Just to clarify one more important point that might help with your planning - if your husband passes away and you're already receiving your own retirement benefits, Social Security will automatically pay you the higher of the two amounts, not both. So if you're getting your $1100 retirement benefit and become eligible for his $1650 survivor benefit, you'd receive $1650 total (not $2750). This is called the "offset rule" and catches a lot of people off guard. The good news is that since his benefit is higher, you'd definitely come out ahead as a survivor even if you start your own benefits early. Just wanted to make sure you had the complete picture for your decision!

As someone who works with Social Security benefits regularly, I want to emphasize one crucial strategy that might help your situation. Since your husband is currently 65 and collecting $1650, and your own benefit would be $1100, you have what's called a "restricted application" opportunity if you haven't filed yet. You could potentially file for spousal benefits on his record (up to 50% of his FRA amount, so around $825) while letting your own retirement benefit continue to grow with delayed retirement credits until age 70. This would give you some income now while maximizing your future benefit. Then if he passes away, you'd have the option to switch to his full survivor benefit. However, this strategy only works if you were born before January 2, 1954, due to rule changes. If you're younger than that, you'd be deemed to file for both benefits simultaneously and get the higher of the two. Either way, the key takeaway is that survivor benefits ARE your best long-term option given the $550/month difference, and waiting until your FRA to claim them (if he passes) would get you his full amount. The flexibility to switch between benefit types is really valuable in your situation!

I'm really sorry for your loss. Going through this financial planning while grieving is incredibly challenging, and you're doing such a thoughtful job thinking through all the angles. One additional consideration that might help with your decision: since you've been out of work for 8 months, you may want to factor in the emotional and professional benefits of returning to work beyond just the financial calculation. Many widows find that having structure, purpose, and social connections through employment can be valuable for their overall wellbeing during this difficult transition. Also, if you do decide to take the job, consider asking about flexible start dates or part-time options initially. Some employers are willing to work with candidates on timing, especially if they know you're dealing with Social Security coordination issues. This could help you maximize those early months of survivor benefits while transitioning back into the workforce. Whatever you decide, you're clearly being very strategic about securing your financial future. That's exactly the kind of forward-thinking approach that will serve you well in the years ahead.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Navigating Social Security survivor benefits while job searching is incredibly complex, and you're asking all the right questions. One thing that might help your decision-making is to request a personalized benefit estimate from SSA that factors in the earnings test. When you apply for survivor benefits, you can report your expected annual earnings, and they'll show you exactly how it would affect your monthly payments throughout the year. Also consider this: at 60, you have 7 years until your FRA. If you take this job and build up your work credits/earnings history, you might end up with a higher retirement benefit on your own record by age 67. You could then choose between your own benefit or the survivor benefit (100% of your husband's amount) at that time - whichever is higher. The financial security of a $75K salary, plus benefits, plus building towards your own Social Security credits might outweigh the temporary loss of survivor benefits. And remember, those withheld benefits aren't gone forever - they'll be recalculated into a higher monthly amount once you reach FRA. You might also want to consult with a financial planner who specializes in Social Security strategies to run the numbers for your specific situation. Some offer free initial consultations for widows.

Just wanted to update everyone. I called SSA this morning (took forever to get through!) and the representative confirmed I AM eligible for the spousal top-up right now - I didn't need to wait until my husband reaches any specific age. However, there was a correction to my original post - I miscalculated my FRA. Since I was born in 1959, my actual FRA is 66 and 10 months, which I haven't reached yet. The rep said I can still apply now, but the amount will be slightly reduced until I reach my true FRA in 8 months. I decided to go ahead and apply now anyway, since the reduction is small and I'd rather start receiving the higher benefit amount. Thank you all for your help!

Congratulations on getting through to SSA and getting this resolved! Your update is really valuable for others who might be in a similar situation. It's interesting that even though you hadn't quite reached your true FRA, they still allowed you to apply with just a small reduction. That makes a lot of sense financially - why wait 8 months when you can start receiving the higher benefit amount now, even if it's slightly reduced? The math probably works out better in your favor. Thanks for taking the time to update us with the outcome - it really helps clarify how this process actually works in practice!

don't forget that if you're collecting at 62 your already taking a big reduction on your own benefit. like 30% less than your FRA amount. so waiting til FRA for survivors makes sense if you can

I'm so sorry you and your wife are going through this difficult situation. Planning ahead shows real care and responsibility. From what I've learned through my own research, you have several strategic options to consider: If your wife passes before you claim benefits, you could potentially claim survivor benefits as early as age 60, but they'd be reduced. Alternatively, you could wait until your FRA to get her full benefit amount without reduction. If you've already started your own benefits when she passes, you'd get the higher of the two amounts. Given that her SSDI is $2,450 vs your projected $1,650 at 62, you'd likely benefit from the survivor option. One strategy might be to delay your own benefits past 62 to let them grow (they increase until age 70), while knowing you'd have the survivor benefit safety net. This could maximize your household income while she's still with you. I'd strongly recommend making an appointment with SSA to run scenarios with your actual earnings records. They can show you projections for different claiming strategies. Also consider consulting with a financial planner who specializes in Social Security - the rules are complex and a small difference in timing can mean thousands in lifetime benefits. Wishing you and your wife strength during this challenging time.

Thank you all for the responses! This has been incredibly helpful. I've made an appointment with SSA for next month and will specifically ask about surviving divorced spouse benefits. I'm gathering all my documents, including our marriage certificate, divorce decree, and her SSN. From what you've all shared, it sounds like I might be eligible since we were married over 10 years, even though we both remarried. I'll update once I learn more from SSA - this forum has already given me a much better starting point than I had before!

Just wanted to add that you should also ask SSA about the timing of when to claim these benefits. Since you're still working and have 3 years until FRA, you might want to understand how the earnings test works if you claim survivor benefits early (you can claim as early as 60, but at a reduced rate). Also, survivor benefits don't earn delayed retirement credits like your own retirement benefit does, so there's no advantage to waiting past your FRA to claim them. The strategy might be to claim survivor benefits at FRA and let your own retirement benefit grow until age 70 if that would result in higher lifetime benefits. Definitely worth discussing all the timing options with them!