For restarting after suspension, you don't need a new application. You simply contact SSA to request reinstatement of your benefits. This can be done by phone, in person, or online through your my Social Security account. When you request reinstatement, benefits resume the month after your request (unless you specify a future month). The amount will include all accumulated DRCs. My recommendation: Set a calendar reminder about 30 days before you want to restart. This gives SSA time to process everything so there's no gap in payments.

just a tip from someone who did the suspend thing last year - write down EVERYTHING when u talk to them! i didnt get the name of the person i talked to when i suspended and then they had no record of my request! lost a month of credits because of it. always get confirmation numbers and names!!!!!

Thank you all for your helpful responses! I think I understand my options better now. Since my husband's benefit is so much higher than mine would be, it seems like a good strategy might be to: 1. Take my own reduced benefit at 62 2. If my husband passes away before I reach my FRA, evaluate whether to: - Switch immediately to a reduced survivor benefit (if it's higher than my reduced retirement) - Continue with my own benefit until my FRA, then switch to the full survivor benefit I'm going to try using that Claimyr service to actually speak with SSA to confirm this strategy for my specific situation before I make any decisions. It's frustrating how complicated they make all of this!

As someone who just went through this exact situation, I wanted to share what I learned. My husband was 8 years older and had already been collecting for 5 years when I turned 62. I was so confused about all the rules! Here's what SSA confirmed for me: your early retirement claim does NOT reduce your future survivor benefits. They're calculated completely separately. So you can absolutely take your reduced benefit at 62 and then later switch to his full survivor benefit when you reach your FRA. The key thing to remember is timing - if you become widowed before your FRA, you can choose to take reduced survivor benefits immediately OR wait until your FRA for the full amount. Since his benefit is so much higher than yours ($2,800 vs $1,100), waiting for the full survivor benefit would probably be worth it financially. I'd also suggest asking SSA about "restricted application" strategies since there might be spousal benefit options while he's still living that could be better than your own reduced retirement benefit. Good luck navigating this - it's definitely not simple!

Thanks everyone for the advice! I went to my local office this morning with my filled-out W-4V form and ID. Took a number, waited about 30 minutes, and they accepted it no problem! The staff person said I should see the withholding start on my payment next month. She also gave me a receipt showing they received the form, which made me feel much better. For anyone else wondering, at least at my office (Tucson), no appointment was needed just to drop off a form.

That's awesome news! Thanks for following up with how it went - that's really helpful for others who might be in the same situation. The receipt is definitely key, and it sounds like your office was much more efficient than some of the horror stories people shared. Hopefully your withholding starts right on schedule next month!

Great advice from everyone here! I'm also navigating Social Security planning and wanted to add one more resource that might help. You can create a my Social Security account online at ssa.gov to get personalized benefit estimates and see your earnings history. This can help you verify the numbers you're working with before making any claiming decisions. Also, regarding the documentation Sarah mentioned - yes, you'll definitely need your marriage certificate for survivor benefits, but also make sure you have your husband's death certificate when that time comes (hopefully far in the future!). The SSA is very particular about having original documents or certified copies. Your plan to wait 18 months and get everything in writing sounds very smart. The earnings test really can complicate things if you're still working, and the permanent reduction from claiming early is significant. Better to be patient and maximize your benefits!

As someone who just went through the Social Security claiming process at 63, I wanted to share a few additional insights that might help with your planning: First, the my Social Security account that Chloe mentioned is absolutely essential - but double-check those earnings records! I found several years where my earnings weren't properly credited, which would have reduced my benefit calculation. You have to report discrepancies before you claim. Second, regarding the in-person appointment strategy - that's smart, but call ahead to schedule. Many offices are still operating with limited walk-in availability post-COVID. When I went in person last year, they were booking appointments 3-4 weeks out. One thing I wish someone had told me: if you're planning to work part-time after claiming, keep detailed records of your monthly earnings. The earnings test is applied annually, but if you go over in some months and under in others, having good documentation can help if there are any disputes about withholding. Your husband did great by waiting until 70 - that delayed retirement credit really adds up! Given his higher benefit amount, your survivor benefit strategy makes a lot of sense. Just make sure to periodically review the numbers as you get closer to your planned claiming date, since the calculations can change slightly with cost-of-living adjustments.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Seraphina. I went through something very similar when my spouse passed away 2 years ago. Based on my experience and what others have shared here, you're definitely on the right track with this strategy. One additional tip that helped me: when you call SSA, try calling right when they open at 8 AM or during lunch hours (around 12-1 PM) - I found those times had shorter wait times. Also, if you get a representative who seems unsure about the survivor-to-retirement benefit switch, politely ask to speak with a supervisor or someone who specializes in survivor benefits. The folks here are right about being very specific with your language. I actually wrote down exactly what I wanted to say before I called: "I am applying for survivor benefits only at this time, and I want to restrict the scope of my application to survivor benefits. I plan to switch to my own retirement benefit at age 70." The process took about 2 months from application to first payment for me, so don't be discouraged if it seems slow. Keep all your paperwork and get confirmation numbers for everything. You've got this!

I'm so sorry for your loss, and I want to echo what others have said - you absolutely CAN do this strategy! I work as a benefits counselor and see this situation frequently. A few practical points to add to the excellent advice already given: 1. When you call SSA, ask for the "survivor benefits specialist" - they tend to be more knowledgeable about these specific rules than general representatives. 2. Consider applying in person at your local SSA office if possible. Sometimes face-to-face interactions help ensure they process everything correctly, and you can get documentation of exactly what you're applying for. 3. The survivor benefit amount you mentioned ($2,790) - make sure that's the actual survivor benefit and not just what your husband was receiving. Survivor benefits are calculated differently and could be higher than his retirement benefit was. 4. Document everything! Get the representative's name, the date you applied, and ask for written confirmation of what benefits you're receiving and when you plan to switch. Your strategy is sound - collecting $2,790 now versus waiting and potentially losing out on 3+ years of payments just to get an extra $85/month doesn't make financial sense. You're making the right choice!