After you get those extra credits, ask SSA for a benefit verification letter that shows both amounts - what you'd get on your own record and what you get as an ex-spouse. That way you can make an informed decision about which is better. Sometimes the difference is smaller than people expect.

Just wanted to add another perspective here - I'm a retired SSA claims specialist and your strategy is absolutely valid. What you're describing is sometimes called "restricted application" or "file and switch" strategy, though those terms are more commonly used for other scenarios. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is that you should also consider survivor benefits down the line. If your ex-spouse passes away before you do, you could potentially switch to survivor benefits (which can be up to 100% of his benefit amount) rather than your own retirement benefit, if that would be higher. Also, when you do go back to work, make sure your employer is reporting your earnings correctly to SSA. You can check this annually by creating a my Social Security account online and reviewing your earnings record. Any errors should be corrected as soon as possible since they become harder to fix after 3 years. Good luck with your application - you're making a smart financial move given your circumstances!

Thank you everyone for all the helpful information! I feel much clearer on what to do now. I'll wait until after my husband receives his first payment in 3 months, then call SSA to make sure my spousal benefits are being processed correctly. I'll have our marriage certificate ready just in case they need it. The deemed filing information was particularly helpful - I didn't realize that would automatically tie everything together.

Just wanted to add one more tip that helped me when I went through this process - keep detailed records of every phone call you make to SSA, including the date, time, and the name of the representative you spoke with (if they give it). Also write down any reference numbers they provide. I had to call back twice because of conflicting information from different reps, and having those details helped me get everything sorted out more quickly. The system can be frustrating, but most of the SSA staff really do want to help once you get through to them. Good luck with everything, and congratulations again on starting your retirement benefits!

when you call ssa make sure you write down EVERYTHING they tell you!!! my aunt got different answers from 3 different people! also they backdate survivor benefits to the month of death if you file within 6 months

I'm so sorry for your loss. This is actually a perfect example of why it's crucial to understand all your Social Security options - you're in an ideal position to maximize your benefits using the survivor strategy everyone's mentioned. Since you haven't filed for your own retirement benefits yet, you have complete flexibility. At 67, you're past the survivor FRA (66 and 8 months for your birth year), so you can claim 100% of your ex-husband's benefit immediately with no reduction. Then let your own retirement benefit grow those delayed retirement credits until age 70. One thing I'd add - when you call SSA, if the first person seems confused about this strategy, politely end the call and try again. Unfortunately, not all representatives are familiar with the survivor benefit rules, and you don't want to get locked into the wrong benefit by accident. The magic phrase is "I want to file a restricted application for survivor benefits only." Also, gather all your documents first: death certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree, and your birth certificate. Having everything ready will make the process smoother. Good luck navigating this - you're making a smart financial move during what I'm sure is a difficult time.

This is such a helpful thread! I'm in a similar situation as a newcomer to Social Security planning - my husband is 8 years older and we're trying to figure out the best strategy for maximizing benefits. Reading through all these responses, it sounds like the key takeaway is that spousal benefits and survivor benefits are completely separate, so taking spousal benefits early won't hurt the survivor benefit strategy. But I'm still a bit confused about one thing - if someone is already receiving their own reduced retirement benefit at 62, and then their spouse passes away, do they automatically get switched to survivor benefits or do they have to actively choose to switch? Also, has anyone here actually worked with one of those Social Security specialists that @Ryder Greene mentioned? I'm wondering if it's worth the investment for our situation or if we can figure it out on our own with enough research. Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences - it's so much more helpful than trying to decipher the SSA website!

As someone who recently navigated a similar age-gap situation with my spouse, I wanted to add a few practical tips that helped us: 1. **Document everything** - When you do speak with SSA representatives, get their name and ask them to send you a written summary of what they told you. The rules are complex and you want to make sure you have accurate information to reference later. 2. **Use the SSA's online tools** - While they don't handle every complex scenario, the Retirement Estimator and the online benefit statements can help you verify the basic numbers everyone is discussing here. 3. **Consider timing carefully** - Since your wife will be working until 65 with a $75K salary, as others mentioned, claiming any benefits before then would likely result in most or all benefits being withheld due to the earnings test. This might actually simplify your decision-making. One strategy worth exploring: Have your wife wait until she stops working at 65 to claim her own benefits, then switch to survivor benefits at her FRA if needed. This avoids the earnings test complications entirely while still preserving the option to maximize survivor benefits. The peace of mind from having a clear, written plan is invaluable. Don't hesitate to get that second opinion from a Social Security specialist if the numbers are significant enough to warrant it!

Did you know if you die in the first 15 days of the month, your spouse doesn't get your benefit for that month AT ALL? But if you die on the 16th or later, they get to keep your payment for that month. makes NO sense!!! the whole system needs to be simplified!! too many ridiculous rules!!

Just wanted to add some clarity on the timing aspect that others mentioned. When applying for survivor benefits, there's typically a 5-month waiting period from the date of death before benefits begin, unless the surviving spouse is already receiving benefits on their own record. In your wife's case, since she'd already be receiving her own retirement benefit, she could switch to the higher survivor benefit immediately after your death (assuming she's past FRA). Also, make sure to keep good records of your benefit statements - it helps speed up the application process when the time comes. The SSA should have everything on file, but having your own documentation never hurts.