To address your original question about appointments - yes, you should definitely schedule one rather than just showing up. As others have mentioned, wait times can be extremely long, especially in busy offices. If you're having trouble getting through on the 800 number, try calling right when they open (8:00 AM Eastern time) or in the last hour before they close (5:30-6:30 PM Eastern). Thursdays and Fridays tend to have slightly shorter wait times than Mondays. Alternatively, check if your local office has a direct number listed. Some do provide direct lines on their local office pages that can be found through the SSA office locator: https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp

I'm so sorry for your loss, Luca. Going through this process while grieving is incredibly difficult. Based on what others have shared, I wanted to add a few practical tips that might help: Since you're having trouble getting through on the phone, consider visiting your local office first thing in the morning when they open - many offices allow walk-ins for urgent matters like survivor benefits, and you'll avoid the afternoon rush. Bring a book or tablet to keep yourself occupied during the wait. Also, when you do get your appointment, ask about expedited processing. Survivor benefits for children are considered priority cases, and they may be able to fast-track your application given your circumstances. One thing I haven't seen mentioned - make sure to ask about any lump-sum death benefit ($255) that may be available. It's not much, but every bit helps during this difficult time. Take care of yourself during this process. The paperwork and waiting can be frustrating, but you're doing the right thing by getting these benefits for your kids. They'll provide important financial support as you all navigate this new chapter.

my neighbor waited till 70 for everything and then died at 72 just sayin

As someone who's been through this exact decision process, I'd recommend also considering getting a personalized Social Security analysis from AARP or a fee-only financial planner. The math you've done looks solid, but there are so many variables (health, other income, tax implications, estate planning goals) that it's worth having a professional run the numbers with all your specific details. One thing I learned: if you do decide to take survivor benefits now, make sure to ask SSA about the "do-over" rule. You have 12 months to change your mind and pay back what you received if you want to restart at a higher benefit later. It's like a safety net for your decision. Also, have you looked into whether your late husband had any delayed retirement credits that might affect your survivor benefit calculations? Sometimes the estimates don't fully capture those nuances.

To answer your follow-up question - your wife claiming her own benefit early does NOT affect her survivor benefit. If you pass away, she would get your full benefit amount regardless of when she claimed her own benefit. This is why many financial advisors recommend the hybrid strategy for couples with significant benefit disparities. Given your numbers, if she claimed at her FRA (probably around $1,230/month based on what you shared), you'd get some SS income flowing while still maximizing your benefit (and her eventual survivor benefit). Just make sure she's at least at her own FRA to avoid any potential reduction from the earnings test if she's still working.

As someone who recently went through this same decision process, I'd strongly recommend creating a simple spreadsheet to model both scenarios with your actual numbers. Include factors like potential tax implications, investment returns on the early money, and don't forget about Medicare premiums potentially increasing with higher income later. The hybrid approach mentioned by others is brilliant - having your wife claim at her FRA while you delay gives you the best of both worlds. You get some immediate cash flow for those home accessibility improvements and European trip, while still maximizing the survivor benefit protection. One thing I wish I'd considered earlier: inflation protection. That guaranteed 8% annual increase by waiting isn't just about the raw dollars - it's also building in better inflation protection for both of you long-term. With your strong longevity genes, that could be worth hundreds of thousands over your lifetimes. The peace of mind factor is real too. Knowing you've optimized for the surviving spouse (likely your wife given typical gender longevity differences) can be worth a lot psychologically, even if the pure math is close.

ALSO make sure to ask them about Medicare!! I found out that if you take ANY SS benefit before 65, they automatically enroll you in Medicare Part B when you turn 65 and start deducting the premium from your SS payment. I wasn't expecting that and it messed up my health insurance situation with my employer. So many weird rules!!

I'm sorry for your loss, Keith. Navigating Social Security after losing an ex-spouse can be overwhelming, especially when you're trying to balance work and financial planning. Based on what others have shared, it sounds like you have good options, but the key is getting those exact benefit calculations. One thing I'd add - since you mentioned being exhausted and wanting to work less, you might also consider whether reducing your work hours (and income) could make claiming survivor benefits at 65 more worthwhile by keeping you under or closer to that $22,780 earnings limit. Also, don't forget to gather any documentation you might need for your SSA appointment - your divorce decree, marriage certificate, and your ex-husband's death certificate. Having everything ready can help make that appointment more productive. Good luck with whatever path you choose - it sounds like you're being smart about researching all your options before making a decision!

I'm so sorry for your loss, Jasmine. Losing a parent suddenly is devastating. I went through this exact situation when my father passed away unexpectedly two years ago. The emotional burden of handling these administrative tasks while grieving is overwhelming. A few practical tips that helped me: When you call SSA, have your mother's Social Security number, date of birth, and date of death ready. Also have the death certificate number if you have it (though you may not need the physical copy for the initial call). One thing I learned is that SSA will put a "flag" on her record immediately when you report the death, which should prevent any future payments. The Treasury reclamation process for the payment she already received typically takes 2-4 weeks. Also, if she had any direct deposits for other benefits (like pension payments), you'll need to contact those organizations separately. SSA only handles Social Security payments. Take care of yourself during this difficult time. The administrative stuff can wait a few days if you need time to process your grief first.

I'm so very sorry for the loss of your mother, Jasmine. Sudden losses like this are especially shocking and my heart goes out to you and your family. I want to echo what others have said about calling SSA at 1-800-772-1213, but I also wanted to share something that might help with the waiting times. If you have access to a computer, you can also create a my Social Security account online at ssa.gov and report the death through their online system. Sometimes this can be faster than calling, especially during busy periods. You'll still likely need to follow up with a phone call, but it can get the initial report started. Also, when you do speak with SSA, ask them to send you a written confirmation that the death has been reported and that they've initiated the payment reclamation. Having this documentation can be helpful if any questions come up later with the bank or other agencies. Take care of yourself during this difficult time. You're doing everything right, even when it doesn't feel like it.