Don't let administrative problems deter you from making the best financial decision. Delaying benefits is still mathematically advantageous for most people who can afford to wait. The lifetime difference between claiming at 66 vs. 68 could be tens of thousands of dollars. Most people don't experience these issues, but obviously those with problems are more likely to post about them online. If you do delay, just keep meticulous records of all your interactions with SSA.

I'm so sorry you're going through this nightmare - 18 months is absolutely unacceptable for something that should be a straightforward calculation. Your situation highlights exactly why so many people are losing faith in the system. A few additional suggestions that might help: 1. Document EVERYTHING in a spreadsheet - dates, names, what was promised, reference numbers from calls. This creates a timeline that's hard for them to dismiss. 2. When you do get connected to someone with authority, ask them to put their promised resolution timeline IN WRITING via email or letter. No more verbal promises that disappear into the void. 3. Consider filing a complaint with your state's Department of Aging/Elder Affairs - they often have ombudsman programs that can advocate directly with federal agencies. 4. If you haven't already, request your complete file under the Freedom of Information Act. Sometimes seeing exactly what notes are (or aren't) in your file can reveal where the breakdown is occurring. The fact that you're out $6,660+ in back payments ($370 x 18 months) makes this a substantial financial hardship case. Keep pushing - you're entitled to those DRCs and they know it. The squeaky wheel gets the grease, unfortunately, but you shouldn't have to squeak this loud for this long. Stay strong and keep us updated on your progress!

One thing to be aware of regarding the COLA calculations: Social Security applies COLAs using compounding, not simple addition. So if your husband's original benefit was $2000, the 8.7% COLA in 2023 would make it $2,174. Then the 3.2% COLA in 2024 would be applied to $2,174 (not the original $2000), resulting in $2,243.57. The 2025 COLA of 2.5% would bring it to $2,299.66. This compounding effect makes a significant difference over time. When your GPO is removed, you should receive the full widow's benefit with this proper COLA compounding applied.

I'm so sorry for your loss and what you've been going through with the GPO. As a fellow widow affected by this unfair offset, I completely understand your frustration! I lost my husband in 2020 and have been dealing with the same reduced survivor benefits due to my state employee pension. The waiting and uncertainty has been incredibly stressful. I've been following the GPO repeal legislation closely, and from everything I've read and heard from others here, you should definitely receive the full survivor benefit with ALL those COLAs properly applied once the change is implemented. Those are some significant COLA increases you mentioned - that compounding effect will make a real difference in your monthly benefit! I know the wait is agonizing, but hang in there. We've suffered through this unfair penalty long enough, and relief is finally coming. Sending you strength and solidarity from someone who truly understands what you're going through.

One more thing to consider - even if they do accept faxed copies initially, they might still request the certified copies later in the process. I've seen this happen to several people. They think everything is proceeding fine with their application, then weeks later receive a notice requesting the original documents, essentially starting the clock over. If you're trying to maximize your benefits and avoid delays, I'd strongly recommend just following their official procedure from the start.

As someone who just went through this process successfully, I can share what worked for me. I called my local SSA office directly (not the 1-800 number) and spoke with a supervisor who clarified their specific office policy. They told me they would accept high-quality faxed copies as long as I followed up with a phone call to confirm receipt within 2 business days. I faxed my marriage certificate and divorce decree on a Monday, called Wednesday to confirm they received them clearly, and my spousal benefits were approved without any issues or requests for additional documentation. The key was getting the office's specific policy in writing via email and keeping detailed records of all communications. However, I completely understand why others recommend just going with the official procedure - it's definitely the safest route if you want to avoid any potential headaches.

You can report earnings changes by calling SSA, using your my Social Security account online, or visiting a local office. The online account is usually the easiest way - there's a section specifically for updating your earnings estimate. Just make sure you keep documentation of all your income in case there are questions later.

Just wanted to add one more important detail - make sure you understand how self-employment income is counted for the earnings limit. Since you mentioned you work as a consultant, SSA counts your net self-employment earnings (after business expenses) toward the limit, not your gross income. So if you invoice $60,000 but have $10,000 in legitimate business expenses, only $50,000 would count toward the $59,520 limit. Keep detailed records of all your business expenses throughout the year - things like equipment, software, travel, office supplies, etc. This could help you stay under the limit even if your gross consulting income is higher than expected.

Based on what you've shared, your own benefit at FRA ($1,850) is actually higher than what you'd get as an ex-spouse benefit (50% of $3,400 = $1,700). And remember that filing at 62 means you'd only get about 70% of either amount. This is a critical point many people miss: SSA doesn't give you both benefits added together. They give you the higher of the two. So in your case, you'd likely just get your own reduced retirement benefit if you file at 62. If you can afford to wait until your FRA or even age 70, your own benefit would grow substantially and almost certainly exceed anything you'd get on your ex's record.

I went through this exact situation about 3 years ago! The key thing to remember is that you CAN file for divorced spouse benefits even if your ex hasn't filed yet, as long as you've been divorced for at least 2 years and he's at least 62 (which you both meet). However, here's what I wish someone had told me: based on your numbers, your own benefit at FRA ($1,850) is actually HIGHER than what you'd get as a divorced spouse benefit (50% of his $3,400 = $1,700). So you'd end up getting your own benefit anyway, not his! My advice? Create that my Social Security account online ASAP to see your exact projections. I was surprised to find that waiting until my FRA made way more sense than filing early, even though I was tempted by the immediate income. The reduction for filing at 62 is pretty steep - you'd only get about 70% of your full benefit amount. Also, don't let the SSA phone struggles discourage you from getting proper information. The online account will give you most of what you need to make an informed decision.