Just wondering - has anyone tried calling the SSA lately? Is it still super hard to get through? My mom waited 3 hours on hold last month before giving up!

As someone who works with seniors on benefit issues, I want to emphasize that you absolutely should pursue this! At 76, you have every right to apply for survivor benefits, and there's no time limit on when you can make this switch. One thing I'd add to the great advice already given - when you do get through to SSA, ask them to explain the "deemed filing" rules that were in effect when your husband passed in 2012. Depending on when you first applied for your own benefits, there might have been automatic considerations for survivor benefits that weren't properly processed. Also, don't be discouraged if the first representative you speak with seems uncertain about your situation. Survivor benefit calculations for cases like yours (where significant time has passed) can be complex, and sometimes you need to speak with a specialist or supervisor to get the full picture. The potential extra $550/month you mentioned could really add up over time, so this is definitely worth pursuing. Good luck!

Another thing - make SURE you tell your employer that you're collecting Social Security! I didn't, and they withheld Social Security taxes from my paychecks even though I was already collecting benefits. You still pay Medicare taxes but the SS tax situation is different when you're collecting benefits.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! From what I understand: 1) Yes, there's a $22,750 limit for 2025 since I'm under my FRA, 2) If I earn over that, they'll reduce benefits $1 for every $2 over, 3) They'll adjust this after the year ends, not immediately, 4) The withholdings aren't permanently lost - they'll recalculate when I reach FRA, and 5) Investment income doesn't count toward the limit. I think I'll go ahead with the part-time job and not worry too much about the limit. The extra income will help, even with a slight benefit reduction.

I'm new to this community and Social Security in general, but this thread has been incredibly educational! I'm still several years away from retirement, but seeing all the complexities around spousal benefits makes me realize I need to start planning much earlier than I thought. One question for those who've been through this - is there a good resource or guide that walks through all these scenarios before you actually need to apply? It seems like there are so many nuances (like the FRA vs age 70 calculation differences, IRMAA implications, etc.) that would be helpful to understand ahead of time rather than figuring it out during the application process. Also, for someone like Roger who did such a great job delaying until 70 for the maximum benefit - any tips on how you managed financially during those extra years between your full retirement age and 70? That's something I'm trying to plan for myself.

Welcome to the community! As someone who's also navigating Social Security planning, I wanted to chime in on the resources question. In addition to the SSA website and AARP resources mentioned, I've found the book "Social Security For Dummies" to be really helpful for understanding all these scenarios in plain language. It covers spousal benefits, survivor benefits, and timing strategies in detail. For the financial bridge between FRA and 70, one strategy I've seen recommended is the "Social Security bridge" approach - using other retirement savings (like 401k or IRA withdrawals) during those years to let your Social Security benefit grow by 8% per year. Some people also consider Roth IRA conversions during this period since they might be in a lower tax bracket before Social Security kicks in. The key is starting this planning early like you're doing! Most financial advisors recommend running scenarios starting at least 5-10 years before your FRA to see what works best for your specific situation. It's complicated stuff, but getting it right can make a huge difference in your total retirement income.

This has been such an enlightening discussion! I'm not in this exact situation yet, but as a federal employee who's been paying into Social Security for years, I'm bookmarking this entire thread for future reference. What strikes me most is how the system seems designed to create confusion - you'd think there would be clear, standardized training for SSA representatives on how federal retirement benefits interact with Social Security programs. Instead, we're seeing people get wildly different answers from the same agency. The practical advice here is gold: bring documentation, ask for experienced staff, get everything in writing, and don't take the first "no" as final. I'm particularly grateful to @AstroAlpha for the insider perspective - it really helps to know that the benefits CAN coexist and that the issue is mainly staff knowledge gaps rather than actual policy conflicts. For those going through this process, you're not just helping yourselves by being persistent - you're also potentially educating SSA staff for the next person who walks in with the same situation. Keep fighting for accurate information!

This thread has been absolutely incredible! As a FERS retiree who went through a similar situation about 3 years ago, I can confirm everything that's been shared here. The key really is persistence and documentation. I wanted to add one more tip that helped me immensely: when I went to my SSA appointment, I actually printed out the relevant sections from the OPM website that explain the FERS Special Retirement Supplement and brought those with me. Having the official government explanation of what the supplement IS (and importantly, what it ISN'T - i.e., not actual Social Security) really helped the representative understand why there was no conflict. Also, for those worried about the process - once everything was properly documented and set up, I've had zero issues with both payments coming through reliably each month. The systems really don't talk to each other, which can be frustrating during setup but actually works in your favor once everything is running smoothly. @Oliver Zimmermann - you're asking all the right questions and taking the right approach. Don't let the initial confusion discourage you - you ARE entitled to both benefits, and with proper documentation and persistence, you'll get it sorted out. Looking forward to hearing how your appointment goes!

I'm so sorry for your loss, Zara. I went through something similar when my wife passed away 5 years ago. One thing that really helped me was creating a simple spreadsheet to compare the total benefits I'd receive over different time periods - like if I claimed at 60 vs 62 vs full retirement age. The break-even point is usually around age 78-80, meaning if you expect to live longer than that, waiting often pays off financially. But there's also the "bird in the hand" factor - having that monthly income now might reduce stress and improve your quality of life, which has value too. Also, don't forget that as a widow, you might qualify for other assistance programs that could help bridge the gap if you decide to wait on claiming. Some states have property tax exemptions for widows, and there might be local resources available. Your local Area Agency on Aging might have good information about what's available in your area. Whatever you decide, make sure it's based on your complete financial picture, not just the Social Security piece. Good luck!

I'm a newcomer here but wanted to share something that might help with your decision process. When I was researching survivor benefits for my aunt last year, I learned that you can actually apply for benefits and then withdraw your application within 12 months if you change your mind (though you'd have to repay what you received). This might give you some flexibility if you're really torn between claiming now versus waiting. Also, one factor I don't see mentioned much is your health situation. If you have any health concerns that might affect your longevity, that could influence whether the "wait until FRA" strategy makes sense for your specific situation. The financial calculations assume average life expectancy, but your personal health picture might be different. Have you considered doing a trial run with your budget to see if you could manage without the survivor benefits for a year or two? Sometimes seeing the actual numbers on paper (rather than just worrying about them) can help clarify whether waiting is truly feasible for your situation.