my sister tried doing the thing where she only filed for spousal and they AUTOMATICALLY filed her for her own benefits too even though she told them not to. she was so mad! but the SSA person said the law changed and they had no choice. this was in 2020.

As someone who just went through this process last year, I can confirm what others are saying about the deemed filing rules. My wife and I had the exact same confusion! One thing I'd add that hasn't been mentioned much - make sure you get your benefit estimates updated from SSA before making your final decision. The $2,950 and $2,250 estimates you mentioned might have changed based on recent earnings or COLA adjustments. Also, consider creating accounts on ssa.gov for both of you if you haven't already. You can run "what if" scenarios there to see exactly how different claiming strategies would affect your monthly benefits. It really helped us visualize the trade-offs. The strategy of having your husband file at FRA while you wait until 70 is solid given your numbers, especially with family longevity on your side. Just remember that once you make the decision, you generally can't change it (except for a limited withdrawal option within 12 months). Good luck with your planning!

One additional planning consideration: When you sell your business, will it be a lump sum or structured payout? If it's a lump sum, that year might have very high income and potentially cause more of your Social Security to be taxable if you're already collecting. Another reason delaying could be beneficial in your situation - you can coordinate the timing of the business sale and Social Security start to minimize overall taxation. Up to 85% of your SS benefits can be subject to income tax depending on your combined income.

As someone new to this community, I'm really impressed by the depth of knowledge shared here! Your strategy sounds very sound given your circumstances. One thing I'd add that I learned from my own research is to also consider the impact of Medicare premiums (IRMAA) when coordinating your business sale with Social Security timing. High income years can increase your Medicare Part B and D premiums for up to two years later. Since you're planning a lump sum business sale, delaying SS until after that transaction could help minimize both income taxes on SS benefits AND avoid higher Medicare premiums down the road. It's yet another piece of the puzzle that reinforces your approach of waiting until 70.

Update: After following everyone's advice, I finally got through most of this process! The Canadian pension office had a specific international benefits department that processed my request in 2 weeks instead of 6. I sent everything certified mail to SSA and followed up regularly. My benefit is now being processed with only a partial WEP reduction thanks to my 23 years of US work. Thanks everyone for your help navigating this complicated mess!

Congratulations on getting through this! Your experience is really helpful for others facing similar situations. I'm dealing with a similar WEP issue but with a UK pension. Quick question - when you contacted the Canadian pension office's international benefits department, did you need any special reference numbers or just your regular pension information? Also, did SSA give you any paperwork showing exactly how they calculated your partial WEP reduction? I want to make sure I can verify their math when my case gets processed.

I'm so glad to see this thread - it really highlights how confusing the Social Security system can be! As someone who's navigated similar benefit coordination issues, I wanted to add that it's also worth asking SSA about any potential earnings limits if you're still working while receiving widow benefits before your full retirement age. The annual earnings test can reduce benefits if you earn over certain thresholds ($23,400 for 2024), but this wouldn't affect your daughter's SSDI payments at all. Just another factor to consider in your decision-making process. Also, make sure to ask about Medicare eligibility timing when you speak with them - sometimes there are coordination benefits there too that people don't realize they can take advantage of.

This is such a helpful thread! I'm in a similar situation but my disabled son is only 22 and gets childhood disability benefits. Reading through all these responses has really helped me understand that different types of Social Security benefits have their own rules and calculations. I especially appreciate everyone mentioning the importance of getting agent names and asking for documentation in your file - I've had the same experience with getting different answers from different representatives. It's so frustrating when you're trying to do the right thing for your family! One thing I'd add is that if you do decide to apply, consider asking SSA about retroactive benefits too. Sometimes there can be back payments available depending on when you became eligible versus when you actually apply. Just another detail to explore when you speak with them. Good luck with your decision - it sounds like you're being very thoughtful about protecting your daughter's benefits while also taking care of your own needs.

Just wanted to add one more reassuring data point - I'm currently 69 and collecting survivor benefits while working part-time at a local library. I earn about $35,000 a year and there's absolutely no reduction in my benefits. The freedom after FRA is real! Also, regarding your career change plans - I made a similar transition from high-stress work (banking) to something more peaceful at age 68. The mental health benefits have been incredible. Garden centers and bookstores sound lovely! You've got so many great options once you hit FRA next year.

I'm so glad to see this question being asked! As someone who recently went through this same confusion, I want to emphasize what everyone else has confirmed - there is absolutely NO earnings limit after Full Retirement Age for survivor benefits. I was in a similar boat last year, worried about transitioning from my stressful career while on survivor benefits. The SSA representatives I spoke with were very clear: once you hit FRA, you can earn any amount without affecting your survivor benefits. The only consideration is potential taxation of those benefits if your combined income exceeds certain thresholds, but that's completely separate from benefit reduction. Your plan to transition to something less stressful like a garden center or bookstore sounds wonderful. I made a similar change and the peace of mind has been incredible. You're so close to that FRA date in June 2026 - hang in there! The financial freedom that comes with no earnings restrictions will give you so many more options for your next chapter.