This might be related to inflation adjustments. My husband passed in 2023, and his statement from 2019 showed a different amount than what I actually received. The SSA rep explained they adjust the PIA calculation each year with updated Average Wage Index figures. So estimates from a few years ago might be using different national wage data than current calculations.

To clarify a bit more about the RIB-LIM (Retirement Insurance Benefit Limit) that I mentioned earlier: If your husband would have received reduced benefits due to claiming before his FRA, there's a special provision that limits your survivor benefit to the larger of: 1. The reduced benefit amount he would have received 2. 82.5% of his Primary Insurance Amount (his unreduced benefit at FRA) This 82.5% figure might explain the 21% difference you're seeing (it's relatively close to a 17.5% reduction). When you speak with SSA, specifically ask if the RIB-LIM provision is being applied to your estimate. This isn't something widely understood outside of SSA technicians who work with these calculations daily.

Your benefit CAN increase from post-FRA work, but don't get too excited. Been there, done that. The increase is usually minimal because: 1) It's only replacing one year in a 35-year average 2) By FRA most people already have solid earnings records 3) The formula weights early career earnings differently than later ones. My last increase was literally $11/month after working a full year making $85K. Barely worth the paperwork.

To add to what others have said - if you're self-employed in this new consulting position, make sure you're actually reporting the income and paying self-employment taxes. I know someone who did consulting work after FRA but tried to minimize taxes by running expenses through the business, and then was surprised when that year didn't help their SS benefit at all. The recalculation is based on your taxable earnings, not gross income.

btw don't forget about social security earnings test if you claim before your FRA... that caught me by surprise when i retired!!! has nothing to do with WEP but another thing to remember

As someone who's been through this exact situation, here's what I'd advise: 1. Calculate your expected state pension after 10-15 years of service 2. Compare that to potential private sector salary + full SS benefits 3. Factor in healthcare benefits, which are often superior in state jobs In my case, even with WEP reducing my Social Security by about $520/month, my state pension more than made up for it. The healthcare benefits alone saved me thousands annually. The strategy of returning to private work can mathematically reduce WEP impact, but it's generally not worth the career disruption. Each year of substantial earnings beyond 20 years reduces WEP by 5%, but that might mean only $30-35 more per month in benefits for each additional year. Focus less on maximizing SS and more on total retirement income including pension, savings, and healthcare costs.

I think you can still apply for spousal and see what happens? Maybe they'll give you something. Doesn't hurt to try right?

One more thing to consider: if either of you worked in jobs not covered by Social Security (like some government positions), the WEP (Windfall Elimination Provision) or GPO (Government Pension Offset) might affect your benefits. These provisions can reduce benefits for people who receive pensions from non-SS-covered employment. Just mentioning it in case that applies to your situation.

The Real ID probably won't work by itself but IDK passport might not either if your name on it doesn't match your marriage certificate. My sister had to get like 5 different documents because she had changed her name when she got married but then her husband died before she got a new passport with her married name. The SSA made her get her birth certificate anyway to prove she was the same person. Total nightmare!!!!

Just wanted to add one important thing: if you're planning to apply in person at your local office, MAKE AN APPOINTMENT. The days of walk-ins being easily accommodated are mostly gone. Many offices have limited walk-in hours or are appointment-only now. Call ahead or make an appointment through the SSA website to avoid wasting a trip.

Your ex will NOT be notified when you file for benefits on his record. The SSA protects your privacy in these matters. The only information they might verify with him (if needed) would be the marriage dates, but even that's unlikely since they usually already have that information in their systems. Also, it's important to note that your claiming ex-spouse benefits has absolutely no effect on his benefit amount. Many people worry about this, but his payments remain exactly the same regardless of whether you claim on his record or not. And you're right that many people don't know about this option. The restricted application strategy is only available to people born before January 2, 1954, so it won't be an option for much longer as that population ages.

what happens if ex husband dies? do u get survivors benefits or stay with the 50%?

my wife didnt get any extra $ when i filed last yr even tho i get almost $3000 a month and she only gets $1400. ssa told us she only qualifies if half my benefit is MORE than her own. its not 50% of what im getting now but 50% of my pia or something like that. kinda confusing system if u ask me lol

One thing nobody mentioned yet - if your husband hasn't filed yet, make sure HE understands that when HE files for his benefits, it won't change anything about how YOU file for spousal benefits. Some people get confused and think both spouses need to apply at the same time, or that the higher-earning spouse needs to do something special to "enable" spousal benefits. But the process is: 1) He files for his benefits when he's ready, 2) Once he's entitled to benefits, you become eligible for spousal benefits IF they would be higher than your own (which in your case, they wouldn't be). Also, keep in mind that if he passes away later, you would be eligible for survivor benefits equal to 100% of what he was receiving, which WOULD be higher than your current benefit.

My father-in-law went through something like this. What they don't tell you is that once you're at full retirement age, you should check again with SS. Sometimes the calculations change and you might be eligible for more. The whole system is designed to be confusing so people don't get everything they're entitled to!

I'm dealing with a similar mess right now. My husband has a federal pension and I'm on SSDI. The whole system seems designed to punish people who worked in public service. Have you talked to a financial advisor who specializes in federal benefits? We found one who really helped us understand our options better than any SSA rep could.

This all sounds complicated! Wouldnt it be easier just to take the survivor benifits now? Why wait?

When you do make the switch at 67, start the process at least 3 months before your birthday. I waited until the month of my FRA to switch strategies, and there was a gap in my payments that created some financial stress. The SSA backdated everything eventually, but I went almost 2 months without any benefits while they processed the change. Just something to plan for.

just wondering - did your sister check if she qualifies for the one-time death payment of $255? its not much but at least its somthing while she figures out the survivor benefits

To summarize what your sister should do now: 1. File for survivor benefits immediately (even if she'll receive $0 now) 2. Request detailed calculations showing how the earnings test applies to her specific case 3. Consider reducing work hours if financially feasible 4. Plan ahead for whether to take full survivor benefits at FRA or switch between benefits 5. Apply for the $255 death payment if she hasn't already The most important thing is getting an application on file. Benefits can be retroactive for up to six months for survivors, but only if the application is filed.