I went through a similar situation with my disabled adult child and multiple minors a few years ago. One thing that really helped me was creating a spreadsheet to track all the different scenarios before making applications. Here's what I'd suggest documenting: - Your current family maximum ($2,675) - Each person's theoretical full benefit amount (50% of your PIA) - The proportional reduction when everyone applies vs. different combinations For your disabled daughter specifically, make sure you understand that once she switches from SSI to DAC benefits, she can't easily switch back if the numbers don't work out as expected. The good news is that DAC benefits typically provide more stability and freedom than SSI long-term. Also, don't forget that your minor children's benefits come with an earnings test if they work - something to consider as your 14-year-old approaches working age. The key is getting those actual calculations from SSA rather than trying to estimate. Every family's situation is unique, and the bend points in the family maximum formula make it nearly impossible to calculate accurately without their system.

I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now - disabled adult child on SSI plus minor children eligible for benefits on my record. One thing I learned that might help you is that the Social Security Administration has local offices that can sometimes provide more detailed, personalized assistance than the national phone line. I made an appointment at my local SSA office and brought all my documentation - my disabled child's medical records, proof of disability onset before age 22, and information about everyone's current benefits. The representative was able to run actual calculations showing exactly how much each person would receive under different scenarios. What really surprised me was that even though the family maximum seemed like it would drastically reduce everyone's individual benefits, the total household income was still higher when everyone applied. The key factor was exactly what others mentioned - my disabled child's SSI just adjusted down to fill the gap, so we weren't really "losing" money, just shifting the source. The other huge advantage of switching from SSI to DAC benefits is that your daughter won't have to worry about those restrictive asset limits anymore. She could potentially save money, have a small inheritance, or even get married without losing benefits - none of which is possible with SSI. I'd definitely recommend making an in-person appointment if possible. The local office staff seemed much more knowledgeable about these complex family situations than the phone representatives.

BTW be careful about any retroactive benefits they might try to give you!!! My friend switched at her FRA and they offered her 6 months of retroactive benefits which SEEMED great but actually permanently reduced her monthly amount!!! The rules are super complicated and the reps don't always explain everything correctly.

I'm going through something very similar right now! I'm 63 and have been on survivor benefits since my wife passed in 2022. The online system is absolutely useless for our situation - I get the same message about information not being available. What I ended up doing was calling the SSA national number (1-800-772-1213) early in the morning around 8 AM when they open. The wait was still about 45 minutes, but much better than later in the day. The agent was able to pull up my estimated retirement benefit right over the phone and explain the difference. In my case, my survivor benefit is higher, but she also explained that I could potentially switch to my own retirement benefit later if it grows enough with delayed retirement credits. The key thing I learned is that you really need to speak with someone directly - the online tools just aren't designed for people in our situation. One tip: have your Social Security number and your late husband's SSN ready when you call. They'll need both to access all the information.

EVERYONE impacted by WEP and GPO should join advocacy groups fighting to repeal these unfair penalties! There are bills in Congress almost every year to reform or repeal them but they never pass because most people don't understand these rules until they're personally affected! I'm part of a retired teachers group that's lobbying on this issue. The Social Security Fairness Act would repeal both WEP and GPO but it keeps stalling in Congress. Google "repeal WEP GPO" to find groups in your state working on this. Public servants are getting ROBBED of benefits and it needs to STOP!

I'm in a very similar situation - divorced teacher with a state pension trying to figure out the GPO maze! One thing that helped me was getting a copy of my Social Security Statement online at ssa.gov/myaccount to see what MY estimated benefits would be on my own record vs. what I might potentially get as an ex-spouse (before GPO reduction). Also, I found out that some states have different pension systems - mine allows "dual coverage" where I paid into both Social Security AND the state pension for certain years. If you had any years like that, those might affect your calculations. The key thing I learned is that GPO is based on your GROSS monthly pension amount, not what you actually take home after taxes and deductions. So if your pension statement shows $2,250 gross but you only get $1,800 after taxes/insurance, they still use the $2,250 for the GPO calculation. Definitely worth getting professional help navigating this - the rules are so complex and the stakes are too high to guess wrong!

My sister had to call like 6 or 7 times before she got someone who actually knew how to calculate survivor benefits. Not all the reps are trained on all the different benefits I guess. So frustrating!

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now and it's incredibly frustrating! What finally worked for me was going to a different SSA office - apparently some locations have more experienced staff than others. The first office I went to couldn't help at all, but the second office had someone who knew exactly how to pull up survivor benefit calculations. Also, try asking them to print out your husband's earnings record (Form SSA-7004). Even if they can't calculate your exact survivor benefit on the spot, having his complete earnings history can help you or a financial advisor estimate what you should expect. The survivor benefit is typically based on what he was receiving (or would have received at FRA), so that earnings record is key. One more tip - bring a notebook and write down the name of whoever helps you. If you get conflicting information later, you can reference who told you what. I learned this the hard way after getting three different benefit estimates from three different reps!

I'm so sorry for your loss. Having gone through something similar with my late father's benefits, I wanted to share a few practical tips that might help: 1. **Documentation prep**: Gather your husband's death certificate, your marriage certificate, both of your Social Security cards, and your ID before contacting SSA. Having everything ready will make the process smoother. 2. **Get specific calculations**: When you do reach SSA, ask them to calculate your exact benefit amounts for each scenario - survivor benefits at 61, at FRA, your own retirement at 62, and at 70. They can run these numbers and show you the lifetime benefit comparison. 3. **Consider the "do-over" option**: If you take survivor benefits early and later realize your own benefit at 70 would be much higher, you might be able to withdraw your survivor application within 12 months and pay back what you received (though this has strict rules). 4. **Health considerations**: Don't forget to factor in your health and family longevity when deciding between getting money now vs. waiting for higher payments later. The emotional exhaustion you're feeling is completely normal. Take your time with this decision - you don't have to rush into anything. The numbers will help guide you, but ultimately you need to choose what gives you the most peace of mind during this difficult time.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Losing a spouse is incredibly difficult, and having to navigate these complex benefit decisions while grieving makes it even harder. Based on what others have shared, it sounds like you're on the right track with your thinking. Since you'll be 61 when you retire in March 2025, you can definitely take survivor benefits then (they start at 60, not 62). The key question is whether your own benefit at age 70 would be higher than the survivor benefit at your FRA. One thing that might help reduce some stress: you don't have to make this decision right now. You could retire in March, live off savings/part-time income for a few months, and use that time to get the benefit calculations from SSA without the pressure of needing the money immediately. Also, consider reaching out to your local SSA office to schedule an in-person appointment rather than trying to get through on the phone. As others mentioned, bring all your documents (death certificate, marriage certificate, both Social Security cards, your ID) and write down your questions beforehand. Take care of yourself during this process. These financial decisions are important, but your emotional well-being matters too. The right choice is the one that gives you financial security and peace of mind.