One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is that you can actually request a benefit estimate from SSA that includes potential divorced spouse benefits before you officially apply. When you call, ask them to run a "what-if" scenario - they can look at both your record and your ex's record and tell you exactly what you'd receive if you applied now versus waiting until your FRA. This could help you make a more informed decision about timing without committing to anything. They can also tell you if your ex's benefit amount would even result in additional money for you, since sometimes people assume they'll get more when their own benefit is already close to 50% of their ex's. Also, just a heads up - if you do decide to apply before your FRA and you're still working, make sure to report your expected earnings accurately. I've heard of cases where people underestimated their work income and ended up with overpayments that had to be paid back later. The protective filing date someone mentioned earlier is crucial too - even if you just call to get information, ask them to establish that protective filing date so you don't lose any potential back benefits while you're deciding.

I've been helping seniors navigate Social Security for over a decade, and your situation is very common! Here are some key points that might help: **Timing Strategy:** Since your FRA is just 4 months away (July 2025), I'd strongly recommend waiting. Here's why: - At FRA, the earnings test completely disappears, so your work income won't reduce your benefits - You'll get the full spousal benefit calculation without early filing reductions - Less complexity = fewer chances for SSA to make errors **Application Process:** Unfortunately, divorced spouse benefits really do require calling or visiting an office. The online system has been problematic for years. When you call: - Ask specifically for a "divorced spouse benefit inquiry" - Request they run estimates for both applying now vs. at FRA - Get a protective filing date established **Documentation:** Have ready: marriage certificate, divorce decree, your ex's full name/DOB (SSN if you have it), and your own earnings projection for 2025. **Reality Check:** With his $150K income vs. your $57K, there's likely a meaningful benefit available, but the exact amount depends on his complete earnings history, not just recent income. The wait will be frustrating, but given you're so close to FRA, the timing actually works in your favor. Those 4 months could save you from earnings test complications and get you the maximum available benefit.

Another tip that might be helpful: Consider gathering important documents now while your husband can help. You'll need his Social Security number, birth certificate, death certificate (when the time comes), your marriage certificate, tax returns, and military records if applicable. Having these organized in advance can make the application process smoother. Also, survivor applications cannot be done online - you'll need to call SSA for an appointment or visit an office.

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is that you should also consider how survivor benefits might interact with any health insurance coverage you currently have through your husband's employer or Medicare. When my neighbor's husband passed, she lost his employer health coverage and had to scramble to find new insurance while dealing with everything else. If your husband is already on Medicare and you're on his employer plan, you'll want to understand what happens to your coverage and whether you'd be eligible for COBRA or need to find marketplace insurance until you're Medicare-eligible yourself. It's another layer of planning that's easy to overlook but can be financially significant, especially if you have ongoing medical needs.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Miguel. I went through this exact situation when my ex-husband passed away 3 years ago with kids who were 15 and 17 at the time. Your children should definitely see an increase - mine went from receiving about $800 each to around $1,200 each per month when they converted from dependent to survivor benefits. A few things that helped me navigate this process: 1. Don't wait for the death certificate to arrive - call SSA and report the death immediately. They can start the process and you can submit the certificate later. 2. The conversion isn't automatic despite what some offices might tell you. You absolutely need to contact them and request the survivor benefits. 3. Keep detailed records of when you call and who you speak with. I had to call back multiple times because information got lost between representatives. 4. If possible, try to get an in-person appointment even if it's weeks out - sometimes they can process things faster when you're there with all your documents. The whole process took about 2 months for us, but we received backpay to the date of death. Your kids should be able to keep receiving benefits until they graduate high school or turn 19. Hang in there - the financial help will come!

