One additional point: since you're applying right at your FRA (66 and 8 months), double-check that the SSA correctly notes your FRA date in your application status. Sometimes their automated system can miscalculate by a month if you're right at the cutoff. Your benefit amount should be 100% of your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) since you're claiming exactly at FRA - not reduced for early claiming or increased for delayed credits. Also, in May when you get your first payment, take a moment to verify that the amount matches what was shown on your Social Security statement. If there's a discrepancy, contact them right away. It's much easier to fix payment issues in the first few months than trying to correct them years later.

Just wanted to add one more thing that might help ease your nerves - since you applied online, you should receive an email confirmation within 24-48 hours if SSA needs any additional documentation from you. No news is usually good news in this case! Also, once your application is approved, you'll get what's called a "Notice of Award" letter in the mail that breaks down your exact benefit amount, when payments start, and any deductions (like Medicare premiums). This usually arrives 2-3 weeks before your first payment, so don't panic if you don't see it immediately. One last tip: if you're planning to travel internationally after you start receiving benefits, make sure to notify SSA beforehand. Some countries have restrictions that could temporarily suspend payments, and it's easier to handle this proactively than to deal with suspended benefits later. Sounds like you've done everything right by waiting until FRA and applying at the right time. The third Wednesday in May should be your day!

The strategy you're planning is called "survivor benefits only" or sometimes "filing a restricted application for survivor benefits." The phase-out of restricted applications only affected spousal benefits combined with retirement benefits (under the 2015 Bipartisan Budget Act), not survivor benefits. For maximum clarity when you call, I recommend this specific phrasing: "I wish to file for survivor benefits only on my deceased husband's record. I understand I'm eligible for both survivor benefits and retirement benefits on my own record, but I want to restrict my application to survivor benefits only at this time, as I plan to switch to my own retirement benefits at age 70." This leaves no room for misunderstanding. Also, if you have any issues, reference POMS GN 00204.020, which is SSA's internal policy that confirms your right to restrict an application to survivor benefits.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Zoe. What you're going through is incredibly difficult, and it's completely understandable to feel overwhelmed by these decisions while grieving. I want to add one more practical tip that helped me when I was in a similar situation: consider scheduling your SSA call for a time when you feel most emotionally steady (for me, that was mid-morning), and have a glass of water nearby. The call might take a while, and grief can be physically exhausting. Also, don't hesitate to tell the SSA representative at the start of the call that you recently lost your spouse and may need them to speak slowly or repeat information. Most are very understanding and will take extra care to make sure you understand everything correctly. You've got a solid plan, and this community has given you excellent guidance. You're going to get through this. ❤️

For anyone following this thread with a similar GPO situation, there's an important time element to consider. If you're currently eligible for spousal benefits under the new GPO rules, you should establish a protective filing date as soon as possible. Benefits can only be paid retroactively for 6 months from your application date. So even though the law has changed, you won't automatically receive payments - you need to apply, and the sooner you establish that filing date, the better. If you encounter resistance, escalate to supervisors and be persistent. Document every interaction with names, dates and what was discussed. This paper trail will be valuable if you need to appeal or request retroactive payments later.

I'm dealing with this exact same issue! I'm a retired postal worker with a CSRS pension, and my husband gets Social Security. When I went to apply for spousal benefits last week, they told me flat out that I'm not eligible because of my federal pension. I tried explaining about the GPO reform but the representative just kept saying "the computer won't let me process this type of application." It's so frustrating - they act like the law never changed! I'm going to try again next week armed with the Public Law 118-29 documentation and specifically ask for a Technical Expert like others suggested here. Has anyone had success at a particular SSA office location? I'm wondering if some offices are more up-to-date on the changes than others. Might be worth driving to a different location if needed.

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! To summarize what I've learned: only my work income counts toward the earnings limit (about $22,300 for 2025), NOT my Social Security benefits. And they use the gross amount before deductions. I really appreciate all the clarification - this makes my retirement planning much easier. I'll be sure to report my expected earnings accurately when I apply next year to avoid any surprises.

Just wanted to add one more helpful tip for anyone in a similar situation - keep detailed records of your monthly earnings throughout the year! I learned this the hard way when SSA asked me to verify my income. Having pay stubs organized by month made the process much smoother. Also, if you have any months where you earn significantly more or less (like seasonal work or bonuses), it's worth calling SSA to update your earnings estimate. They're much more understanding if you're proactive about reporting changes rather than them finding out later during their annual review.

Make sure she doesn't spend any of his money from SS after he died. My sister got in big trouble for this, they call it benefit fraud even if you don't mean to do it.

I'm so sorry for your family's loss. This is such a difficult time and it's kind of you to help navigate these complicated issues. Based on what others have shared here, it sounds like the most important thing is to report his death to SSA immediately - don't wait even a few days. The payment tomorrow should be legitimate since it's for September when he was alive the whole month, but definitely don't touch that money until you confirm with SSA. One thing I'd add is to keep detailed records of every conversation with SSA - date, time, who you spoke with, and what was discussed. Government agencies can be disorganized and having your own paper trail can save a lot of headaches later. Also consider having a close family member or friend help with some of these calls since dealing with bureaucracy while grieving is overwhelming. Take care of yourselves during this process.