btw my aunt did get survivor benefits after my uncle died in prison. took almost 3 months to process tho so dont expect it right away if it happens. and she said they made her fill out extra forms but it worked out in the end

I want to add something important that hasn't been mentioned yet - if your husband does pass away while incarcerated, you'll need to apply for survivor benefits as soon as possible. There's no automatic conversion from your current retirement benefit to the higher survivor benefit. You'll need to contact SSA and specifically apply for widow's benefits. Also, make sure the prison has your current contact information so they can reach you if anything happens. The sooner you apply after a death, the sooner you can start receiving the higher benefit amount. Some people wait months or even years before applying, not realizing they need to take action. Don't let bureaucratic delays cost you money you're entitled to.

Thank you for this summary. I think my next step is definitely to get accurate numbers from SSA about my ex's FRA benefit amount and then make some calculations. Really appreciate everyone's insights!

One thing I'd add to this great discussion is that you should also consider what happens if your own retirement benefit (based on your work record) might eventually exceed the spousal benefit. If you're still working and earning credits, your own benefit continues to grow until age 70 with delayed retirement credits. Even though you're receiving spousal benefits now, Social Security will automatically switch you to your own higher benefit if it becomes larger. So while you're weighing the spousal benefit decision, don't forget to factor in what your own benefit might look like at 70 - especially since you mentioned you're still earning around $21,500/year. This could potentially change the math significantly depending on your work history and future earnings!

Following up on my earlier comment - after using Claimyr to reach an actual knowledgeable person at SSA, I discovered my benefits were calculated wrong for YEARS because regular reps didn't understand how the disability freeze worked with my public employment. Got a nice backpay check! Definitely don't give up and keep pushing for answers.

I work for a disability advocacy organization and see cases like yours frequently. The key thing you need to understand is that there's a difference between a "medical determination" and "technical eligibility" for SSDI. It sounds like SSA found you medically disabled (hence the Medicare) but technically ineligible for payments due to insufficient recent work credits. Here's what you should do immediately: 1. Request your complete SSA file including any disability determination notices 2. Ask specifically about "disability freeze" or "period of disability" status 3. Get a written explanation of how your benefits will be calculated at retirement age The fact that you're on Medicare suggests you DID get a medical disability determination, which should protect your retirement eligibility through the disability freeze provision. The reps telling you that you'll get "nothing" at retirement are likely wrong - they're probably not accounting for the special rules that apply to people with established disability periods. Also be aware that your county pension will likely trigger the Windfall Elimination Provision, which will reduce (but not eliminate) your Social Security benefits. Don't let SSA convince you that WEP means you get zero benefits - that's also incorrect. Document everything and don't accept "no benefits ever" as a final answer until you've spoken with someone who actually understands disability freeze calculations.

This is a good point about taxes. I learned this the hard way - got a surprise payment that pushed me into a higher tax bracket that year. Wasn't expecting to owe money come tax time!

I had almost the exact same thing happen to me last month - a random $287 payment with just "one time payment" showing up. Turns out it was related to a Medicare Part B premium adjustment from earlier in the year. What I did was screenshot everything in my mySocialSecurity account, then called the local SSA office first thing in the morning (around 8:15 AM) when they open - much better chance of getting through than the national number. They were able to pull up my payment history and explain it right away. In my case, they had been deducting too much for Medicare premiums for several months and this was the refund. The representative said these adjustments are pretty common and usually legitimate, but definitely worth confirming. Good luck getting through to them!

my mom lost her ss when she remarried but she was only 58 so maybe thats why?? the age thing makes sense now that i think about it

Update: I used that Claimyr service someone suggested and actually got through to SSA! The representative confirmed that I will keep my survivor benefits after remarriage since I'm over 60. She also told me I need to report the marriage within 10 days by bringing my marriage certificate to the local office or mailing a certified copy. Just wanted to thank everyone for their help! Wedding planning can continue without financial stress now. ❤️