Thank you all so much for the helpful information! I've learned so much from this discussion. Based on everything shared, I think I'm going to: 1. Schedule an appointment with SSA to get exact benefit calculations for different scenarios 2. Consider that my ex won't even be eligible to file for 7+ years (when he's 62+) 3. Remember that remarriage would eliminate spousal benefits but not survivor benefits 4. Factor in the WEP/GPO phase-out timeline for my pension The timing elements are particularly important - I hadn't fully considered the age gap between me and my ex. Even if I stay single, I can't get spousal benefits until he files, which is years away. It's a lot to consider, but I feel much better informed now. I appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and knowledge!

Great summary of your action plan! One additional tip - when you call SSA, ask them to run calculations for both your own benefit record AND what spousal benefits would look like on your ex's record (using his current earnings). They can give you estimates even though he hasn't filed yet. This will help you see the actual dollar difference between staying single for spousal benefits vs. remarrying. Also, since you mentioned your ex has health issues, you might want to ask about survivor benefit amounts too - that could be significantly higher than spousal benefits and would be available regardless of your marital status (since you're already over 60). The WEP/GPO phase-out is definitely real - I work in benefits administration and we're already preparing for the 2025 changes. For someone with a $2,600 teacher's pension, you'll see meaningful increases in your Social Security benefits over the next few years. Good luck with your decision!

Don't forget that if she buys a home and has money LEFT OVER after the purchase, that excess will count toward her $2000 resource limit!! Also, if the stocks are worth a lot, she might still go over the limit even with the home purchase. The SSI program is designed to TRAP people in poverty!

That's true about leftover funds, but there are other excluded resources she could consider for any excess, like burial funds (up to $1,500), home improvements, or even ABLE accounts depending on when her disability began. She should definitely discuss all options with a benefits counselor before making any decisions.

I'm really sorry for your loss, and I can see how overwhelming this whole process must be. The community has given you excellent advice here - you're definitely on the right track focusing on survivor benefits for your grandson rather than CIC benefits. One thing I wanted to add that might help you prepare for your call tomorrow: when you speak with SSA, be very clear that you're applying for SURVIVOR BENEFITS for a minor child whose parent is deceased, and that you are the child's legal guardian. Sometimes using the exact terminology helps get you transferred to the right department faster. Also, if the first representative seems confused or gives you conflicting information, don't hesitate to politely end the call and try again with someone else. Unfortunately, not all SSA reps are equally knowledgeable about all benefit types, and you want to make sure you're getting accurate information given the time-sensitive nature of the retroactive payments. Keep us updated on how it goes - this community is really helpful for navigating these complicated situations, and your experience might help other grandparents in similar circumstances!

I'm so sorry for the loss of your daughter and can completely understand how frustrating the SSA phone system can be when you're already dealing with so much. Everyone here has given you excellent guidance - CIC benefits definitely don't apply to your situation since those are specifically for spouses. What you really need to focus on is getting those survivor benefits for your grandson started ASAP. One small tip that might help when you call: if you're getting disconnected frequently, try calling right when they open (8 AM local time) or during lunch hours when call volume might be slightly lower. Also, once you get connected, ask the representative for a direct callback number in case you get disconnected - sometimes they can provide one. The fact that you're his legal guardian puts you in a good position to handle this application. Just make sure you emphasize that this is for CHILD SURVIVOR BENEFITS and that there's urgency due to the retroactive payment limits. You've got all the right information now thanks to this community - you're going to get through this! Please do update us on how it goes. Sending you and your grandson my best wishes during this difficult time.

I'm a newcomer here but have been dealing with similar Social Security questions for my disabled brother. One thing I learned that might help is to also check if your daughter qualifies for any state disability services that could provide respite care or day programs. This could potentially allow you to work longer and build up your own Social Security earnings record, which might end up being more valuable than divorced spousal benefits. Also, since you mentioned planning ahead for potential remarriage, you might want to consult with a Social Security advisor or elder law attorney who can run scenarios based on your specific earnings history and your ex-husband's benefit amount. They can help you understand the exact timing and financial implications of different choices. The rules around divorced spousal benefits, surviving divorced spouse benefits, and remarriage timing are complex enough that professional guidance could save you from making costly mistakes.

I'm new to this community but facing a very similar situation with my disabled adult son. One thing I discovered that might be helpful is to also look into whether your daughter might be eligible for ABLE accounts (Achieving a Better Life Experience). These special savings accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without affecting their SSI or Medicaid eligibility, and family members can contribute up to $17,000 annually (as of 2023). While this doesn't directly address your caregiver situation, it could help with long-term financial planning for your daughter's care. Also, since you mentioned you're 63 and still working, you might want to consider that if you can delay your own Social Security until age 70, your benefit could be significantly higher than divorced spousal benefits - but definitely run the numbers first! The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) has a directory where you can find attorneys who specialize in Social Security and disability planning if you want professional guidance on timing these decisions.

Just to update everyone on the timeline: once you submit the new W-4V form, it typically takes the SSA about 4-6 weeks to process the change. The new withholding rate will apply to payments after processing is complete. If you're concerned about owing taxes for 2025, you could also make quarterly estimated tax payments directly to the IRS to supplement your withholding until the new rate kicks in.

One thing to keep in mind - if you're making the change this late in the year, you might want to calculate how much extra withholding you'll actually get for 2025. Since it takes 4-6 weeks to process and we're already in late March, you'll only have about 8-9 months of the higher withholding rate. If you're significantly under-withheld, you might still want to make a quarterly estimated payment for Q2 to avoid underpayment penalties. The IRS generally wants you to pay 90% of your current year tax liability or 100% of last year's (110% if your prior year AGI was over $150k) to avoid penalties.