I just wanted to thank everyone for all the helpful information! I feel so much better knowing I CAN switch to my second husband's survivor benefit when I reach FRA, regardless of when each spouse passed away. I've been stressing about this for weeks! I'll pass the information along to my sister about her spousal benefit situation too. It sounds like she should probably wait until her FRA if she wants to maximize her options, or at least carefully compare both ex-spouses' benefit amounts before making any decisions. I'm still nervous about dealing with SSA when the time comes to make the switch, but at least now I know what to expect and that I'm entitled to make this change. I really appreciate all your experiences and expertise!

I'm dealing with a somewhat similar situation and this thread has been incredibly helpful! My husband passed away 6 months ago, and I'm currently 61. I was planning to wait until my FRA at 67 to claim survivor benefits to get the full 100%, but I'm wondering if there's any advantage to claiming reduced survivor benefits now and then potentially switching later if I remarry and that spouse passes away. Does anyone know if the "switch at FRA" rule still applies if you're switching FROM survivor benefits TO different survivor benefits, rather than from your own retirement benefits to survivor benefits? The scenarios discussed here mostly seem to cover people who started with reduced survivor benefits early, but I'm curious about the strategy of waiting for full benefits versus claiming early and keeping options open. Also, has anyone had experience with getting written confirmation from SSA about these switching rules? Given all the conflicting information people seem to get over the phone, I'm thinking it might be worth getting something in writing before making any decisions.

Ben, given your situation, I'd strongly recommend getting a personalized benefit estimate before making any decisions. You can create a my Social Security account online to see your projected benefits at different claiming ages. Since you're only 8 months into receiving benefits, the withdrawal option (Form SSA-521) is definitely worth calculating. With an $85k salary, you'll be well over the earnings limit, so most of your current $1,850/month will be withheld anyway. The key question is whether the higher monthly amount from waiting until 66+ outweighs the benefits you'd have to repay (~$14,800). Also, don't forget that your new high-earning years may increase your benefit calculation anyway, since SSA uses your highest 35 years of earnings. This could bump up your benefit amount regardless of which path you choose. Definitely report your new earnings to SSA ASAP to avoid the overpayment nightmare others have mentioned. Good luck with the new job!

Ben, I'm in a very similar situation! Started taking SS at 62 last year and just got a job offer that would put me way over the earnings limit. After reading through all these responses, I wanted to share what I learned from my research: The withdrawal option (SSA-521) might be your best bet since you're still within that 12-month window. I calculated my situation and even though I'd have to pay back about $18k in benefits, the higher monthly payments from waiting until 66 would break even in about 8-9 years. At our age, that math usually works out favorably. One thing I found helpful was using the detailed calculators on the SSA website - not just the quick estimator, but the more comprehensive ones that factor in your specific earnings history. Since you mentioned your previous job was lower paying, these high-earning years at $85k will definitely boost your benefit calculation. Also wanted to second what others said about calling SSA immediately to report your earnings. I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned and it was a lifesaver - got through to an actual person in about 30 minutes instead of the hours I was spending on hold. The Medicare enrollment timing is definitely something to keep in mind too if you're approaching 65. Good luck with whatever you decide!

Thank you all so much for the helpful advice! I'm feeling much better about this now. I'll definitely file the SSA-44 form immediately after retiring to report the life-changing event. And I'll be careful to account for any non-SS income like interest when estimating my 2025 income. I'm glad I asked because I had no idea they initially use a 2-year lookback period! That would have resulted in much higher premiums than I budgeted for. This forum has been incredibly helpful.

Just wanted to add one more tip - when you file the SSA-44, make sure to keep copies of everything you submit and follow up if you don't hear back within 30-60 days. I've seen cases where the forms get lost in the system. Also, if you have any pension income or other retirement distributions planned for 2025, those would count toward IRMAA too, not just the interest income you mentioned. Good luck with your retirement planning!

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! So to summarize what I've learned: 1. 401k/403b withdrawals DON'T count for the earnings test that would reduce my widow benefits 2. Selling my home also WON'T reduce my benefits 3. BUT both might increase how much of my benefits are taxable This is such a relief. I was holding off on accessing my retirement funds because I thought I'd lose benefits. Going to schedule both transactions next month!

Great summary Jasmine! Just want to emphasize one more important point for anyone else reading this thread - make sure to keep good records of all your transactions. Even though these withdrawals won't affect your widow benefits directly, you'll want documentation for tax purposes since they could impact how much of your Social Security is taxable. Also, if you're planning major financial moves like this, it might be worth consulting with a tax professional to make sure you understand the full picture, especially since tax rules can be just as complex as Social Security rules!

I just wanted to update - I found my 1099 today! It wasn't there yesterday but showed up this morning. So I guess they're still uploading them. Anyway if anyone else is still waiting just keep checking.

Great to hear everyone's getting their forms! For those still having trouble accessing their MySocialSecurity accounts, another option is to call the SSA national number at 1-800-772-1213. They can mail you a replacement 1099 if you can't get online access working. The wait times can be long but they're usually helpful. Also, if you're doing your own taxes, most tax software will let you manually enter the Social Security income amounts even if you don't have the physical form yet - you just need to know your total benefits received for 2024.