One thing I'd like to add from my experience working with SSA benefits: Don't forget that divorced spouse benefits are based on your ex's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), not what they're actually receiving if they filed early or late. So even if your ex filed at 62 and gets a reduced benefit, your divorced spouse benefit would still be calculated from their full retirement age amount. This is actually favorable for you! Also, just to confirm what others have said - you'll definitely need to call after filing online to make sure they calculate both options. The online system just doesn't have that comparison feature built in unfortunately.

As someone who just went through this process 6 months ago, I can confirm what most others have said - you won't see a side-by-side comparison during the online application. However, I want to add a couple of practical tips that helped me: 1. When you fill out the online application, be very thorough in the marriage history section. Don't just put dates - include your ex-spouse's full name and SSN if you have it (from old tax returns, etc.). This will help speed up the process when they research the divorced spouse benefit. 2. After submitting online, wait 3-5 business days before calling SSA. This gives them time to process your initial application and pull up your records. When I called the same day I applied, they couldn't see my application yet. 3. When you do call, ask specifically for them to calculate your "divorced spouse benefit" and compare it to your "retirement benefit on your own record." Use those exact terms - it helps ensure they understand what you're asking for. In my case, my own benefit was actually higher than the divorced spouse benefit, but I'm glad I had both calculated to be sure. The whole process took about 6 weeks from application to first payment, but having the comparison done upfront gave me peace of mind that I made the right choice.

This is such valuable information everyone is sharing! As someone new to navigating survivor benefits, I'm learning so much from reading about your experiences. One thing I'd add - I've heard that it's really important to apply for survivor benefits in person at a local SSA office rather than online, especially for complex situations like switching strategies. The online system apparently doesn't handle the nuances well, and you need an experienced representative who can walk through all the scenarios with you. Also, @Zadie Patel, you might want to consider getting a written benefit estimate for both scenarios before making your final decision. That way you have documentation of what SSA calculated and can refer back to it if there are any issues later. The stories about people missing out on thousands because they weren't told about all their options are really concerning. It seems like you really have to advocate for yourself and ask specifically about switching strategies.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Zadie. This is exactly the kind of complex situation where getting the right information upfront can make a huge difference over your lifetime. From everything shared here, it sounds like the survivor-first strategy could work well for you. Taking survivor benefits at 60 (around $2,038/month based on the calculation above) gives you income when you need it, then switching to your own benefit at 70 maximizes those delayed retirement credits. One thing I'd strongly recommend - before making any decisions, schedule an appointment at your local SSA office and ask them to run a detailed "what-if" analysis for BOTH scenarios: 1. Survivor benefits at 60, switch to your own at 70 2. Wait until FRA for full survivor benefits Get those calculations in writing! As others mentioned, representatives sometimes give different answers, so having documentation protects you. Also ask specifically about: - Exact reduction percentages for early survivor benefits - How the earnings test applies if you're working - The process for switching between benefit types - Any potential impacts on Medicare eligibility timing The break-even analysis Emma provided is really helpful, but getting official SSA numbers for your specific situation will give you the confidence to move forward with the best strategy for your circumstances.

Thank you all so much for the helpful responses! This is much more complicated than I thought, but I understand better now. I'm going to run some calculations to see whether taking my small benefit early is worth the permanent reduction to my eventual spousal benefit. Since we have some savings, I might be able to wait until my FRA. I'll definitely try to speak with SSA directly to get exact numbers for my situation before making a final decision.

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - you might want to consider whether you qualify for any other benefits while waiting. If your income is low enough, you could potentially qualify for programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or utility assistance during those years between 62 and your FRA. Sometimes these benefits can help bridge the gap financially, making it more feasible to wait for the higher Social Security payments. Also, don't forget that if you do take your benefit early at 62, you'll be subject to the earnings test if you're still working. In 2024, you can only earn up to $22,320 without having benefits reduced. Just another factor to consider in your planning! Good luck with your decision - it sounds like you're being very thoughtful about weighing all the options.

The original poster has outlined the correct approach in their last comment. To summarize this thread with accurate information: 1. Due to the deemed filing rules for those born after 1954, you can't file a restricted application to claim ex-spouse benefits first, then switch to your own later. 2. When you apply for benefits, SSA will calculate both your own retirement benefit and your ex-spouse benefit (50% of their PIA), and pay you the higher of the two amounts. 3. If you claim any benefits before your full retirement age (67), they will be permanently reduced. 4. Working while collecting benefits before FRA will subject you to the earnings test, which may temporarily reduce your benefits. 5. The mathematically optimal strategy (if you can afford it) is usually to wait until 70 to claim the higher of the two benefits, especially if you expect to live beyond approximately age 82.

One more thing to keep in mind - since your ex is on SSDI, his disability benefits will automatically convert to retirement benefits when he reaches his full retirement age (probably 66 or 67 depending on his birth year). The amount stays the same, but this conversion might affect how SSA calculates your potential ex-spouse benefit. When you call them, make sure to mention that he's currently receiving disability benefits rather than retirement benefits. Also, just to be extra clear - you don't need to be in contact with your ex or get his permission. SSA has all the records they need to determine your eligibility and benefit amounts. Good luck with your decision!

One thing I'd add that hasn't been mentioned yet - make sure you understand how Social Security defines "earnings" for the earnings test. They count gross wages and net self-employment income, but there are some nuances that might affect your planning. For example, if you get a bonus or commission payment in 2025 for work you did in 2024, Social Security counts that toward your 2025 earnings limit even though the work was done in a previous year. Similarly, if you have any deferred compensation or salary that gets paid out, that typically counts too. On the flip side, things like employer contributions to your 401(k), health insurance premiums paid by your employer, and certain fringe benefits don't count toward the earnings limit. Since you mentioned your boss wants you to take on more hours and you're trying to plan carefully, it might be worth asking about the structure of any additional compensation - whether it's straight hourly wages, includes bonuses, has any deferred components, etc. This could help you be more precise in your calculations for those crucial January-May months. The SSA publication "How Work Affects Your Benefits" (Publication No. 05-10069) has all the detailed rules if you want to dive deeper into what counts and what doesn't.

This thread has been incredibly helpful for understanding the earnings limits! I'm in a similar situation (turning FRA next year) and had no idea about some of these nuances. A few additional points that might help others: 1. If you're married and file jointly, make sure your spouse understands that only YOUR earnings count toward the limit - their income doesn't affect your Social Security benefits under the earnings test. 2. For those who are self-employed, the calculation can be trickier since you need to use net self-employment income rather than gross wages. Make sure you're tracking business expenses carefully. 3. I learned the hard way that if you do go over the limit, Social Security will ask you to estimate your earnings for the following year too. They want to avoid future overpayments, so be prepared for that conversation. The advice about reporting expected earnings in advance through the SSA website is gold - I wish I had known about that option earlier. It really does help smooth out the process and avoid those dreaded overpayment notices. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences, especially the practical tips about pay timing and bonus structures!