I'm so grateful I found this community discussion! As someone brand new to Social Security benefits, I was having a complete meltdown this morning when my payment didn't show up at the usual time. This is only my second month receiving benefits and I thought maybe I'd somehow messed up my direct deposit information or that my benefits had been suspended. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly reassuring - knowing that these delays occasionally happen and that mine wasn't an isolated issue has really calmed my nerves. My payment ended up arriving about 3 hours late, which seems consistent with what others experienced today. I'm also struggling with the MySocialSecurity account access and had absolutely no idea about the Login.gov transition until reading this thread. Like so many others, I never received any notification about this major change. It's really disappointing that SSA didn't communicate better about something that affects so many people who depend on online access to manage their benefits. The detailed instructions people have shared here for setting up the new Login.gov account are going to be a huge help. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their experiences and solutions - this community support makes navigating these government systems so much less intimidating for newcomers like me!

As someone who just started receiving Social Security benefits last month, this thread has been absolutely invaluable! I woke up this morning in a complete panic when my payment wasn't in my account at the usual time. Being so new to this system, I had no idea that processing delays could occasionally happen and I immediately thought I'd somehow done something wrong with my paperwork or that there was an issue with my eligibility. Reading everyone's experiences here has been such a huge relief - knowing that today's delay affected so many people and wasn't just my account makes me feel so much better. My payment finally arrived about 2 hours ago, roughly 3.5 hours later than normal, which seems to match what others experienced. I'm also completely locked out of my MySocialSecurity account and had absolutely no clue about this Login.gov transition until reading this discussion. Like so many others here, I never received any email or notification about this major system change, which is really frustrating when you're trying to learn how to manage your new benefits online. The step-by-step instructions that several community members have shared for setting up the Login.gov account are going to be incredibly helpful - I plan to follow them tonight. Thank you to everyone, especially the long-time Social Security recipients, for taking the time to explain what's happening and sharing practical solutions. This community support makes navigating these government systems so much less overwhelming for newcomers like me!

Just wanted to add another consideration that hasn't been mentioned yet - taxes! Social Security benefits can be taxable depending on your total income, and this might affect your claiming strategy too. If your wife claims her benefits at 62, that's taxable income that gets added to any other retirement income you might have (401k withdrawals, pensions, etc.). Depending on your "combined income" (which includes half of your SS benefits plus other income), you could end up paying taxes on 50% or even 85% of the Social Security benefits. Sometimes it makes sense to delay Social Security and instead withdraw from tax-deferred accounts first, especially if you're in a lower tax bracket now than you expect to be later. This is another reason why talking to both SSA and a tax professional can be really valuable before making this decision. The tax implications can sometimes tip the scales one way or another when the breakeven analysis is close. Just thought it was worth mentioning since I didn't see anyone else bring up the tax angle!

For comprehensive Social Security and tax planning calculators, I'd recommend checking out the tools at MaximizeMySocialSecurity.com or SocialSecurityChoices.com - both factor in tax implications along with benefit timing. The SSA's own retirement estimator is decent for basic calculations but doesn't handle the tax complexity. One thing to keep in mind with the tax planning: if you're currently in the 12% or 22% tax bracket and expect to be in the same or higher bracket later, it often makes sense to do Roth conversions now while delaying Social Security. You can convert some of your traditional 401(k) money to Roth, pay taxes at today's rates, and then have tax-free Roth withdrawals later. Also consider that if your wife waits until her FRA, she could potentially work part-time without the Social Security earnings test penalty, which might provide income while optimizing her benefits. The earnings test goes away completely at FRA. Given all the variables (spousal benefits, taxes, Medicare, longevity, cash flow needs), this might be worth a consultation with a fee-only financial planner who specializes in Social Security strategies. The decision will affect your finances for decades, so getting professional input on your specific situation could pay for itself many times over.

I'm glad you found the information helpful! The widow's limit provision is definitely something worth asking about specifically - it's one of those complex rules that can make a real difference in your benefit amount but isn't always clearly explained. When you call SSA, I'd suggest having a list of specific questions ready: 1) Ask about the RIB-LIM/widow's limit provision and whether it applies to your case, 2) Get the exact monthly amount you'll receive including any COLA adjustments since 2022, and 3) Confirm whether you'll receive any retroactive payments and for what time period. It's frustrating how confusing the system can be, especially when you're dealing with the loss of a spouse. Don't hesitate to ask for clarification if anything doesn't make sense - you deserve clear answers about your benefits. Good luck with your call, and please do update us with what you learn!

