I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - applied for survivor benefits in January and they requested additional documentation which I provided 3 weeks ago. Still showing "processing" online with no updates. It's so frustrating when you're counting on these payments and have no idea when they'll come through. From what I've learned lurking in this community, it seems like 4-6 weeks after they receive all documents is pretty typical, though some people get lucky with faster processing. The uncertainty is the worst part - I wish they'd at least give us a rough timeline when we call. Thanks for posting about this - it helps to know others are going through the same waiting game. Hopefully we'll both get good news soon!

I'm sorry you're going through this stressful waiting period - I can totally relate to the anxiety of not knowing when those much-needed payments will start. I went through survivor benefits processing about 18 months ago and it took 6 weeks from when they confirmed receiving my marriage certificate to final approval. What really helped me during the wait was keeping a detailed log of all my interactions with SSA (dates called, reference numbers, what they told me). When I finally got through to a helpful representative at the 5-week mark, she was able to see exactly where my application was in the process and assured me it was moving through normally. The good news is that once you're approved, you'll receive all the back pay from your February application date. Since you're already at FRA, you'll get 100% of your late husband's benefit amount. The self-employment earnings shouldn't cause delays - they have access to his tax records showing all his Social Security contributions. Try to hang in there just a little longer. I know it's easier said than done when bills are due, but your application sounds like it's progressing normally even though it feels painfully slow!

My cousin said if u work for 10 more years after taking early SS they have to recalculate everything and give u the higher amount. Is that right???

I'm new to this community but going through a similar situation - started collecting at 62 and now wondering about what happens at FRA. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful! It's frustrating that the SSA doesn't explain these permanent reductions more clearly upfront. I had no idea that the early filing reduction would stick with me forever. For anyone else in this boat, it sounds like the key takeaways are: 1) Your own retirement benefit reduction is permanent, 2) Your spousal benefit might see a small increase at FRA, and 3) You'll still get annual COLAs. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this is exactly the kind of real-world info that's hard to find elsewhere!

Update: I called SSA this morning (took forever to get through!) and have an appointment next week to apply for the survivor benefits. The representative confirmed that since we were married over 10 years and I haven't remarried, I'm eligible even though we were divorced. She also verified I can take these benefits now while letting my own retirement benefit grow until 70. Thanks everyone for your help and advice!

This is such valuable information for anyone in a similar situation! I'm 64 and divorced after 12 years of marriage. My ex-husband is older than me and in poor health, so this thread has been really eye-opening about potential future options. The key takeaways I'm getting are: 1) Marriage must have lasted 10+ years, 2) You can't have remarried, 3) You can collect survivor benefits at FRA while delaying your own until 70, and 4) Act quickly since there's only 6 months of retroactive benefits. Taylor, please keep us updated on how your appointment goes - it could help others navigate this process!

My cousin retired last year and she told me that the first $22,320 you make in a year doesn't count at all against Social Security regardless of when you earn it. But then her neighbor told her that was wrong and now she's all confused too. The Social Security rules are so complicated!!! Why can't they just make it simple?

I went through this exact same situation two years ago and wanted to share what I learned. The monthly earnings test ($1860/month) only applies AFTER you start collecting benefits in August. Your January-July earnings won't affect your Social Security at all. However, here's something crucial that saved me from problems: make sure you understand how SSA defines "earnings" for that monthly test. It's not just regular wages - it includes any compensation for services you perform in that month. So if you do any consulting work, freelance projects, or even help a friend with their business for pay after August, that counts toward the $1860 limit. Also, I'd strongly recommend calling SSA about 2-3 months before you plan to start benefits to go over your specific situation. Yes, it's hard to get through, but it's worth it to avoid any surprises. When I called, they walked me through exactly what would and wouldn't count as earnings in my first year. One more tip: keep detailed records of when you officially stop working and any final payments you receive. SSA may ask for documentation later to verify your earnings timeline.

WHAT?!?! Im so confused now because my neighbor swore that only your earnings before 60 count for the calculation and she used to work for the government!!! Why is this so complicated!!

I can understand the confusion - there's a lot of misinformation floating around about Social Security calculations! Let me add some clarity from someone who went through this recently. I'm 63 and just went through the detailed benefit calculation process with SSA. Your earnings from 60 until your FRA absolutely DO count toward your highest 35 years. The key difference people get confused about is the "indexing" - earnings before age 60 get adjusted upward for wage inflation, while earnings at 60+ are used at their actual dollar amount. But here's the important part: if your current $78,000 salary is higher than some of your earlier years (even after those earlier years are indexed for inflation), then yes, these recent years will boost your benefit calculation by replacing lower-earning years. I'd strongly recommend logging into your my.ssa.gov account to see your complete earnings history and get an updated benefit estimate. It shows exactly which years are being used in your top 35 calculation. In my case, my earnings from ages 60-63 replaced several low-earning years from my twenties, increasing my projected monthly benefit by about $200. Don't let the misinformation discourage you from working until your FRA if that's your plan - those higher-earning years can really pay off in retirement!