Update: After following everyone's advice, I finally got through most of this process! The Canadian pension office had a specific international benefits department that processed my request in 2 weeks instead of 6. I sent everything certified mail to SSA and followed up regularly. My benefit is now being processed with only a partial WEP reduction thanks to my 23 years of US work. Thanks everyone for your help navigating this complicated mess!

Congratulations on getting through this! Your experience is really helpful for others facing similar situations. I'm dealing with a similar WEP issue but with a UK pension. Quick question - when you contacted the Canadian pension office's international benefits department, did you need any special reference numbers or just your regular pension information? Also, did SSA give you any paperwork showing exactly how they calculated your partial WEP reduction? I want to make sure I can verify their math when my case gets processed.

so confused lol. why would SSA let us do this? seems like theyd have to pay out more money this way

This is such valuable information! I had no idea this option existed for divorced surviving spouses. I'm 58 and my ex-husband passed away two years ago after we were married for 12 years. I've been dreading the thought of claiming early and getting reduced benefits, but it sounds like I could potentially claim survivor benefits at 60 and then switch to my own higher benefit at 70. Does anyone know if there are any earnings restrictions while collecting survivor benefits? I'm still working full-time and won't be ready to fully retire for several more years.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Connor. You're asking really smart questions about planning ahead. Just wanted to add one more consideration that might be helpful as you think about your timeline: if you're still working and earning income, there's an earnings test that applies to survivor benefits claimed before your full retirement age. If you claim survivor benefits at 60 but are still working, you might have benefits reduced if you earn over the annual limit (around $22,320 for 2024). This is temporary though - any benefits withheld due to earnings get added back to your benefit amount once you reach full retirement age. This might factor into your decision about when to claim, especially if you plan to keep working. The good news is you have 8 years to plan this out and see how your financial situation evolves. Your kids will be 16 and 19 by then, so your expenses and needs may be quite different.

I'm truly sorry for your loss, Connor. You're being so thoughtful in planning ahead for your family's financial security. I wanted to add something that might help with your long-term planning: since you're 52 now, you have time to potentially maximize your own Social Security benefit by continuing to work. Social Security calculates your benefit based on your highest 35 years of earnings, so if you're currently earning more than you did in some earlier years, those additional work years could replace lower-earning years in your calculation. This is especially relevant given the claiming strategies others mentioned. If you can build up your own benefit significantly over the next 10-15 years, you might be able to claim a reduced survivor benefit at 60, then switch to your own (potentially higher) benefit at your full retirement age of 67. Also, don't forget that both benefits will receive annual cost-of-living adjustments, so even though your husband's benefit won't "grow" in the traditional sense, it will keep pace with inflation. You're asking all the right questions and planning well ahead. Consider meeting with a fee-only financial planner who specializes in Social Security strategies when you get closer to 60 - they can run detailed scenarios to help you optimize your claiming strategy.

I'm so glad to see this thread - it really highlights how confusing the Social Security system can be! As someone who's navigated similar benefit coordination issues, I wanted to add that it's also worth asking SSA about any potential earnings limits if you're still working while receiving widow benefits before your full retirement age. The annual earnings test can reduce benefits if you earn over certain thresholds ($23,400 for 2024), but this wouldn't affect your daughter's SSDI payments at all. Just another factor to consider in your decision-making process. Also, make sure to ask about Medicare eligibility timing when you speak with them - sometimes there are coordination benefits there too that people don't realize they can take advantage of.

This is such a helpful thread! I'm in a similar situation but my disabled son is only 22 and gets childhood disability benefits. Reading through all these responses has really helped me understand that different types of Social Security benefits have their own rules and calculations. I especially appreciate everyone mentioning the importance of getting agent names and asking for documentation in your file - I've had the same experience with getting different answers from different representatives. It's so frustrating when you're trying to do the right thing for your family! One thing I'd add is that if you do decide to apply, consider asking SSA about retroactive benefits too. Sometimes there can be back payments available depending on when you became eligible versus when you actually apply. Just another detail to explore when you speak with them. Good luck with your decision - it sounds like you're being very thoughtful about protecting your daughter's benefits while also taking care of your own needs.

Just wanted to add one more reassuring data point - I'm currently 69 and collecting survivor benefits while working part-time at a local library. I earn about $35,000 a year and there's absolutely no reduction in my benefits. The freedom after FRA is real! Also, regarding your career change plans - I made a similar transition from high-stress work (banking) to something more peaceful at age 68. The mental health benefits have been incredible. Garden centers and bookstores sound lovely! You've got so many great options once you hit FRA next year.

I'm so glad to see this question being asked! As someone who recently went through this same confusion, I want to emphasize what everyone else has confirmed - there is absolutely NO earnings limit after Full Retirement Age for survivor benefits. I was in a similar boat last year, worried about transitioning from my stressful career while on survivor benefits. The SSA representatives I spoke with were very clear: once you hit FRA, you can earn any amount without affecting your survivor benefits. The only consideration is potential taxation of those benefits if your combined income exceeds certain thresholds, but that's completely separate from benefit reduction. Your plan to transition to something less stressful like a garden center or bookstore sounds wonderful. I made a similar change and the peace of mind has been incredible. You're so close to that FRA date in June 2026 - hang in there! The financial freedom that comes with no earnings restrictions will give you so many more options for your next chapter.