Just wondering - did you check your earnings record on your SS account to make sure it's correct? When my estimates disappeared, I later found out there were some missing earnings in my record that would have affected my benefit calculation. Might be worth double-checking while you're sorting this out!

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago when I started getting survivor benefits at age 62. The disappearing estimates really threw me off too! What I ended up doing was creating a simple spreadsheet to track my own benefit growth using the delayed retirement credits (8% per year from FRA to age 70). You can find your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) from your last statement before the estimates disappeared, then calculate the growth yourself. It's not perfect, but it gives you a good ballpark for planning. I also set a calendar reminder to request that SSA-7004 form that Hugo mentioned every year so I can compare my calculations with their official numbers. The good news is that SSA is supposed to automatically switch you to the higher benefit when you reach FRA, but definitely keep track of it yourself for peace of mind!

Thank you everyone for the helpful responses. I had no idea my benefit calculation was so complex! I'm going to check my earnings record and maybe try to speak with an SSA rep to fully understand my specific situation. This has been really educational - I appreciate all the explanations!

This is such a helpful thread! I'm in a similar situation (turning 62 next year) and had noticed my benefit estimate jumping around more than I expected. The explanation about multiple factors affecting the calculation - not just COLA - really clarifies things. I especially appreciate learning that COLA applies from age 62 even if you delay claiming. That's going to make my retirement planning much more accurate. Thanks to everyone who shared their knowledge here!

Based on everyone's advice, here's what I recommend you do: 1. Make an appointment with your local SSA office (don't just walk in) 2. Ask specifically for a Technical Expert who specializes in survivor benefits 3. Bring your husband's death certificate, his Social Security statement if you have it, and your marriage certificate 4. Use this specific language: "I need a recalculation of my survivor benefits that includes the delayed retirement credits my husband earned between his FRA at 66 and his death at 69" 5. Request a written explanation of the calculation they provide If you continue to face resistance, you have the right to file for a reconsideration or even appeal the decision. But hopefully, speaking with the right specialist will resolve this without further steps.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Dylan. What you're experiencing is unfortunately very common - many SSA representatives don't properly calculate survivor benefits when delayed retirement credits are involved. You are absolutely right to question this! Your survivor benefit should be based on 100% of what your husband would have received at age 69, INCLUDING his delayed retirement credits. Since he waited 3 years past his FRA (66), he earned 8% per year in DRCs, which means his benefit should be about 24% higher than his FRA amount. Here's what I'd suggest: When you go back, specifically ask them to show you the calculation on paper. Ask to see both the PIA (Primary Insurance Amount) at his FRA AND the amount with delayed retirement credits included. If they can't or won't do this, ask to speak with a supervisor or Technical Expert. Also, keep in mind that if you're planning to wait until your own FRA to claim, you should receive 100% of his benefit amount (with DRCs included). The fact that multiple reps are giving you the same lower figure suggests they're all making the same systematic error in their calculations. Don't give up - this could mean hundreds of dollars per month for the rest of your life!

I'm in a very similar situation - turning 62 soon and trying to figure out the best strategy for me and my spouse. From everything I've read here and other places, it sounds like if you claim early and pass away before your FRA, your wife would generally get your reduced benefit amount as her survivor benefit. One thing that might help is to create a simple spreadsheet comparing different scenarios - like what you'd both receive if you claim at 62 vs 65 vs 67, factoring in your health, life expectancy, and how much you both need the income now vs later. Also consider that your wife can claim survivor benefits as early as 60 (though at a reduced rate) regardless of when you claimed. The math gets complicated but the peace of mind of knowing you've made the right decision for both of you is worth taking the time to really understand it. Good luck with whatever you decide!

As someone who worked for SSA for over 15 years before retiring, I can confirm that this is one of the most misunderstood aspects of Social Security planning. The key thing to understand is that when you file for early retirement benefits, you're essentially "locking in" a reduced benefit amount that will affect survivor benefits. However, there are some nuances that haven't been fully covered here. The survivor benefit calculation uses something called the "RIB-LIM" (Retirement Insurance Benefit Limit) which can sometimes provide a slightly higher benefit than just your reduced amount. Also, if you die within 12 months of first receiving benefits, there are special provisions that might apply. My advice? Get your official benefit estimates from SSA (you can do this online at ssa.gov) and run the numbers for different claiming ages. Consider not just the monthly amounts, but the total lifetime benefits for both of you. Sometimes claiming early still makes sense if you have health concerns or immediate financial needs, even with the impact on survivor benefits. The most important thing is to make an informed decision based on YOUR specific situation, not general rules. Every couple's circumstances are different.

Don't forget to track your earnings carefully throughout the year. SSA won't necessarily warn you when you're approaching the limit - they often just discover it when earnings are reported and then send you an overpayment notice later. I recommend creating a spreadsheet to monitor your monthly income against the limit, especially since you'll both have variable income from part-time and consulting work.

This is such a helpful thread! I'm in a similar situation - turning 65 next year and planning to work part-time. One thing I learned from my financial advisor is that you should also consider notifying SSA if your income changes significantly during the year. They have a form (SSA-723) where you can report estimated earnings, and they'll adjust your benefits accordingly instead of waiting until the end of the year and potentially creating an overpayment situation. It's much better to have them withhold benefits proactively than to owe money back later. The form is available online and can save you a lot of headaches!