This thread has been incredibly informative! As someone who's going through a similar situation (my ex moved to Japan), I'm grateful for all the practical advice shared here. I wanted to add one more resource that helped me: the American Citizens Services (ACS) unit at US embassies abroad often maintains informal networks with local hospitals and morgues that serve expat communities. While it's not an official notification system, these relationships sometimes result in quicker reporting of American deaths. I also discovered that many expats abroad maintain US-based emergency contacts through their banks, insurance companies, or even online services like ICE (In Case of Emergency) apps. If your ex is the type to be organized about these things, there might be multiple potential notification pathways you're not even aware of. The key seems to be casting a wide net of preparation rather than relying on any single system. I'm going to follow everyone's advice here and start building my own documentation folder and contact list. It's a bit sobering to plan for these scenarios, but so much better than being caught unprepared later.

This is such a comprehensive thread with excellent advice! I work in international law and deal with cross-border estate issues regularly. Your situation highlights a real systemic problem that affects thousands of divorced Americans whose ex-spouses live abroad. One additional angle worth considering: if your ex-husband has any ongoing US tax obligations (which most US citizens abroad do), the IRS sometimes becomes aware of deaths through incomplete filings or estate tax matters. The IRS shares certain death information with SSA, though this pathway can take months or even years to trigger. I'd also suggest documenting his approximate location in Thailand if you know it. Different regions have varying relationships with US consular services. Bangkok and major tourist areas tend to have better reporting protocols than rural areas. Finally, consider reaching out to an elder law attorney who specializes in Social Security benefits. They can help you formally document your potential claim now and may have insights into the appeals process if you ever face delays in benefit approval due to documentation issues. Many offer free consultations for planning purposes. The fact that you're thinking about this now, while there's no immediate urgency, puts you way ahead of most people who face this situation. Well done on being so proactive!

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm in a similar situation - turning 62 soon and trying to figure out the self-employment earnings rules. One thing I wanted to add based on my research: if you're planning to work sporadically throughout the year (like taking on projects here and there), you might want to consider the monthly earnings test for your first year instead of the annual test. In your first year of benefits, you can choose to use a monthly test where you can earn any amount in months before you start collecting, and then you're only subject to a monthly limit ($1,860 for 2025) in the months you receive benefits. This can sometimes work out better than the annual test if your income is lumpy. Just something to ask SSA about when you file - they should explain both options and help you choose which works better for your situation!

I've been helping people navigate Social Security for years, and this is one of the most common sources of confusion! You're absolutely right to ask for clarification because getting this wrong can be costly. For self-employed individuals, SSA uses your **net earnings from self-employment** as calculated on Schedule SE. This is your Schedule C profit (gross receipts minus business expenses) adjusted for the self-employment tax calculation - but it's the amount BEFORE you take the deduction for half of your SE tax. So in your example, if you have $26,000 in gross receipts and $4,500 in legitimate business expenses, your net would be $21,500 - which would keep you under the $22,320 limit for 2025. A few critical points to remember: - Only legitimate business expenses count (office supplies, equipment, business mileage, etc.) - Personal deductions like the standard deduction don't affect this calculation - Since you're starting benefits mid-year, you'll be subject to the prorated first-year limit (about $16,740 if starting in April) - Keep meticulous records - SSA may request documentation I'd also suggest asking SSA about the monthly earnings test option for your first year if your income is irregular. Sometimes it works out better than the annual test for contractors with lumpy income patterns. Good luck with your application!

As someone who works in retirement planning, I want to emphasize a few key points that haven't been fully covered yet: 1. **Timing matters for maximizing benefits**: If your husband is still working or has other income, he might benefit from delaying his Social Security until age 70 to get delayed retirement credits (8% per year). This would increase the survivor benefit you'd eventually receive. 2. **Consider your filing strategy now**: Since you're both already receiving benefits, this ship has sailed, but for others reading - sometimes it makes sense for the higher earner to delay benefits to maximize the eventual survivor benefit. 3. **Medicare implications**: When you become a widow, you'll need to evaluate your Medicare coverage. If you're on your husband's employer plan as a retiree, you may lose that coverage and need to make decisions about Medicare supplements. 4. **Document everything**: Keep copies of your marriage certificate, both of your Social Security cards, and any military service records if applicable. Having these ready will make the process smoother when the time comes. The survivor benefit is really one of Social Security's most important protections for older Americans - it helps ensure the surviving spouse doesn't face financial hardship on top of grief.

I'm in a similar situation and this thread has been incredibly eye-opening! My husband and I are 71 and 68, and I honestly had no idea about most of these details. A few things I'm taking away: 1. Report the death IMMEDIATELY to avoid overpayment issues 2. You have to actually APPLY for survivor benefits - they don't automatically switch you 3. Keep all important documents organized and ready 4. Expect long wait times when calling SSA (that Claimyr service sounds like a lifesaver) One question I haven't seen addressed - if the surviving spouse remarries, does that affect the survivor benefits? I'm happily married and not planning anything, but I'm curious about the rules since I have a widowed friend who's been hesitant to remarry partly because of benefit concerns. Also, thank you to everyone who shared their personal experiences. It really helps to hear real stories rather than just the official policy explanations.

As someone who just went through this process myself, I can confirm everyone here is absolutely correct - Social Security uses your highest 35 years of earnings, not your last 5 years. I was in a similar situation where I reduced my hours in my late 50s due to health issues and was worried it would tank my benefits. What really helped me was not just looking at the earnings record on ssa.gov, but also understanding that they "index" your older earnings for inflation. So that $15,000 you made in 1985 might be worth $40,000+ in today's calculation. This indexing process ensures your older full-time earnings aren't unfairly penalized compared to recent years. One tip: if you have any years showing zero earnings that you think should show income, definitely contact SSA to get those corrected. Missing or incorrect earnings records can definitely impact your benefit calculation since they need those 35 years of data.

I'm so glad you asked this question because I was told something similar by a family member and it had me panicking too! It's incredible how widespread this misinformation is about Social Security calculations. Just to add one more perspective - I actually spoke with a Social Security representative last month when I had questions about my own benefits, and they confirmed what everyone here is saying. The 35-year calculation has been the standard for decades. They also mentioned that this is one of the most common misconceptions they hear from people approaching retirement age. What's really helpful is that once you create your my Social Security account, you can actually see how different scenarios would affect your benefits. For example, you can see what would happen if you worked a few more years versus claiming early. It's a great tool for planning, especially when you're dealing with health issues like you mentioned. Don't let your buddy's misinformation stress you out - sounds like you're in a much better position than you thought!

Just wanted to give a quick update. I called SSA today and spoke with a rep who confirmed what most of you have said. As long as I apply in January WITH January as my benefit month, I can use the annual earnings test for all of 2025. I made sure to specifically tell them I wanted January 2025 as my benefit month, not February. The rep did initially try to set it for February saying "that's our normal procedure" but I politely insisted on January, and they were able to do it. So relieved I don't have to track monthly earnings! Thanks for all your help everyone.

Congratulations on getting it sorted out! You made the right call pushing for January as your benefit month. I'm a retired SSA employee and can confirm this is one of those rules that even some current staff get confused about, which is why that rep initially tried to set you up for February. One small tip for the year ahead: even though you're using the annual limit, I'd still recommend keeping a simple running total of your earnings throughout the year. Not for monthly reporting, but just so you know where you stand. With variable income, it's easy to lose track and accidentally go over that $25,410 threshold. Also, remember that if you do exceed the annual limit, SSA will ask for overpayment recovery the following year, so it's much better to stay aware and avoid that situation entirely. Enjoy your semi-retirement!