Based on everything discussed, here's a summary of your options: 1. Remarry now: Lose ex-spousal benefits immediately, possibly receive only your own (likely lower) benefit for one year, then receive 50% of your new husband's PIA if that's higher than your own benefit 2. Wait until FRA to remarry: Potentially keep ex-spousal benefits even after remarriage if your new husband is receiving Social Security benefits 3. Calculate the financial impact: Compare one year of reduced benefits against the long-term higher benefit you might receive based on your new husband's record I'd recommend creating a spreadsheet to calculate different scenarios. This is ultimately a personal decision that involves both financial and emotional factors.

One more thing to consider that I don't think anyone mentioned - if you're currently getting divorced spousal benefits, make sure you understand whether you're getting the maximum amount available to you. Since you started collecting at 62, your benefit is reduced, but if your ex-husband hasn't filed for his own benefits yet, your spousal benefit might increase when he does file (this is called the "deemed filing" rule). Also, when you do eventually remarry and become eligible for spousal benefits on your new husband's record, remember that spousal benefits are also reduced if taken before your FRA. So if your new husband's benefit is higher but you're still under FRA when you become eligible, you won't get the full 50% of his PIA. Definitely get all the numbers from SSA before making your decision. The timing of this decision could literally be worth thousands of dollars per year for the rest of your life!

I just wanted to add - make sure all your work credits and earnings history are correct in your Social Security statement. My mom found errors in hers that would have reduced her benefit by almost $200/month! You can check your statement online at ssa.gov by creating a my Social Security account if you haven't already.

Just to clarify one more important point that might help with your planning - if your husband passes away and you're already receiving your own retirement benefits, Social Security will automatically pay you the higher of the two amounts, not both. So if you're getting your $1100 retirement benefit and become eligible for his $1650 survivor benefit, you'd receive $1650 total (not $2750). This is called the "offset rule" and catches a lot of people off guard. The good news is that since his benefit is higher, you'd definitely come out ahead as a survivor even if you start your own benefits early. Just wanted to make sure you had the complete picture for your decision!

what was your FRA? isnt it 67 now? im confused how your already at FRA at 66 and 2 months

Just wanted to update everyone. I called SSA this morning (took forever to get through!) and the representative confirmed I AM eligible for the spousal top-up right now - I didn't need to wait until my husband reaches any specific age. However, there was a correction to my original post - I miscalculated my FRA. Since I was born in 1959, my actual FRA is 66 and 10 months, which I haven't reached yet. The rep said I can still apply now, but the amount will be slightly reduced until I reach my true FRA in 8 months. I decided to go ahead and apply now anyway, since the reduction is small and I'd rather start receiving the higher benefit amount. Thank you all for your help!

don't forget that if you're collecting at 62 your already taking a big reduction on your own benefit. like 30% less than your FRA amount. so waiting til FRA for survivors makes sense if you can

I'm so sorry you and your wife are going through this difficult situation. Planning ahead shows real care and responsibility. From what I've learned through my own research, you have several strategic options to consider: If your wife passes before you claim benefits, you could potentially claim survivor benefits as early as age 60, but they'd be reduced. Alternatively, you could wait until your FRA to get her full benefit amount without reduction. If you've already started your own benefits when she passes, you'd get the higher of the two amounts. Given that her SSDI is $2,450 vs your projected $1,650 at 62, you'd likely benefit from the survivor option. One strategy might be to delay your own benefits past 62 to let them grow (they increase until age 70), while knowing you'd have the survivor benefit safety net. This could maximize your household income while she's still with you. I'd strongly recommend making an appointment with SSA to run scenarios with your actual earnings records. They can show you projections for different claiming strategies. Also consider consulting with a financial planner who specializes in Social Security - the rules are complex and a small difference in timing can mean thousands in lifetime benefits. Wishing you and your wife strength during this challenging time.

Thank you so much for this detailed explanation. I'll talk to him about requesting his statement so we can at least have a rough idea of what to expect. This helps me prepare financially for her future.

I went through something similar with my son who became disabled at 19. The key thing that helped us was getting everything in writing from SSA. When you do talk to them (whether through that Claimyr service someone mentioned or directly), ask them to send you a written summary of what benefits your daughter will be eligible for as a survivor. Also, since her father has other dependents, you might want to consider consulting with a disability attorney who specializes in Social Security cases. Many will do a free consultation and can help you understand exactly how the family maximum will affect her benefits. The peace of mind is worth it when you're dealing with your child's financial security. One more tip - start keeping detailed records of all her medical appointments and treatments now. If they do a continuing disability review after her father passes, having everything organized will make the process much smoother during what will already be a difficult time.