my PIA before reduction. Turns out my PIA was $1,850, and 50% of my husband's PIA was $1,450. So I qualified for the $200 difference ($1,450 - $1,250 which was my PIA minus early reduction penalty), but that $200 was also reduced for my early filing, bringing it down to about $78. I didn't have to do anything - the extra amount just started showing up in my direct deposit about 6 weeks after my husband's first payment. They sent me a letter explaining the calculation about 2 weeks before the first adjusted payment. Definitely worth waiting to see what happens when your husband files before getting too worried about it!

my friend says if u were married less than 10 years u get less. but i think thats for divorce not death???

I called SSA again this morning and spoke with a different representative. They confirmed what most of you said - I'm eligible for 100% of my husband's benefit at my FRA regardless of what his ex-wife may receive. They explained the first representative confused spousal and survivor benefits rules. They also confirmed our 15-month marriage satisfies the 9-month requirement. I'll be able to choose between my own retirement benefit or the survivor benefit, whichever is higher. I'm so relieved and grateful for everyone's help here! It's frustrating to get incorrect information that caused me unnecessary worry.

Thank you!!! Her employer has like 200 employees so it sounds like I might be ok to delay Part B? I'll definitely call the local office tomorrow to make sure!

This is such valuable information! I wish I had known about local office direct numbers years ago. I've been dealing with Social Security issues for my elderly parents and have spent countless hours on hold with the 800 number. It's incredibly frustrating when you're trying to help someone who depends on these benefits and you can't get through to anyone who can actually help. I'm definitely going to try visiting our local office to get their direct number - even if it means driving there just to ask the security guard. The fact that these numbers aren't publicly available seems deliberately obstructive. Thank you for sharing this tip, it could save so many people from the endless hold times and runaround!

Update: I called SSA again today and finally got through after a 2.5 hour wait! The agent confirmed I do qualify for survivor benefits since we were married exactly 9 months. She said I can receive 100% of his benefit amount since I'm at full retirement age for survivors. I have an appointment next week to complete the application. Thank you everyone for your help and advice!

Maya, I'm so glad you were able to get through and get confirmation about your eligibility! That 2.5 hour wait sounds absolutely brutal, but it's great that the agent confirmed you qualify for the full survivor benefit. Just wanted to add that when you go to your appointment, it might be helpful to ask about when your first payment will arrive - sometimes there can be a processing delay of several weeks. Also, since you mentioned you were planning to file for your own retirement benefits anyway, you might want to ask them to run the numbers on both scenarios to make sure the survivor benefit is indeed the better option for your specific situation. Best of luck with your appointment next week!

Thank you all SO much for these insights. I'm learning toward waiting until my FRA now to avoid the headache of documentation and possible disputes with SSA. But if I do decide to claim early, I'll definitely: 1. Get professional advice about structuring my practice 2. Set up meticulous documentation of all work hours 3. Create clear boundaries showing reduced work schedule 4. Use that Claimyr service to actually speak with someone at SSA before making my decision Never realized what a complicated mess this would be as a self-employed person. The SSA publications make it seem much simpler than it actually is in practice!

As someone who's been through the self-employment SS claiming process, I'd strongly recommend creating a detailed work log NOW, even if you don't claim for another year or two. I wish I had started documenting earlier - SSA wanted records going back months when I applied. For your therapy practice specifically, track: actual client session hours, documentation/notes time, insurance billing hours, and any administrative work. Also note when you're genuinely "off" - weekends, evenings, vacation days. This creates a clear picture of reduced work activity that SSA looks for. One thing that helped me was establishing set office hours (like 9-3, M-Th only) and sticking to them religiously. It shows intentional retirement from full-time work, not just temporary reduced income. Your gradual client reduction plan over 4-5 years could work well if properly documented as a retirement transition rather than just business fluctuation. The burnout factor is real - sometimes the peace of mind from claiming early (even with reduced benefits) outweighs the financial optimization of waiting. Just make sure you understand exactly what you're getting into with the earnings test compliance.