Not to get off topic but make sure ur checking the tax implications to! When I retired at 63 I had SS + part time work and got surprised by how social security is taxed when u have other income. Up to 85% of benefits can be taxable if ur over certain thresholds.

Just wanted to add one more consideration that might help with your planning. Since your wife will be retiring in August, you should also think about how the timing affects her annual earnings record for Social Security benefit calculations. If she's close to her highest 35 years of earnings, working those extra months in 2025 could potentially increase her average indexed monthly earnings (AIME) and boost her benefit amount. This might offset some of the complications with the earnings test. Also, regarding the maintenance payments - if her sister is paying her as an independent contractor for property maintenance, make sure you're keeping detailed records of when the work was actually performed versus when payment is received. This documentation will be crucial if SSA questions the timing of those earnings. Have you considered having her sister put the maintenance payments on a more regular schedule starting in 2025? Even quarterly payments would be easier to track than one annual lump sum in December.

Thank you all for the helpful responses! I've learned so much. To summarize what I understand now: Since my sister was born after 1954, when her SSDI converts to retirement at 67, she has to choose either her own benefit OR 50% of her ex's (whichever is higher) - she can't do one then switch to the other. I'll help her set up a my Social Security account to see her projected benefit amount and then we'll try to figure out what her ex might be receiving to compare. I appreciate everyone taking the time to explain this complicated situation!

Just wanted to add one more consideration that hasn't been mentioned yet - if your sister's ex-husband hasn't filed for his own benefits yet, she might still be able to claim divorced spouse benefits even if he's just eligible (age 62+). The rule is that if they've been divorced for at least 2 years, she can claim on his record even if he hasn't actually applied yet. This could be relevant depending on his age and filing status. Also, make sure she understands that claiming divorced spouse benefits won't affect what her ex receives - it's completely independent of his benefits. Good luck navigating all this!

After reading all these comments, I'd suggest you have a one-on-one consultation with a financial advisor who specializes in Social Security claiming strategies. With a significant difference between your benefit amounts, proper timing could make a substantial difference in your lifetime benefits, especially considering survivor benefits down the road. While the spousal benefit won't increase if your husband delays claiming, survivor benefits would be based on his actual benefit amount including any delayed retirement credits.

Just wanted to add my experience as someone who recently navigated this! I was in a very similar situation - my own benefit was around $400/month and my husband's was $3,800. The key thing that helped me understand it was when the SSA representative explained that you essentially get "topped up" to the higher amount. So you're not losing your own work credits - they're still there as the foundation - but you get supplemented up to that 50% spousal amount. Also, definitely recommend keeping detailed notes when you talk to SSA reps because I got slightly different explanations from different people, which was confusing. The bottom line for me was getting about $1,900/month total (50% of his PIA) instead of my $400. Make sure you understand the timing requirements too - I had to wait until after my husband filed, but once he did, the process was pretty straightforward. Good luck!

my aunt went thru this last year. she got the spousal increase but had to fight for backpay. they only gave her 6 months backpay even tho she shoulda been getting it for 2+ years! make sure u ask about retroactive benefits when u apply

I'm in a very similar situation - took my benefits at 62 and just turned 64. Reading through all these responses has been really eye-opening! I had no idea about the spousal benefits potentially being available. My husband's benefit is about $2,800/month and mine is only $1,100, so it sounds like I should definitely look into this. One question for those who've successfully gotten the spousal benefit - did you need to bring any specific documentation when you applied, or do they have everything they need in their system already? I want to be prepared when I call so I don't waste the opportunity if I actually get through to someone! Also, @Sean Murphy, thanks for mentioning that Claimyr service - I'm definitely going to look into that since the thought of sitting on hold for hours is making me put this off.

I'm sorry you're going through this difficult situation. As others have mentioned, the personal needs allowance system can feel really limiting. One thing I'd add that might help is to ask your facility's social worker about any charitable programs or assistance they might offer. Some facilities have hardship funds or partnerships with local organizations that can help with small personal expenses like phone bills or personal care items. Also, if you have family or friends who visit, they might be able to help by bringing you certain items directly rather than having you purchase them with your limited allowance. It's not a perfect solution, but every little bit can help stretch that small monthly amount. I hope the ombudsman can provide some good guidance for your specific situation!

I'm really sorry you're facing this stressful situation. The uncertainty while waiting for SSDI approval is hard enough without worrying about what happens to your benefits afterward. One additional resource that might help is contacting your state's SHIP program (State Health Insurance Assistance Program). They provide free counseling specifically about Medicare, Medicaid, and related benefits issues. Even though SSDI isn't Medicare initially, they often have expertise in how different programs interact with Medicaid-funded long-term care. Also, keep in mind that if you do get approved, you may be eligible for retroactive benefits going back to when you first applied in May 2024. While most of those would likely go to the facility as well, having that lump sum could help cover some one-time expenses you've been putting off. The system definitely feels unfair, but knowing your rights and having advocates on your side can make a real difference in navigating it. Best of luck with your approval process!