To provide a bit more clarity: For the earnings test, SSA counts your gross wages and net self-employment income earned during the year. The earnings limit applies regardless of whether the money is earned in one month or spread throughout the year. However, there is a monthly grace period in the first year you retire. If you earn less than the monthly limit ($1,860 in 2025) in any given month, you'll receive your full benefit for that month, regardless of your annual earnings. This only applies in the first year you claim benefits.

To address your earlier question about reporting: Yes, you should report any changes in your expected earnings to SSA proactively. While they do eventually get the information from tax records, that happens much later and could result in an unexpected overpayment notice. You can report changes by calling SSA directly or by visiting your local office. If you expect to exceed the limit, it's better to let them know as soon as possible so they can adjust your benefits accordingly rather than creating an overpayment situation.

Maybe I misunderstanding something - I thought the widow always gets the HIGHER of either their own benefit OR their deceased spouse's benefit? So if your mom is already getting the highest benefit (from husband #1), why would it matter if husband #3's benefit increases after WEP repeal? Wouldn't she just continue getting the highest one available?

Something else to consider: The GPO/WEP repeal proposals usually include a phase-in period, not an immediate full repeal. This means the full benefit increase would likely come gradually over several years. Given your mother's age, I'd recommend getting the information now so you're prepared to take action as soon as any legislation passes. While you're gathering this information, also ask about what documentation she might need to provide if she needs to switch to claiming on husband #3's record. Having these documents ready (marriage certificate, death certificate, etc.) can save time later.

One more thing to consider - if you have at least 10 years of work credits in the US yourself, you may have options for filing on your own record now while waiting to claim any UK benefits when you reach their eligibility age. This can sometimes be a better strategy depending on your earnings history. The international benefits specialists can help you calculate which approach gives you the most money long-term.

hey did ur husband ever work in the US at all? my uncle worked in both canada and US and my aunt got benefits from both places when he died!

my uncle got a letter from SS saying they paid him too much cuz of his job even tho he was at FRA and now they're taking $$$ back every month... im thinking maybe something else is going on with his situation but just saying maybe double check with SSA directly

Thank you all for the incredibly helpful responses! I feel so much better knowing I won't lose any benefits due to my earnings. I'll definitely keep the tax implications in mind though - I hadn't considered that 85% of my SS might be taxable with my income level. The news that my higher earnings might actually INCREASE my future benefits is a great bonus I wasn't expecting! I'm going to look into that Claimyr service too since I'd like to confirm everything directly with SSA before tax time. This community is amazing - I got better information here than from all the confusing articles I tried reading online!

The thing that makes me so MAD is how they say no first without even checking!!! its like they WANT to deny us what we deserve and hope we dont know better and just leave! my brother in law got denied disability 3 times and finally got approved after getting a lawyer. the system is rigged against us regular folks

Update: I called SSA this morning because I realized I forgot to bring my son's school transcript yesterday. The agent I spoke with was actually very helpful and said I can upload it through my mySocialSecurity account instead of making another trip to the office. She also confirmed that yes, I'll need to submit updated enrollment verification each semester. Just wanted to share this tip in case it helps anyone else!

MY HUSBAND WENT THRU THIS EXACT THING!!!! Pay the bill!!! We didnt pay ours thinking SS would handle it and his medicare got CANCELLED!! took FOREVER to fix and we had to pay a penalty 😠 The system is SO BROKEN!! why cant they COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER??? AND be prepared for your SS to take FOREVER!!! My husband's took almost 3 months even though he applied online and did everything right. They kept saying "processing" until we finally got someone on the phone who actually helped.

just curious - did u work after applying? my brother had his ss app stuck for 3 months because he worked part time during the app process and apparently that can slow things down a lot

i think u can also try applying for medicaid thru the marketplace if u go to healthcare.gov they have special options for ppl who lose coverage

I've been following this thread, and I wanted to circle back - did you manage to file the appeal yet? Remember that if you request the continuation of benefits during appeal (by checking that box on the SSA-561 form), they should continue her Medicaid during the appeal process. This buys you time to explore the state-specific programs others have mentioned. Don't wait on this - the 10-day window for continued benefits during appeal is crucial.

your payment date depends on your birthday too. mine comes on the 2nd wednesday because i was born on the 15th. but they changed it all around a few years ago. used to be everyone got paid on the 3rd but now its different

Anyone know if they do partial backpay? My husband's was split in three payments over 6 months because it was a big amount.

my wife had same question last yr. turns out she got extra $212/month from spousal when we worked it all out. but took forever to get straight answer from ssa.

To directly answer your original question: yes, you have the basic concept correct. You need to be receiving less than 50% of your husband's PIA at his FRA to qualify for a spousal top-up, and he needs to be collecting his own benefits (which he is). The next step is determining if your $2,150 benefit is less than 50% of his PIA. This may require contacting SSA directly as others have suggested.

when my husband died two years ago i had so much trouble with survivor benefits.... just keep calling til you get someone nice. theres good people and mean people at every office

Just to give you some peace of mind about your survivor benefits application - even if there was somehow an issue with your appointment (which is unlikely), you won't lose any benefits. Survivor benefits can be paid retroactively for up to six months from your application date. So even if you have to reschedule, you'll still receive all the benefits you're entitled to from your initial contact date. The SSA considers your first contact about applying as your protective filing date, which preserves your benefits while you complete the actual application. But definitely verify your appointment using the methods others have suggested. The national number (800-772-1213) is your best bet if you don't see anything in your online account.