Thank you all for the helpful responses! This clarifies a lot for me. It sounds like my wife claiming her own benefit early doesn't directly affect potential survivor benefits, which is what I was worried about. And it seems like my plan to delay my own claiming is a good idea for maximizing her potential survivor benefit if needed. I'm thinking our strategy should be: 1. Have my wife claim at 63 as planned 2. I'll delay at least to my FRA (67) or possibly even to 70 for maximum survivor protection 3. If I pass away before claiming, she can either take reduced survivor benefits immediately OR stay on her own reduced benefit until her FRA and then switch to full survivor benefits Does this sound like an optimal approach given our situation? And should we consult with someone at SSA directly to confirm all this?

Your strategy sounds solid. The only thing I'd add is that talking directly with SSA probably won't give you the strategic advice you're looking for - they'll explain the rules but typically don't provide planning strategies. A financial advisor who specializes in Social Security claiming strategies might be more helpful. As for verification, the SSA.gov website has good information on survivor benefits if you want to confirm. Look under "If You Are The Survivor" section.

Remember that if you're under FRA for part of 2025, you should report changes in your earnings to Social Security right away to avoid or minimize overpayments. When you file for survivor benefits, make sure to provide your expected earnings for 2025. If your earnings change significantly during the year, contact SSA to update your estimate. This helps them adjust your benefits correctly throughout the year rather than discovering an issue at tax time.

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.

I used to work for a bank that handled lots of SSA direct deposits. Here's what you need to know: Once the death is reported to SSA, they'll review the account and determine what final payments are due. If your aunt was due the October payment (paid in November), they'll issue it. But be aware that sometimes SSA places a hold on the account temporarily while they sort everything out. This is normal. Also, if any payments come in AFTER the month of death, don't spend them - those will likely be reclaimed.

my mom got her payment at a different time than your aunt cuz she was born on the 8th so she got hers on the second wednesday. its so confusing why they do it different for different birthdates!!

Just to address the question from @profile7 above: If you're just starting Social Security benefits now, you'll still receive the current COLA rate on your benefits going forward. You didn't "miss" the COLA by not being on benefits in December. The COLA is already built into the benefit rates for 2025. Your initial benefit calculation will include the 2025 COLA. For everyone: Remember that the COLA is applied to your primary insurance amount (PIA), which is your basic benefit before reductions for early retirement or increases for delayed retirement. So the actual percentage increase in your check might not be exactly 3.2% if you're receiving reduced or increased benefits.

my mom said back in the day COLA used to be way bigger like 5-8% every year... we really getting the short end now with these tiny increases while everything costs way more smh

My husband's final check got direct deposited after I reported his death and then the bank FROZE the account and I couldn't access ANY of our money for 2 weeks!! Make sure your mother-in-law checks with her bank about their policies for accounts when someone dies! Some banks are TERRIBLE about this!!!!

wait how do u report a death to SS anyway? i need to know for my parents (they're getting older

fwiw my uncle said the online benefit estimator gave him way different numbers than what SS told him in person for his widower benefits. maybe try that to get a third opinion?

UPDATE: I finally got through to a Technical Expert! For anyone facing similar issues, here's what worked: I called my local office right when they opened (used the direct number that one of you suggested looking up), and specifically asked for a Technical Expert who could explain survivor benefit calculations in detail. I had to be firm but polite. The TE explained that the huge discrepancy in numbers was because one rep was calculating based on my own work record, another was using my survivor benefit, and a third was incorrectly applying the family maximum limitation (which doesn't apply in my situation since I'm the only beneficiary). The accurate reduction for taking survivor benefits 8 months early is about $290/month, not $600 or $80. This makes a huge difference in my decision! Thank you all for your advice and support!

good luck!! hope it works out for u!

Update: I got through to SSA this morning! They said I can change my start date and it won't delay processing since I'm already approved. The representative was actually really helpful and sympathetic about my job situation. My benefit will be about $42 less per month compared to my December start date, but getting that first payment in December instead of January will make a huge difference right now. Thanks everyone for your advice!

GOOD LUCK trying to get through to them on the phone!!!! I tried for WEEKS last year and could never get a human being!!! Kept getting disconnected or put on hold for HOURS!!!!

Update: I called SSA again and spoke with a different representative. She confirmed that if I want my first payment in July, I need to select June as my benefit start month. The first rep must have misunderstood what I was asking. I've submitted my application online and selected June 2025 as my benefit start month. Thanks everyone for your help!

I'd also recommend checking if you'll be subject to the Government Pension Offset (GPO) in addition to WEP. GPO affects spousal or survivor benefits if you receive a pension from work not covered by SS. It can reduce or eliminate your ability to collect on your spouse's record if that would normally be higher than your own benefit. Many people get caught by surprise with this one.

To summarize for the original poster: 1. Your state pension does NOT count toward the earnings test limit 2. If you work part-time and earn over $21,240 in 2025, benefits will be reduced 3. Your SS benefit will likely be reduced by WEP regardless of when you claim 4. You should check if GPO will affect any spousal/survivor benefits 5. Consider whether it makes financial sense to claim at 63 or wait until FRA or even age 70 6. The earnings test goes away completely once you reach your FRA of 67 Making the right Social Security claiming decision can mean tens of thousands of dollars difference over your lifetime.

After I asked many questions about this exact strategy, the SSA agent I spoke with recommended creating a my Social Security account online (ssa.gov/myaccount) if you haven't already. This allows you to see your estimated benefits for both survivor and retirement. Having these specific numbers will help you confirm this strategy makes financial sense in your situation. The agent mentioned that for high earners, the difference between taking survivor benefits at FRA while letting your own benefit grow to 70 can mean an additional $100,000+ in lifetime benefits.

just wondering but what happens with medicare in this scenario? do u still sign up at 65 even if ur not taking ur own benefits yet? i get so confused with all these different rules!!