Since several people have mentioned the SSDI to retirement conversion, I want to make sure one important point is clear: When SSDI converts to retirement at FRA, there is no change in benefit amount. Some people worry there will be a reduction, but the SSDI benefit amount simply continues as your retirement benefit amount. As for maximizing your benefits as a couple, you might want to consider whether it makes sense for you to wait until your FRA to file if your own benefit would be significantly higher than your spousal benefit. It's a complex calculation that depends on your respective benefit amounts, how long you expect to live, and your current financial needs.

I just wanted to add that you might also want to consider looking at your Social Security statements to get a better sense of the numbers involved. You can create an account at ssa.gov/myaccount and see your estimated benefits at different claiming ages. This will help you compare your own retirement benefit at 62 versus waiting until FRA, and also see how that compares to the spousal benefit amount. Having those actual numbers in front of you will make it much easier to decide whether it's worth waiting or not. The online calculators can also help you figure out the break-even point based on your life expectancy assumptions.

I went through something similar with my late husband's benefits. One thing I learned that might help you - when you have your SSA phone appointment, ask them to send you a written summary of what you discussed via mail or secure message in your mySSA account. This creates a paper trail if there are any disputes later. Also, since your husband's PIA is significantly higher than yours ($3,600 vs $2,100), you'll likely be eligible for a decent spousal excess benefit now. But more importantly, if he passes away, your survivor benefit at FRA would be based on his full $3,600 amount - that's a substantial increase from your current reduced benefit. The peace of mind knowing you can delay survivor benefits until 67 is worth protecting. Don't let anyone pressure you into making immediate decisions if that unfortunate situation arises.

I'm in a somewhat similar situation and have been researching this extensively. What I've learned from speaking with multiple SSA representatives and reading the actual regulations is that you have complete flexibility with survivor benefits regardless of your current benefit status. The key point that hasn't been mentioned yet is that when your husband passes (hopefully many years from now), you'll actually want to do a careful calculation. At that time, you'll need to compare: 1. Your current reduced retirement benefit plus any spousal excess 2. The survivor benefit amount (reduced if taken before FRA, full if taken at FRA) Sometimes it's actually better to keep your own benefit even past FRA if the survivor benefit isn't significantly higher. Since your husband's PIA is $3,600 and yours is $2,100, the survivor benefit will likely be much better, but it's still worth running the numbers. Also, one practical tip - if you do end up in this situation, you can actually file a "protective filing" for survivor benefits to preserve your right to back benefits while you decide on timing. This gives you some breathing room to make the best financial decision without losing potential money.

One important point that hasn't been mentioned yet - if you're still working, your future benefit amount might still be increasing! Social Security calculates your benefit based on your highest 35 years of earnings. If your current earnings are higher than some of those earlier years (adjusted for inflation), you could actually see your benefit amount increase even after you've started receiving benefits. So while you might lose some benefits to the earnings test now, you could end up with a higher monthly amount later. It's a complex calculation, but something to keep in mind as part of your decision-making process.

Just to add another perspective - you might want to consider the tax implications too. Social Security benefits become taxable once your combined income (AGI + nontaxable interest + half your SS benefits) exceeds certain thresholds. If you're still working and earning income, you could end up paying taxes on up to 85% of your SS benefits. This is separate from the earnings test but another factor to consider in your overall strategy. Sometimes it makes more sense to delay benefits until you stop working entirely, especially if you're in a higher tax bracket now than you expect to be in full retirement.

One thing nobody's mentioned - if your ex is receiving Social Security payments in Thailand, the SSA requires proof of life periodically. They send questionnaires that must be completed to continue receiving benefits. If he doesn't respond, they investigate. This might eventually lead to discovering his death. Also, if he's a US citizen, the State Department should be notified of his death by Thai authorities. This doesn't always happen efficiently, but it's another potential notification channel. The bottom line is there's no guarantee the SSA will learn of his death promptly, so being proactive is your best approach.

I went through something similar with my father who passed away in Germany in 2019. The key thing I learned is that you need to be proactive about maintaining contact with your ex if possible, or at least keeping track of his general status. What helped in my case was that my father had registered with the US consulate in Munich, so when he passed, they notified the State Department who then updated SSA records. But this only works if he's actually registered. Another tip - if he has any US bank accounts or credit cards, those companies often report deaths to credit bureaus, which can eventually make its way to SSA. Also, if he ever files US tax returns from overseas, the IRS shares death information with SSA. The reality is that without some kind of formal notification system, you might need to take matters into your own hands when the time comes. I'd suggest keeping a folder with all your marriage/divorce paperwork ready and maybe even researching Thai death certificate procedures now, just so you're prepared if needed.

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.