Just wanted to add one more perspective as someone who made this exact decision last year. I was earning about $2,500/month from part-time work and ultimately decided to wait until my FRA. Here's what helped me make that decision: I called SSA and asked them to calculate both scenarios - starting benefits immediately with the earnings test vs. waiting until FRA. The difference was more significant than I expected when you factor in the delayed retirement credits AND avoid all the earnings limit complications. The representative also pointed out something I hadn't considered: once you start benefits, you're locked into the Social Security system's administrative requirements. You have to report earnings changes, potentially deal with overpayments, file annual earnings reports, etc. When I reached FRA, all of that disappeared overnight - no more earnings limits, no more reporting requirements, and a higher monthly benefit. Since you mentioned you don't desperately need the income right now, I'd really encourage you to run the numbers with SSA on what your benefit would be at FRA vs. starting now. In my case, waiting 18 months resulted in about $200 more per month for life, plus eliminated all the administrative hassles. Sometimes the peace of mind and simplicity is worth more than getting payments sooner. Whatever you decide, you're asking all the right questions and clearly doing your homework. Good luck!

I've been working with Social Security disability cases for over 15 years, and I wanted to add some clarification on a few points that came up in this discussion. First, the earnings test calculations can indeed be complex, but there's an important distinction many people miss: Social Security uses gross earnings (before taxes and deductions) for the earnings test, not take-home pay. So if you're earning $2,600 monthly in gross wages, that's what counts toward the limit. Second, regarding the "monthly earnings test" in your first year - this is technically called the "monthly earnings test for the year of retirement." It only applies during the first calendar year you receive retirement benefits, and it can be incredibly beneficial if your earnings fluctuate month to month. One strategy I've seen work well: if you do decide to start benefits mid-year, consider timing it for a month when you might have lower earnings (maybe you're taking time off or have reduced hours). This maximizes your chances of receiving full benefits for at least that first month. The key point several people made about proactive communication with SSA is absolutely correct. The worst situations I've seen are when people don't report earnings changes promptly. SSA can and will recover overpayments, sometimes years later, and it's much more stressful to deal with retroactively. Given your steady $2,600 monthly income and FRA in 2026, waiting does seem like the cleaner option, but definitely get those official calculations from SSA to make an informed decision.

I'm going through something similar right now and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I submitted my application about 3 weeks ago and have been having second thoughts about not waiting until 70. Reading everyone's experiences, I think I'm going to follow Diego's lead and withdraw my application too. The math on those delayed retirement credits is just too compelling to ignore, especially since I'm in good health and still enjoying my work. Has anyone here actually made it all the way to 70 before filing? I'm curious about the real-world experience of waiting that long versus the theoretical benefits we keep reading about. Also, for those who successfully withdrew - did you feel any pressure from SSA staff to just stick with your original application, or were they pretty neutral about the whole process?

I'm in a very similar situation and this thread has been incredibly reassuring! I filed my application about 6 weeks ago and have been second-guessing myself ever since. My financial advisor actually recommended I consider withdrawing since I'm still working and healthy. The delayed retirement credits really do add up - I calculated that waiting until 70 would increase my monthly benefit by almost $600 compared to filing at my FRA. One thing I haven't seen mentioned here is that you might also want to consider how this affects your taxes. Delaying benefits while still working can sometimes put you in a better tax situation later, especially if your current earnings are pushing you into a higher bracket. I'm planning to submit my SSA-521 form next week after reading all these success stories. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - it's made this decision much clearer!

This is such a complex situation, and I really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and knowledge here. As someone who's dealt with similar Social Security questions for family members, I wanted to add that timing really is everything with these benefits. One thing I learned that might be helpful - when you do get that official written analysis from SSA that others have mentioned, make sure to ask them to run scenarios for different claiming ages. Since you're 58, you have several years to optimize your strategy. For example, if your own benefit would be significantly higher by waiting until age 70 due to delayed retirement credits, that might end up being your best option regardless of the survivor benefit limitations. Also, don't forget to factor in Medicare planning alongside your Social Security decisions. The interaction between when you claim benefits and when you need to enroll in Medicare can affect your overall retirement income strategy. The frustrating reality is that the remarriage before age 60 does limit your options with your ex-spouse's record, but it sounds like you have several other pathways to explore. Good luck with your planning!

