One last tip - when you talk to SSA, ask them to run a benefits calculation called the "maximize my benefits" scenario, where they look at all possible filing strategies. Also, request a copy of your deceased ex-husband's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) - that's the base figure they'll use for your potential survivor benefit before any reductions. Good luck, and feel free to come back with questions after your call!

Just wanted to add one more important point that hasn't been mentioned - make sure to ask SSA about the timing of when you can switch between benefits. If you do qualify for survivor benefits despite the GPO, you might be able to take a reduced survivor benefit as early as age 60, then switch to your own retirement benefit at 70 when it reaches maximum value. Or you could do the reverse - take your own benefit early and switch to survivor benefits later. The timing strategy can make a huge difference in your total lifetime benefits, especially with complex situations involving pensions. Also, don't let them rush you into making a decision on the phone - ask for time to review all the numbers they give you!

After reading all the comments, I think you should: 1. Download your complete earnings history from SS.gov 2. Identify your 35 highest-earning years after indexing for inflation 3. See if zero earnings at ages 68-69 would replace any of those 35 years 4. Use the detailed calculator on SS.gov that allows you to input future earnings as zero For most people with 40+ year work histories, two years of zeros won't significantly impact benefits. But it does depend on your specific earnings pattern. The delayed retirement credits (8% per year after FRA until 70) apply regardless of whether you're working. The SSA representative was likely correct that your benefit will be close to what's projected, but it's always best to verify with the detailed calculator.

I went through something very similar when I retired at 67 and delayed claiming until 70. Here's what I learned: the SS.gov estimates are generally pretty accurate even with a couple years of zero earnings, BUT it really depends on your earnings pattern. Since you've worked "non-stop for decades," you likely have well over 35 years of earnings history. The key question is whether your recent years (let's say last 10-15 years) have been significantly higher than your early career years after adjusting for inflation. Here's what I'd suggest: Log into your SS.gov account and look at your earnings history. If your early career years show much lower amounts (even after SS adjusts them for inflation), then yes, those two zero years at 68-69 could replace some of your higher earning years and reduce your benefit. The good news is that the 8% delayed retirement credits from your FRA to age 70 are absolutely guaranteed regardless of whether you work. That part won't change. I ended up using a fee-only financial planner who specializes in Social Security to run the numbers for me. Cost about $300 but gave me peace of mind on a decision worth hundreds of thousands over my lifetime. The difference between the estimate and actual amount was only about $80/month in my case.

Just to clarify for everyone: The online application allows you to specify a benefit start date up to 4 months in the future. So if the original poster applies now (October 2024), they can specify January 2025 as their start month, and their first payment would arrive in February 2025. There's really no advantage to waiting until December to apply. Applying earlier gives SSA more processing time and reduces the risk of delays pushing the start date beyond January. Also, as others have correctly pointed out, once you reach your Full Retirement Age (FRA), the earnings test no longer applies at all. You can earn unlimited amounts without any benefit reduction.

As someone who just went through this process earlier this year, I can confirm what others are saying - don't wait until December! I applied in early November for a January 1st start date and it worked perfectly. My first payment arrived in February as expected. The key things that helped me: 1. Applied online (it was faster than trying to get an in-person appointment) 2. Clearly specified "January 2025" as my benefit start month on the application 3. Had all my documents ready (W-2s, birth certificate, etc.) One thing I learned: even though you'll be at FRA in December and the earnings test won't apply to you anyway, starting benefits in January vs December can still affect your annual benefit calculation if you have any complex work situations. But honestly, at FRA it's mostly a non-issue. My recommendation: apply by early November at the latest. That gives SSA plenty of time to process everything and you won't be stressed about potential delays. The peace of mind is worth it!

Thank you everyone for the helpful responses. I'm going to reconsider my retirement timing based on this information. Seems like I have three options: 1. Keep working but limit my earnings to stay under the annual threshold 2. Wait until FRA to start collecting any benefits 3. Do a clean retirement mid-2025 and rely on the monthly earnings test I need to talk with my financial advisor about which makes the most sense for our situation. I really appreciate all the information and personal experiences shared here.

One thing to keep in mind as you're considering your options - if you do decide to go with option 3 (clean retirement mid-2025), make sure you have documentation showing your actual retirement date. I've seen cases where people thought they had a clean break but SSA questioned whether they truly "retired" based on things like keeping business licenses active or maintaining professional relationships that could lead to future work. Also, when you talk to your financial advisor, ask them to run the numbers on how the temporary benefit reduction compares to the permanent increase you'll get by waiting until FRA. Sometimes the math works out better to take the hit now, especially with a family depending on the benefits, but every situation is different. Good luck with your decision - it's great that you're researching this thoroughly before making the leap!

I've been following this thread and wanted to share another approach that worked for my sister last month. She was having the exact same issue - couldn't get through on the phone, website kept crashing, local office was appointment-only with no way to make appointments. What finally worked was contacting her state's Area Agency on Aging. They have special relationships with SSA and can often help seniors navigate these issues. Since you're 64, you qualify for their services. They made some calls on her behalf and got her an appointment within a week. Many people don't know this resource exists, but it's specifically designed to help people in situations like yours. You can find your local Area Agency on Aging by searching "[your state] Area Agency on Aging" or calling the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116. They're used to dealing with SSA bureaucracy and know all the workarounds. Worth trying if the direct approach continues to frustrate you! Also, for the name change specifically - I agree with others that mailing Form SS-5 with certified copies of your divorce decree is much easier. You can download the form from ssa.gov and avoid the appointment hassle entirely for that part.

I'm dealing with something similar - trying to get information about disability benefits after a work injury, and the phone system has been absolutely useless for over a month! Reading through everyone's suggestions here has been more helpful than anything I've found on the SSA website. I'm going to try the 8:00 AM sharp calling strategy tomorrow, and if that doesn't work, I'll definitely look into the Area Agency on Aging option - I had no idea that resource existed. The fact that they have special relationships with SSA and can advocate for people sounds like exactly what we need when the normal channels are completely broken. For anyone else still struggling with this, it sounds like the key successful strategies from this thread are: 1. Call at exactly 8:00 AM (not 8:01!) 2. Press 0 repeatedly during the automated menu 3. Try Tuesday/Wednesday instead of Monday/Friday 4. Contact your Area Agency on Aging for help 5. Consider mailing forms when possible (like the SS-5 for name changes) 6. Contact your congressional representative as a last resort Thanks to everyone who shared what actually worked - it's so frustrating that we need workarounds just to access basic government services, but at least we're helping each other figure it out!