I'm so sorry for your loss, Omar. Navigating Social Security benefits while grieving is incredibly difficult, and the system doesn't make it any easier with all these complex rules. Based on what others have shared here, it sounds like you should receive your husband's $1,880 monthly benefit (plus the COLA increases since 2022) since it's higher than your own $1,450. The fact that he took early retirement at 62 does mean you'll get his reduced amount rather than what he would have received at full retirement age - but that widow's limit provision that Zara mentioned could potentially help you. One thing I'd add to the great advice already given: when you do get through to SSA, ask them to mail you a written breakdown of how they calculated your benefit amount. Having it in writing can be really helpful if you need to reference it later or if there are any discrepancies. Sometimes the phone representatives make calculation errors, and having that documentation protects you. The 6-month retroactive limit is unfortunately standard policy, but don't let that discourage you from following up on the widow's limit provision - that could make a meaningful difference in your monthly payment going forward. Wishing you the best as you work through this process.

I'm so sorry for your loss and the financial stress you've been dealing with. As someone who went through a similar situation when my wife passed away, I completely understand your frustration about not knowing these rules earlier. Unfortunately, everyone here is correct about the 6-month retroactive limit - it's one of the most inflexible rules SSA has. Even if you have a compelling reason for not applying earlier (like not knowing you were eligible), they won't make exceptions. I tried everything when I was in your shoes, including getting my congressman's office involved, but the law is very clear on this point. That said, don't let this discourage you from applying immediately. At 62, even the reduced survivor benefit can provide significant financial relief, especially given what you've described about your current situation. And if your own retirement benefit would be higher at age 70, you can always switch strategies later. One tip: if you do decide to apply online, make sure you have a recent copy of your husband's Social Security statement if possible. It can help speed up the process. If you don't have it, SSA can look up his earnings record, but having documentation ready always helps. You've made it through three incredibly difficult years - you're stronger than you know. Getting these benefits will hopefully give you some breathing room while you plan your next steps.

I'm really sorry for your loss and what you've been going through financially. Unfortunately, as others have confirmed, the 6-month retroactive rule is absolute - even cases where people genuinely didn't know they were eligible don't get exceptions. I learned this when helping my sister navigate survivor benefits after her husband passed. Since you're 62 now and eligible for survivor benefits (even though reduced), I'd strongly encourage you to apply this week. Every month you delay is money you can't recover. The online application at ssa.gov is actually pretty straightforward - you'll need your marriage certificate, his death certificate, and his SSN. One thing to consider: run the numbers on taking survivor benefits now versus waiting until your FRA. If your own retirement benefit at 70 would be significantly higher than your survivor benefit, the "claim now, switch later" strategy might work well for your situation. You can create a my Social Security account to see your projected benefits. Given your current financial stress and the fact that you're earning under the limit, getting some monthly income flowing seems like the priority right now. You've already shown incredible resilience managing on your own for three years - this benefit can give you some breathing room while you plan your longer-term financial strategy.

I'm in a very similar boat as many of you - I'm 64 and have been receiving survivor benefits from my late husband for the past 3 years. I recently started dating someone who's 66 and gets benefits based on his ex-wife's record. We've been talking about marriage but keep putting it off because of all the uncertainty around Social Security. After reading through this entire thread, I think I have a better understanding now. It sounds like I could potentially keep my survivor benefits since I'm close to the age 60 threshold, but my boyfriend would definitely lose his ex-spouse benefits. The suggestion about getting a comprehensive financial analysis from a Social Security specialist really resonates with me - I hadn't thought about looking at taxes, shared living costs, and the long-term picture. Has anyone here used a specific financial advisor or Social Security specialist they'd recommend? I'd love to get a professional analysis before we make any decisions. It's frustrating that the system makes us choose between financial security and marriage, but at least understanding all our options will help us make an informed choice.

I'm so grateful to have found this thread! I'm 69 and have been receiving survivor benefits from my late husband for 4 years now. I recently reconnected with an old friend who's 71 and receives benefits based on his ex-wife's record (they were married for 15 years). We've been discussing marriage but were completely confused about the Social Security implications. Reading through everyone's experiences has been eye-opening. It sounds like I should be able to keep my survivor benefits since I'm well over 60, but he would lose his ex-spouse benefits. The advice about consulting with a Social Security specialist is invaluable - I never considered looking at the complete financial picture including taxes, shared expenses, and Medicare costs. I'm definitely going to look into finding an RSSA certified planner as someone suggested. It's heartbreaking that the system forces seniors to choose between love and financial security, but at least now I feel like we can make an informed decision. Thank you all for sharing your stories and advice - it means more than you know when you're facing such a difficult choice!