I've been working in retirement planning for over 15 years and wanted to add some clarity to this discussion. The information you've received about the remarriage before 60 rule is absolutely correct - this is one of the most misunderstood aspects of Social Security. Since you remarried at age 58 (before 60), you've permanently forfeited any future claim to survivor benefits from your ex-husband, regardless of when either spouse dies or the order of their deaths. This is a hard rule with no exceptions. However, don't let this discourage your overall retirement planning! Here are some strategies to consider: 1. **Maximize your own benefit**: Since you're still working at 58, these are crucial years for boosting your Social Security calculation. Consider working until 70 if possible for the delayed retirement credits. 2. **Spousal benefits from current husband**: While he's alive, you may be eligible for spousal benefits up to 50% of his full retirement age benefit. 3. **Survivor benefits from current husband**: If he predeceases you, you'd be eligible for 100% of his benefit amount. 4. **File and suspend strategies**: Depending on your birth year and his, there may be claiming strategies that optimize your combined lifetime benefits. I'd strongly recommend getting a personalized Social Security statement and having SSA run projections for multiple scenarios. The rules are complex, but understanding all your options will help you make the best decisions for your situation.

This is why I never remarried after my husband died! I knew I'd lose his higher SS benefit. My sister's financial advisor told her never to remarry before 60 for this exact reason. Seems so unfair they penalize people for finding love again!

I'm sorry you're dealing with this frustrating situation! As a newcomer here, I've been reading through everyone's responses and learning so much. It really does seem unfair that the remarriage age cutoff is so strict - 52 vs 60 shouldn't make such a huge difference when you were married to your first husband for over two decades. One thing I'm curious about - have you considered whether it might be worth consulting with a Social Security claiming strategy specialist or fee-only financial planner who specializes in SS benefits? Sometimes they can spot options or strategies that aren't immediately obvious. Given the potential difference between your $1,500 benefit and what could have been $2,900, it might be worth the consultation fee to make sure you're not missing anything. Also, regarding the delayed retirement credits you asked about - that 8% annual increase is guaranteed and inflation-protected for life, which is pretty rare these days. If you're in good health and can afford to wait, it might be worth running the numbers on delaying at least a year or two. Good luck with your SSA appointment next month!

I just wanted to chime in as someone who went through a very similar situation about 3 years ago. I was married to my first husband for 22 years, remarried at 58, then divorced again at 61. When my first ex-husband passed away, I was also really confused about the eligibility rules. The good news is that everyone here is giving you solid advice - you definitely qualify! One thing I'd add is to be prepared for the SSA to potentially ask for additional documentation beyond what others have mentioned, like proof that your first husband was receiving Social Security benefits (they should be able to look this up, but sometimes they ask anyway). Also, don't be discouraged if your first call or visit doesn't result in immediate approval - sometimes it takes a few interactions to get everything sorted out, but persistence pays off. The financial relief when those benefits start coming in is huge, especially when you're struggling. You're doing the right thing by applying, and this community's advice will serve you well!

I'm sorry for your loss and the financial stress you're dealing with. Based on everything shared here, it sounds like you have a strong case for survivor benefits. One small thing to add - when you gather your documents, make sure to get certified copies of your marriage and divorce certificates rather than just photocopies. Some SSA offices are pickier about this than others. Also, if your first husband had military service, mention that during your appointment as it might affect benefit calculations. The folks here have given you excellent advice about the claiming strategies. I'd especially emphasize what others said about asking to see the actual dollar amounts for different scenarios - survivor benefits now vs. waiting, your own benefits at different ages, etc. Having those concrete numbers will help you make the best decision for your situation. Hang in there, and I hope the process goes smoothly for you!