One more thing to consider - if you're planning to continue working in some capacity, you might want to wait until your Full Retirement Age to claim survivor benefits. That way you avoid the earnings test completely. The benefit would be 100% of her PIA instead of the reduced 71.5%, AND you wouldn't have any benefit withheld due to earnings. It's always a personal calculation based on your health, financial needs, and employment situation. But many people don't realize how significant the earnings test reduction can be if they're still working substantially.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Zane. Losing a spouse so young is devastating, and dealing with Social Security on top of grief is overwhelming. I wanted to add something that might be helpful - there's also a one-time death benefit of $255 that you're entitled to as the surviving spouse. It's not much, but it's something you should claim if you haven't already. Also, regarding your question about the benefit calculation - since your wife was receiving SSDI, that $2,450 is very likely her PIA (Primary Insurance Amount), which is what survivor benefits are based on. The key thing everyone's mentioned about the earnings test is crucial - at $50K income, you'd lose a significant portion of the survivor benefit due to the earnings limit. One strategy I've seen work well is to focus on building up your own retirement benefit by continuing to work until your FRA, then claiming your own higher benefit. Since you mentioned 35+ years of work history, your own benefit at FRA might actually exceed what you'd get from survivor benefits, even at 100%. Definitely get that appointment with SSA to run all the scenarios. They can show you exactly what each option would look like financially.

When my dad remarried at 75 he said the SSA never even asked him about his previous marriage or benefits. I think they really don't care once you're over 60. Enjoy your wedding!

Congratulations on your upcoming marriage! I went through a similar situation when I remarried at 68. The good news is that since you're over 60, your survivor benefits from your first husband will continue unchanged after you remarry. I didn't have any issues when I reported my marriage to SSA - they just updated my file and confirmed my benefits would continue as normal. Just make sure to report the change within 10 days after your wedding. You can do this by phone or by visiting your local SSA office. Don't let the fear of losing benefits stop you from being happy - the law protects seniors in exactly your situation. Wishing you all the best for your new marriage!

Thank you all for the helpful responses! I'm feeling much more confident about doing the application online now. I'll gather all my documents this weekend and try to submit it next week. I appreciate everyone sharing their experiences!

Good luck with your application, Zoe! Just wanted to add one more tip - when you're ready to apply, make sure you have a solid internet connection and set aside at least an hour without interruptions. The system will time out if you're inactive for too long. Also, if you run into any technical issues with the website, try clearing your browser cache or switching to a different browser. I had to do that when I applied last year. You've got this!

From your username it looks like you're in Texas? My mom had the exact same experience with the Dallas SSA office. The frontline staff gave her incorrect info about survivor benefits but when she got to the actual claims specialist, they handled it correctly. Just make sure to escalate if needed during your call.

I went through this exact same situation 2 years ago and can confirm - the SSA rep was completely wrong! Restricted applications for survivor benefits are absolutely still allowed. The 2015 changes only affected spousal benefits, not widow(er) benefits. Here's what worked for me: During your phone appointment, say "I am filing a restricted application for survivor benefits ONLY" and repeat that you are NOT applying for your own retirement benefit at this time. If the agent seems confused or pushes back, politely ask to speak with a technical expert or supervisor who specializes in survivor benefits. Also bring up that you plan to file for your own retirement benefit at age 70 when your delayed retirement credits max out - this will help them understand your strategy is intentional and legitimate. Don't let them talk you out of what is absolutely the right financial move for your situation!

YES!! THIS!! So many families don't realize that an inheritance or even too much money saved can COMPLETELY disqualify their disabled adult children from benefits!! We set up an ABLE account AND a special needs trust. Talk to a lawyer who specializes in special needs planning - regular estate attorneys often miss these details!!

I'm so sorry for your loss. This is such a challenging situation to navigate while grieving. I went through something similar when my brother passed and left behind his disabled son. A few practical tips that might help: Start gathering ALL medical documentation NOW - not just recent stuff, but everything from childhood diagnoses, school IEPs, therapy records, everything. SSA wants a complete picture of how the disability affects daily living and work capacity. Also, consider getting a letter from her current doctors specifically addressing her ability to work. They need to understand not just the diagnosis, but how it impacts her functional capacity. One thing that caught me off guard was that they may want to do their own medical evaluation even with extensive records. Don't be surprised if they schedule her for additional appointments. The good news is that with a well-documented case like Down Syndrome, approval rates are generally good. The frustrating part is just the bureaucratic timeline. Stay on top of deadlines and don't hesitate to call if you don't hear back when they say you will. Hang in there - you're doing everything right by planning ahead!