Thank you all so much for the helpful information! I've learned so much from this discussion. Based on everything shared, I think I'm going to: 1. Schedule an appointment with SSA to get exact benefit calculations for different scenarios 2. Consider that my ex won't even be eligible to file for 7+ years (when he's 62+) 3. Remember that remarriage would eliminate spousal benefits but not survivor benefits 4. Factor in the WEP/GPO phase-out timeline for my pension The timing elements are particularly important - I hadn't fully considered the age gap between me and my ex. Even if I stay single, I can't get spousal benefits until he files, which is years away. It's a lot to consider, but I feel much better informed now. I appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and knowledge!

Great summary of your action plan! One additional tip - when you call SSA, ask them to run calculations for both your own benefit record AND what spousal benefits would look like on your ex's record (using his current earnings). They can give you estimates even though he hasn't filed yet. This will help you see the actual dollar difference between staying single for spousal benefits vs. remarrying. Also, since you mentioned your ex has health issues, you might want to ask about survivor benefit amounts too - that could be significantly higher than spousal benefits and would be available regardless of your marital status (since you're already over 60). The WEP/GPO phase-out is definitely real - I work in benefits administration and we're already preparing for the 2025 changes. For someone with a $2,600 teacher's pension, you'll see meaningful increases in your Social Security benefits over the next few years. Good luck with your decision!

Don't forget that if she buys a home and has money LEFT OVER after the purchase, that excess will count toward her $2000 resource limit!! Also, if the stocks are worth a lot, she might still go over the limit even with the home purchase. The SSI program is designed to TRAP people in poverty!

That's true about leftover funds, but there are other excluded resources she could consider for any excess, like burial funds (up to $1,500), home improvements, or even ABLE accounts depending on when her disability began. She should definitely discuss all options with a benefits counselor before making any decisions.

Thanks everyone for the great information! I was definitely overthinking this. I'll stop worrying about the 2024 earnings not showing up yet. Does anyone know if I should be checking my earnings record for accuracy every year? I've never really paid attention to it before now that retirement is getting closer.

Great advice from everyone here! I'm in a similar situation preparing for retirement. One thing I'd add - if you do find any discrepancies when checking your earnings record, make sure to keep copies of your W-2s and tax returns as documentation. I learned this the hard way when I had to prove earnings from a job 15 years ago and had to track down old records. The SSA will accept various forms of proof including pay stubs, tax returns, and employer records, but having your own copies makes the process much smoother.

UPDATE: I finally got through to an SSA Technical Expert this morning! Used the Claimyr service that was suggested here and it worked great - I was connected to an agent in about 25 minutes. Once I specifically asked for a Technical Expert who handles disabled adult child cases and mentioned Section 202(b)(1)(B), they transferred me to someone who knew exactly what I was talking about. She confirmed I'm eligible for the CIC benefits and scheduled me for an in-person appointment next week to complete the application. She said to bring: - My ID and Social Security card - Marriage certificate - Documentation of my caregiving (doctor's letter) - My son's medical records (though she said they likely already have them) Thank you all for your help! I'll update again after my appointment.

That's fantastic news! So glad the Claimyr service worked for you and you finally got connected to someone who understood CIC benefits. It's amazing how much of a difference it makes when you reach the right person who actually knows the rules. Your list of documents looks perfect - sounds like the Technical Expert really knew what she was talking about. The fact that she scheduled you for an in-person appointment is also a great sign since those tend to go much smoother for complex cases like yours. Thanks for sharing the update! This whole thread will be really helpful for other parents dealing with similar situations. Looking forward to hearing how your appointment goes next week. Fingers crossed everything gets processed smoothly from here!

I'm going to make an appointment tomorrow to apply formally. You're right that I need to get an official determination rather than just going by what someone told me on the phone. Thank you for the encouragement.

I'm so sorry for your loss and everything you're going through right now. The combination of grief and navigating these complex benefit rules is overwhelming. Based on what you've shared, I'd strongly recommend bringing a few key documents to your SSA appointment: your husband's death certificate, your marriage certificate, and any records of his police pension amount. Since he worked 12-15 years paying into Social Security before joining the police force, there's a real possibility he earned enough credits for you to receive some survivor benefits, even with the GPO reduction. The fact that you're getting conflicting information over the phone is unfortunately common - getting an in-person appointment for an official determination is definitely the right approach. Also, please don't give up on that $255 death benefit - as his current spouse living with him at the time of death, you should be entitled to it regardless of his ex-wife's status. Take care of yourself during this difficult time.