I just went through this exact process two months ago and wanted to share a few additional tips that might help. First, when you download the SSA-521 form, make sure you're getting it directly from ssa.gov - there are some unofficial sites that have outdated versions. Second, if you decide to visit the office in person (which I'd recommend), try to go early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the lunch rush. I went at 2 PM and barely waited 10 minutes. Also, don't forget to sign and date the form - sounds obvious but the person ahead of me in line had to fill out a new form because they missed the signature! One last thing: when they give you the receipt, take a photo of it with your phone as backup. The paper receipts from SSA can fade pretty quickly. You're making a smart financial decision by waiting until FRA - the extra monthly income will definitely be worth it in the long run!

I went through this same situation about 6 months ago and can definitely relate to your frustration! Like everyone else has confirmed, there's unfortunately no way to withdraw your application online - you have to use the paper form SSA-521. I ended up going to my local SSA office in person, and I'm really glad I did because I got immediate confirmation that they received my withdrawal request. One thing I'd add that I don't think anyone mentioned yet: when you fill out the form, there's a section asking for your reason for withdrawal. I was honest and wrote that I wanted to wait until my full retirement age for higher benefits, and the representative told me that was a very common and completely valid reason. Don't feel like you need to justify your decision - it's your right to withdraw within that 12-month window. Also, just a heads up that they'll ask you to confirm that you understand this is a one-time-only option. It sounds like you've already done your homework on this, but they're required to make sure you know you can't withdraw again in the future if you change your mind. The whole process was actually pretty painless once I got to the office. Definitely make an appointment if possible - it'll save you a lot of waiting time. Good luck with everything!

don't forget you need your marriage certificate and divorce decree when you apply! learned that the hard way

I just went through this process myself last year! A few practical tips that might help: 1. **Call SSA early in the morning** (right at 8 AM) or late in the afternoon for shorter wait times. Tuesday-Thursday seem to be less busy. 2. **Have all your documents ready** before calling: marriage certificate, divorce decree, your Social Security card, and your ex's full name and DOB if you have it. 3. **Use the exact phrase "restricted application for divorced spouse benefits only"** when talking to the representative. Don't just say you want ex-spouse benefits - be specific that you want to delay your own retirement benefits. 4. **Get confirmation in writing** - ask them to mail you a summary of what you applied for to avoid any mix-ups. The whole process took about 45 minutes once I got through to someone, and my first payment came about 6 weeks later. Even if you're not 100% sure about your ex's benefit amount, it's worth applying now since you can always withdraw the application within 12 months if you change your mind. Good luck!

Glad you got confirmation! One last tip - schedule the appointment for AFTER you've submitted your own retirement application. Her benefits are dependent on yours being processed first. You can actually apply for both at the same time, but make sure your retirement application is mentioned first when you schedule the appointment.

Just wanted to add another piece of info that might be helpful - when you do apply for your daughter's benefits, they'll be retroactive up to 6 months from your application date (but not before your retirement benefits start). So even if there's a delay in getting the appointment scheduled, you won't lose out on those monthly payments. The SSA will calculate back to when she first became eligible and issue any back payments in a lump sum with her first check. This was really helpful for us when there was a 2-month delay getting all our paperwork processed!

As a newcomer to this community, I just wanted to say how incredibly helpful and informative this entire thread has been! CosmicCruiser, congratulations on your new job - what a wonderful outcome! Reading through everyone's responses really highlights how important it is to get accurate information from people who've actually dealt with these situations firsthand. The consistent message from experienced community members that your income won't affect your children's survivor benefits must have been such a relief to hear. It's also educational to see the clarifications about different types of benefits (survivor benefits vs. SSI) and how the earnings limits work. This is exactly the kind of real-world guidance that makes such a difference for families navigating these complex systems. Thank you to everyone who shared their knowledge and experiences - it's clear this community is a valuable resource for anyone dealing with Social Security benefits!

As a newcomer to this community, I wanted to express how incredibly valuable this entire discussion has been to read! CosmicCruiser, huge congratulations on your new job - what an amazing outcome! This thread is such a perfect example of why community support matters so much when dealing with Social Security benefits. Seeing how you went from genuine worry about potentially losing your children's benefits to confidently accepting a great career opportunity really shows the power of getting accurate information from people with real experience. The consistent reassurance from multiple members that your income has zero impact on your kids' survivor benefits must have been such a weight off your shoulders. I've learned so much just from reading through everyone's responses, especially the important distinctions between different benefit programs. It's wonderful that your family now has both the continued survivor benefits AND the stability of your new full-time position. Thank you to all the experienced members who shared their knowledge - this community is clearly an invaluable resource for navigating these complex systems!

Just a WARNING about those appointments - don't assume the first person you talk to knows everything!! I got completely wrong info at my first appointment and made a HUGE mistake with my claiming strategy. Make sure you talk to a TECHNICAL EXPERT not just a regular service rep. Ask specifically for someone who specializes in survivor benefits!! And take notes of EVERYTHING they say.

I'm new to this community but going through a similar situation with my late husband's benefits. One thing I learned that might help - when you schedule your appointment, try to get the earliest time slot possible in the day. The staff tends to be more focused in the morning and the computers are less likely to have issues. Also, I'd recommend calling ahead to confirm what specific documents they need for your exact situation since requirements can vary slightly based on your circumstances. Another tip - bring a simple one-page summary of your key dates (birth date, marriage date, divorce date, ex-spouse's death date) and your specific questions written down. It helps keep the appointment on track and ensures you don't forget to ask something important. Good luck with everything!