Thank you all for the helpful information. I didn't realize how complicated this would be! So if I understand correctly: 1. If we both claim at 62 and my husband passes away before his FRA (which is 67), I'd get the larger of either 82.5% of his PIA or what he was actually receiving at 62 2. If he passes after his FRA, I'd just get what he was actually receiving 3. My own claiming decision creates separate reductions if I'm not at my FRA when applying for survivor benefits Based on this, should we reconsider our plan? Maybe he should wait longer even if I claim early? I really appreciate all the guidance.

This is such a helpful discussion! I'm in a similar situation but haven't made any decisions yet. One thing I'm wondering about - if AstroAce's husband delays claiming but she takes benefits at 62, what happens to her own retirement benefit when she eventually switches to survivor benefits? Does she lose her own benefit completely, or does SSA somehow combine them? Also, are there any tax implications to consider when switching from your own retirement benefit to survivor benefits? I know Social Security can be taxable depending on your total income, but I'm not sure if the type of benefit matters.

OMG this makes me so nervous! I'm turning 60 next month and planning to apply for survivor benefits. Now I'm scared they'll give me wrong info too! Did you research before going in or just trust what they told you? I've been reading so many articles but they all say different things about how survivor benefits work!

This is exactly the kind of bureaucratic nightmare that makes people lose faith in the system. I'm a retired federal employee (not SSA) and have seen this pattern countless times - contradictory information, lost paperwork, and reps who don't understand their own procedures. Your situation highlights a critical flaw: you were given incorrect information that cost you potentially thousands of dollars, then when you tried to correct it, the system failed you again. The fact that your withdrawal has been in limbo for 6 months is unacceptable. Here's what I'd recommend as your next steps: 1. File a complaint with your Congressional representative's office - they have staff specifically for SSA issues and can often get faster results than going through normal channels 2. Document everything in writing and send a certified letter to your local SSA office manager outlining the timeline and requesting immediate action 3. Request all communications be provided in writing going forward The "misinformation provision" mentioned earlier is real and could protect you from penalties, but you need to document that initial incorrect advice you received. Don't let them rush you into decisions at appointments - if something doesn't sound right, ask for time to verify the information. You shouldn't have to become an expert in Social Security law just to get the benefits you're entitled to. This system is broken and your experience proves it.

As someone who just went through this process myself at 62, I wanted to share what I learned. The key thing that helped me decide was understanding that survivor benefits are completely separate from your own retirement benefits in terms of calculation. I ended up claiming at 62 because I realized that even though my monthly amount would be reduced, it wouldn't impact what I'd get as a widow later if my husband predeceases me. Plus, I figured getting something now while we're both healthy gives us more flexibility for things like home improvements or helping our kids. One thing I wish someone had told me earlier - make sure you and your husband both create my Social Security accounts online. You can see all your projected benefits at different claiming ages, and it makes these conversations so much easier when you have the actual numbers in front of you rather than estimates.

This is such a helpful discussion! I'm in a similar situation (turning 63 next month) and have been agonizing over this exact decision. What really clicked for me reading through all these responses is that survivor benefits are calculated independently from when you claim your own retirement benefits. One thing I'd add that my financial advisor mentioned - if you're in good health and your family has a history of longevity, the break-even point for claiming at 62 vs 65 is usually around age 78-80. So if you expect to live beyond that, waiting until 65 gives you more total lifetime benefits from your own earnings record. But as others have pointed out, this doesn't affect the survivor benefit calculation at all. That's based entirely on what your husband earned and when he claims his benefits. The strategy of lower earner claiming early while higher earner delays to maximize the eventual survivor benefit makes a lot of sense when you think about it from a household perspective. @StarSailor, have you considered meeting with a fee-only financial advisor who specializes in Social Security claiming strategies? Sometimes having someone run all the scenarios with your actual numbers can be worth the consultation fee.

If your waiting till FRA anyway, why not just file a restricted application for spousal benefits only? That way you can collect half of her benefit while still letting yours grow until 70. My financial advisor told me this was possible if you were born before 1954.

Thanks everyone for the really helpful information. I think I understand better now - my wife can get the spousal supplement but only AFTER I file for my own benefits, and it'll be based on my FRA amount not my increased age 70 amount if I delay. If I'm understanding correctly, our best strategy is probably: 1. I continue working and delay my benefits until 70 to maximize my own amount 2. Once I file, my wife will automatically get the difference between her reduced benefit and half of my PIA 3. If I pass away before her, she'd then be eligible for survivor benefits equal to my full benefit including delayed credits Is that right? I think we need to run the numbers to see whether it makes sense financially for me to file earlier so she can get the spousal supplement sooner, or if the increase to my own benefit from waiting is worth more in the long run.

Welcome to the community and congratulations on finalizing your adoption! As someone who's helped families navigate SSA benefits for years, I can tell you that you're asking exactly the right questions. The fact that your adoption decree explicitly states she became your legal child from the petition filing date (June 2024) is really significant. SSA follows state law on when the parent-child relationship is legally established, and your decree provides clear documentation of that date. A few additional tips for your appointment: - Consider calling ahead to ask if there's a specific agent who handles adoption cases - they'll be more familiar with these nuances - If you hit resistance, politely ask them to document in your case file that you're requesting benefits based on the court's determination of when the legal relationship began - Bring a simple cover letter summarizing your request with the key dates highlighted The three-month difference in back pay is definitely worth pursuing, especially given the clear language in your decree. Don't let anyone tell you it's "not worth the hassle" - you're entitled to benefits from when the legal relationship was established according to the court. Best of luck with your appointment next week! Feel free to update us on how it goes.

Any idea how this works in Washington State? I’ve had custody of a relative child since the day she was born at the hospital. Adoption was recently finalized. Any idea if Washington state acknowledges the day I received her in my care versus the recent finalization? Thank you!