Thank you all so much for the helpful advice! I've made an appointment with a financial advisor who specializes in federal benefits, and I'm going to apply for my own benefits next month when I turn 62. Based on the numbers we worked through here, that seems to make the most sense for now. I also plan to look into part-time work that stays under the earnings limit. Feels good to have a clearer plan now!

Great to hear you have a plan in place! Just wanted to add one more consideration - since you mentioned health issues, make sure to ask your financial advisor about the impact of Medicare premiums on your Social Security benefits when you turn 65. Your Medicare Part B premiums will be automatically deducted from your SS payments, and if you're getting the reduced early retirement benefit, that deduction can feel pretty significant. Also, keep detailed records of any part-time work earnings throughout the year. The SSA earnings test can be tricky, and it's based on your total annual earnings, not monthly amounts. If you accidentally go over the limit one year, they'll withhold benefits temporarily, but you do get credit for those withheld benefits later when you reach full retirement age. Sounds like you're making a smart, informed decision given your circumstances. Wishing you the best with your transition!

One important clarification about your situation: For each deceased spouse (current and ex), you have a separate survivor benefit entitlement. The rule is that you'll receive the highest benefit you're eligible for at any given time. So your plan is sound and follows SSA rules: 1. Take widow's benefits now from your current late husband 2. If ex-husband passes and his survivor benefit would be higher, switch to that 3. At 70, switch to your own retirement benefit if it's higher than either survivor benefit This approach gives you the maximum benefit amount possible throughout your lifetime. Make sure to keep all your documents organized - marriage certificates, divorce decree showing marriage lasted 10+ years, etc. You'll need these when applying for any benefits related to your ex-spouse.

I'm in a somewhat similar situation and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm 63 and recently widowed, and I've been agonizing over when to start my benefits. Reading about your strategy of maximizing benefits through strategic switching has given me a lot to think about. One thing I'd add based on my research is that it might be worth getting a Social Security statement that shows your projected benefits at different ages (62, full retirement age, and 70) so you can do the math on which strategy gives you the most money over your expected lifetime. You can get this online at ssa.gov. Also, I've heard that if you're still working while receiving survivor benefits, the earnings test might apply if you're under full retirement age, so that's another factor to consider in your timing. Good luck with whatever you decide!

dont u get paid for the month before? like january payment comes in february? thats what my neighbor told me and shes been on SS for years

Great question and perfect timing to be planning this out! I just went through this process myself earlier this year. The 3-month rule is definitely the sweet spot - so for January 2025 benefits, you'll want to apply in October 2024. One thing I learned that might help: when you're filling out the online application, pay close attention to the "Benefits Start Date" section. There's a clear dropdown where you select the month, and it will show you exactly when your first payment will arrive (remember, January benefits are paid in February). Since your wife is taking early retirement, make sure she's prepared for the earnings test if she plans to work at all in 2025. The online application will walk you through this, but it's good to know ahead of time. Also, don't stress too much about the applications being separate - you can both do them on the same day if you want, just using your individual MySocialSecurity accounts. The process is pretty straightforward once you get started. Good luck with your retirement!

Thank you all for the helpful responses! I'm going to try calling with my mother present first so she can give verbal authorization. Then I'll look into the Form SSA-1696 for longer-term help. I'll specifically ask about the GPO reduction, maximum survivor benefits, and those Medicare assistance programs mentioned. Really appreciate all the advice!

Just wanted to add - if your mom gets overwhelmed during the call or has trouble remembering information, don't hesitate to ask the SSA representative to slow down or repeat things. They're usually understanding about helping elderly callers. Also, have a pen and paper ready to write down any important information they provide, like case numbers, benefit amounts, or next steps. Sometimes they speak quickly and it's easy to miss details. Good luck with getting through - the wait times can be brutal but it's worth it to get her benefits sorted out properly.

Don't beat yourself up too much about filing early - sometimes you need the money when you need it! I'm in a similar boat and found that calling SSA's automated phone line (1-800-772-1213) can actually give you some basic benefit information without waiting for a human. Press 0 to get to the menu, then you can request they mail you a detailed benefit statement that shows your PIA. It takes about 10 days but might save you the hassle of trying to get through to someone. Also, if your husband hasn't filed yet, you might want to run some scenarios on when he should file - if he can wait past his FRA, his benefits increase 8% per year until age 70, which would also increase your potential spousal benefit.

Just wanted to add my experience - I was in almost the exact same situation! Filed at 62, husband waited until his FRA. The key thing that helped me understand it was realizing that Social Security basically looks at two scenarios when your husband files: 1) Keep getting what you're already getting, or 2) Get a spousal benefit. You get whichever is higher, not both. In my case, I got an extra $180/month when my husband filed. Not huge, but every bit helps! One tip - if you have trouble finding your PIA (Primary Insurance Amount) on your Social Security statement, it's sometimes listed as your "full retirement age benefit amount" in the online portal. That's the number they use for the 50% spousal calculation, not your reduced amount. Good luck!