Thanks everyone for the helpful information. I managed to get through to SSA yesterday and have an appointment set up for next week. They're sending me a checklist of documents to bring. The representative also confirmed my younger siblings (16 and 14) will likely qualify for benefits until they graduate high school. This has been really helpful during such a difficult time.

I'm really sorry for your loss, Melissa. I went through this same process when my dad passed two years ago. One thing I wish I had known earlier - if your father was receiving Social Security benefits, those payments will stop automatically once SSA is notified of his death, so don't worry about that part. Also, for your younger siblings, the survivor benefits can be quite substantial - they're typically 75% of your father's benefit amount each, which can really help your family financially. Make sure to ask about back-dating the benefits to the month of death when you go to your appointment. The whole process took about 6 weeks for us from application to first payment. Hang in there!

Thank you all for the helpful information! This clears up so much confusion. I think my wife will apply for spousal benefits soon, but we'll calculate whether waiting until her FRA makes more financial sense given the permanent reduction. Good to know she doesn't need those extra quarters for spousal benefits, but interesting to consider if working just a bit more to get her own benefit might be worthwhile. I'll definitely use that Claimyr service when we're ready to apply - those wait times were my biggest concern!

One thing to consider that hasn't been mentioned yet - if your wife does decide to work those additional 3 quarters to qualify for her own benefits, she should be aware of the earnings test if she claims benefits before her FRA. Since she's 64, if she starts collecting spousal benefits now AND works, any earnings over $23,400 (2024 limit) will reduce her benefits by $1 for every $2 earned above that threshold. This doesn't apply once she reaches FRA. So if she's planning to work anyway to get those final quarters, it might make sense to wait until FRA to start collecting to avoid any earnings test complications.

Great plan Andrew! One additional tip - when you do get through to Social Security, ask them specifically about the effective date of your ex-spousal benefits. Sometimes there can be confusion about whether benefits start the month you applied or the month after, especially with ex-spousal claims that require additional documentation. Getting clarity on the exact start date will help you plan the transition from unemployment more precisely. Also, keep detailed records of all your conversations with both agencies - dates, times, and who you spoke with. This documentation can be really helpful if there are any questions later about timing or overpayments. Good luck with everything!

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now! I applied for Social Security in January and I'm still waiting for my first payment. What I learned from calling my state unemployment office is that they consider you "available for work" as long as you're actively job searching, even if you've applied for SS retirement benefits. The key is being transparent about everything. I reported my SS application immediately, and they told me to continue certifying for unemployment until I actually receive my first Social Security payment. Then I need to report that income right away. The unemployment caseworker also mentioned that if I get any retroactive SS payments, I might need to pay back some unemployment for those overlapping weeks, but they'll calculate that when it happens. Every state is different though, so definitely check with your specific unemployment office. Hang in there - this transition period is stressful but you're handling it the right way by asking questions and staying on top of the reporting requirements!

Looking at your numbers more carefully, there's something important to consider for your long-term planning: If you wait until your FRA (66+8mo), your own benefit would be $1,750. The full 50% spousal benefit based on your husband's $2,900 PIA would be $1,450. Since your own benefit at FRA ($1,750) is greater than the spousal benefit ($1,450), you would not receive a spousal top-up even at FRA. However, your husband's benefit will be significantly reduced by claiming at 63 (about 22.5% reduction). You both might want to reconsider your filing strategy if your financial situation allows waiting longer.

You're absolutely right to rethink your approach! Based on what others have explained here, it sounds like you have a relatively strong work record that eliminates any spousal benefit advantage. One thing to consider is the break-even analysis - at what age would the higher monthly payments from waiting offset the years of missed payments from filing early? For many people, this break-even point is around age 78-80. Also, don't forget about the earnings test if either of you plans to work after claiming. If you're under FRA and earn more than $22,320 (2024 limit), Social Security will withhold $1 for every $2 you earn above that limit. Have you looked into filing strategies like "file and suspend" or considered whether one of you might benefit from delaying until age 70 for the delayed retirement credits? Sometimes a mixed approach works better than both spouses filing at the same time.

Welcome to the community! Great to see you got your application submitted successfully. You made the right choice requesting benefits to start in your FRA month. Just a heads up - after you submit your online application, you should receive a confirmation receipt number. Keep that handy in case you need to follow up on your application status. The processing time can vary, but most straightforward FRA applications are processed within a few weeks. You can check your application status online using your my Social Security account. Best of luck with your retirement!

As someone who just went through this process a few months ago, I can confirm what others have said - definitely start benefits in your FRA month! I was also confused initially because the SSA phone reps gave me conflicting information. One told me to wait until the following month, another said it didn't matter. Turns out the second rep was wrong - you absolutely want to claim for the month you reach FRA to avoid losing that month's benefit. The online application process is actually pretty straightforward once you get started. Just make sure you have all your documents ready (W-2s, tax returns, etc.) before you begin. Good luck with your retirement!