I'm sorry for your loss, Miguel. I went through something similar when my brother passed away and left behind two teenagers. One thing I want to add that others haven't mentioned - make sure you ask SSA about any potential underpayments when you call. Sometimes there can be a gap between when the parent dies and when survivor benefits are processed, and you might be entitled to additional payments for that period. Also, if your ex-husband had any delayed retirement credits (since he was 67 when he passed), those would factor into the survivor benefit calculation and could mean even higher amounts for your children. The whole process can feel overwhelming when you're grieving, but the financial support really does help. Keep pushing through the phone calls - it's worth it for your kids' future.

I'm so sorry for your family's loss. This thread has been incredibly informative - everyone has covered the key points about your niece's eligibility perfectly. She definitely qualifies for benefits until high school graduation since she's currently enrolled full-time and under 19. I wanted to add one practical tip that helped me when dealing with SSA: if you're planning to visit in person (which sounds like the best approach given the phone difficulties), try to schedule your visit for mid-week if possible, and arrive about 30 minutes before they open. Bring a book or something to keep occupied - even arriving early, there's often still a wait. Also, when you're gathering all the documentation everyone mentioned, consider making a simple checklist and checking off each item as you collect it. In stressful situations like this, it's easy to think you have everything only to realize you forgot something important when you're already at the office. Your niece is lucky to have such a dedicated advocate looking out for her during this difficult time. These benefits will provide important financial support as she finishes her senior year and transitions to college. The fact that you're taking care of this now shows how much you care about her future.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Having to navigate Social Security bureaucracy while grieving is incredibly difficult, but you're doing such an important thing for your niece. Everyone here has given excellent advice about the eligibility rules - your niece definitely qualifies since she's currently enrolled full-time in high school and under 19. The benefits will continue until she graduates or turns 19, whichever comes first. I wanted to add something that might help with the application process: when you gather all the required documents (death certificate, birth certificate, school enrollment verification, etc.), make sure to get an official transcript or letter from her school that specifically shows her current grade level and expected graduation date. Sometimes SSA wants very specific documentation about academic progress, not just enrollment status. Also, if your niece has any plans for summer school or dual enrollment college courses while still in high school, make sure to clarify how those might affect her status. The rules can get complicated when students are taking courses at multiple institutions. The most important thing is to apply immediately - that 6-month retroactive limit means time is critical. Even if you don't have every single document perfectly organized, it's better to start the application process now and submit additional paperwork as needed rather than wait. Your niece is fortunate to have you advocating for her during such a difficult time. These benefits can provide crucial support as she finishes her senior year.

I'm going through something very similar! Just suspended my benefits a few months ago when I went back to work, and I've been getting these random payments that make no sense. The most recent one was $680 and I had no idea what it was for. After reading everyone's responses, I'm pretty sure mine are also Medicare premium refunds. I was paying about $165/month for Part B through my SS deductions, so the timing and amount seem to match up. It's so frustrating that SSA doesn't provide clear explanations for these payments anywhere online! I'm definitely going to try that 7am calling strategy to get through to someone who can explain exactly what each payment was for. And I'll ask for that detailed breakdown letter that someone mentioned - that sounds like exactly what I need to make sense of all this. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences here. It's reassuring to know these mystery payments are actually normal when you suspend benefits and not some kind of error that I'll have to pay back later!

I've been dealing with this exact same situation! Started collecting at 62, went back to work part-time, and kept getting these mysterious payments that had me totally confused. After months of wondering, I finally got through to SSA (early morning calling really does work better!) and discovered mine were a combination of Medicare premium adjustments and earnings recalculations. The most helpful thing the rep told me was that when you're working while collecting early retirement benefits, SSA does continuous monitoring of your earnings record. Sometimes they discover they miscalculated your monthly benefit amount based on the annual earnings limit, or they get updated W-2 information that changes your benefit calculation slightly. These corrections get paid out as separate lump sums rather than adjusting your ongoing monthly payment. For anyone still trying to figure this out - definitely request that detailed breakdown letter mentioned in earlier comments. It saved me so much confusion and anxiety about whether these were overpayments I'd have to return. Turns out they're completely legitimate adjustments that happen more often than you'd think!