I'm dealing with a similar situation and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I wanted to add one more resource that really helped me understand my options: the Social Security Administration has a retirement estimator tool on their website that can help you project different benefit amounts. What I learned from using it is that you can actually model different claiming scenarios - like taking SSDI now, switching to survivor benefits at 60, or waiting until FRA. It helped me visualize the financial impact of each choice over my expected lifetime. Also, I found that writing down specific questions before calling SSA made a huge difference. Instead of asking "what are my options," I'd ask things like "Can I switch from SSDI to survivor benefits at age 60 even though I'm currently receiving SSDI?" The more specific your questions, the better answers you tend to get. Good luck with your planning - you're asking all the right questions now to maximize your benefits later!

I just wanted to say how incredibly helpful this whole discussion has been! As someone who's been navigating the SSA system for years due to my own disability issues, I can confirm that getting consistent information is like pulling teeth. One thing I'd add that hasn't been mentioned yet - if you're planning to make any major decisions about switching benefits in the future, consider getting a written statement from SSA about your projected benefit amounts. I learned this the hard way when my verbal estimates turned out to be way off from what I actually received. You can request a detailed benefit statement that shows your survivor benefit amount at different ages (60, FRA, etc.) compared to your SSDI/retirement benefit projections. Also, @Aisha Abdullah, since you mentioned your husband never filed for Social Security before he passed, his benefit calculation might be more complex. Make sure any SSA representative you work with understands they need to calculate his "deemed" retirement benefit based on what he would have received at his FRA. This is different from cases where someone was already receiving benefits when they died. The fact that you're thinking about this now at 52 puts you way ahead of most people. You have 8 years to get all the right information and make an informed decision!

This is such a common concern for early retirees! I went through the exact same anxiety when I stopped working at 62. The dropping numbers feel alarming at first, but it's just the system becoming more accurate about your actual situation rather than projecting hypothetical future earnings. One thing that helped me understand it better was realizing that the SSA calculator is essentially doing you a favor by showing you realistic projections. Before you retired, it was making optimistic assumptions about continued income. Now it's giving you the real deal based on your actual work history. The $10/month drop you've seen so far is pretty typical. In my experience, the annual decreases get smaller over time, especially if you have a solid work history like you do with 32+ years. And remember, by waiting until your FRA, you're making a smart financial decision that will maximize whatever your final benefit calculation turns out to be. Don't let the declining projections stress you out too much - you're on the right track!

I'm dealing with this exact same situation right now! Took early retirement at 59 and have been watching my projected benefits slowly decline over the past year. At first I thought there was an error in the system, but after reading everyone's explanations here, it makes complete sense. The part that really clicked for me is understanding that the original estimates were basically "best case scenario" projections assuming I'd keep working at my peak salary until FRA. Now that I've stopped contributing, the reality is setting in and the numbers are adjusting accordingly. What I found helpful was running the detailed calculator with different scenarios - inputting zeros for all my remaining years until FRA versus putting in some part-time earnings. It really shows how each year of zero income affects the calculation. Since I'm planning to do some consulting work occasionally, it's reassuring to know that even modest earnings can help offset some of the decline. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - it's so much less stressful when you understand this is completely normal!

This is such a complex situation, and I really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and knowledge here. As someone who's dealt with similar Social Security questions for family members, I wanted to add that timing really is everything with these benefits. One thing I learned that might be helpful - when you do get that official written analysis from SSA that others have mentioned, make sure to ask them to run scenarios for different claiming ages. Since you're 58, you have several years to optimize your strategy. For example, if your own benefit would be significantly higher by waiting until age 70 due to delayed retirement credits, that might end up being your best option regardless of the survivor benefit limitations. Also, don't forget to factor in Medicare planning alongside your Social Security decisions. The interaction between when you claim benefits and when you need to enroll in Medicare can affect your overall retirement income strategy. The frustrating reality is that the remarriage before age 60 does limit your options with your ex-spouse's record, but it sounds like you have several other pathways to explore. Good luck with your planning!

I've been working in retirement planning for over 15 years and wanted to add some clarity to this discussion. The information you've received about the remarriage before 60 rule is absolutely correct - this is one of the most misunderstood aspects of Social Security. Since you remarried at age 58 (before 60), you've permanently forfeited any future claim to survivor benefits from your ex-husband, regardless of when either spouse dies or the order of their deaths. This is a hard rule with no exceptions. However, don't let this discourage your overall retirement planning! Here are some strategies to consider: 1. **Maximize your own benefit**: Since you're still working at 58, these are crucial years for boosting your Social Security calculation. Consider working until 70 if possible for the delayed retirement credits. 2. **Spousal benefits from current husband**: While he's alive, you may be eligible for spousal benefits up to 50% of his full retirement age benefit. 3. **Survivor benefits from current husband**: If he predeceases you, you'd be eligible for 100% of his benefit amount. 4. **File and suspend strategies**: Depending on your birth year and his, there may be claiming strategies that optimize your combined lifetime benefits. I'd strongly recommend getting a personalized Social Security statement and having SSA run projections for multiple scenarios. The rules are complex, but understanding all your options will help you make the best decisions for your situation.

This is why I never remarried after my husband died! I knew I'd lose his higher SS benefit. My sister's financial advisor told her never to remarry before 60 for this exact reason. Seems so unfair they penalize people for finding love again!

I'm sorry you're dealing with this frustrating situation! As a newcomer here, I've been reading through everyone's responses and learning so much. It really does seem unfair that the remarriage age cutoff is so strict - 52 vs 60 shouldn't make such a huge difference when you were married to your first husband for over two decades. One thing I'm curious about - have you considered whether it might be worth consulting with a Social Security claiming strategy specialist or fee-only financial planner who specializes in SS benefits? Sometimes they can spot options or strategies that aren't immediately obvious. Given the potential difference between your $1,500 benefit and what could have been $2,900, it might be worth the consultation fee to make sure you're not missing anything. Also, regarding the delayed retirement credits you asked about - that 8% annual increase is guaranteed and inflation-protected for life, which is pretty rare these days. If you're in good health and can afford to wait, it might be worth running the numbers on delaying at least a year or two. Good luck with your SSA appointment next month!

I just wanted to chime in as someone who went through a very similar situation about 3 years ago. I was married to my first husband for 22 years, remarried at 58, then divorced again at 61. When my first ex-husband passed away, I was also really confused about the eligibility rules. The good news is that everyone here is giving you solid advice - you definitely qualify! One thing I'd add is to be prepared for the SSA to potentially ask for additional documentation beyond what others have mentioned, like proof that your first husband was receiving Social Security benefits (they should be able to look this up, but sometimes they ask anyway). Also, don't be discouraged if your first call or visit doesn't result in immediate approval - sometimes it takes a few interactions to get everything sorted out, but persistence pays off. The financial relief when those benefits start coming in is huge, especially when you're struggling. You're doing the right thing by applying, and this community's advice will serve you well!

I'm sorry for your loss and the financial stress you're dealing with. Based on everything shared here, it sounds like you have a strong case for survivor benefits. One small thing to add - when you gather your documents, make sure to get certified copies of your marriage and divorce certificates rather than just photocopies. Some SSA offices are pickier about this than others. Also, if your first husband had military service, mention that during your appointment as it might affect benefit calculations. The folks here have given you excellent advice about the claiming strategies. I'd especially emphasize what others said about asking to see the actual dollar amounts for different scenarios - survivor benefits now vs. waiting, your own benefits at different ages, etc. Having those concrete numbers will help you make the best decision for your situation. Hang in there, and I hope the process goes smoothly for you!