Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! I'm going to try using the WEP calculator on the SSA website, but I think we'll also need to talk directly with an agent to get our specific situation figured out. It's frustrating that something as important as retirement planning has to be this complicated. I'll update once we get our actual calculation from SSA.

As someone who recently navigated this exact situation, I can confirm your understanding is correct but there are a few additional nuances to consider. My husband was also affected by WEP with a similar work history (20 years government, 25 years private sector). One thing that caught us off guard was that the WEP reduction can actually change over time based on your pension amount. If your husband's pension increases due to COLAs on the pension side, it could affect the WEP calculation since the reduction is capped at 50% of the pension amount. Also, make sure you understand how this impacts your survivor benefits planning. If something happens to your husband, your survivor benefit would be based on what he was actually receiving (the WEP-reduced amount), not what his benefit would have been without WEP. I'd strongly recommend getting a formal benefit estimate from SSA before making any final decisions about timing. The difference between filing at 67 vs 70 might not be as significant as you originally calculated once WEP is factored in.

Don't forget about the family maximum limit! That can really mess up your expectations if multiple people are collecting on one record. Ask the rep specifically if the family maximum applies in your case.

Your strategy sounds solid! As someone who recently went through a similar decision process, I'd suggest writing down your key questions beforehand so you don't forget anything during the call. Also, don't be surprised if you get pushback from the SSA rep - some aren't familiar with this strategy. One thing that helped me was asking for a written estimate of both scenarios (your plan vs. taking survivor benefits first) so I could compare the lifetime totals. The SSA can provide benefit estimates for different claiming strategies. Also, since you mentioned being anxious about the decision - remember that if something changes in your situation later, you generally have 12 months to withdraw your application and try a different approach (though you'd have to pay back any benefits received). It's not as permanent as it feels! Good luck with your appointment next week!

One last thing to consider: if your ex-spouse passes away before you claim benefits, the rules change. As a surviving divorced spouse, you could claim survivor benefits as early as age 60 (or 50 if disabled). Survivor benefits are different from ex-spousal benefits. Not something to hope for, of course, but important to know in case that situation arises.

I just went through this exact process last year! I was 61 when I started researching and had to wait until 62 just like you. One tip that really helped me: about 3-4 months before your 62nd birthday, you can actually start the application process. Don't wait until the day you turn 62 because processing can take time. Also, since you mentioned struggling financially, look into whether your state has a Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). It's specifically for people 55+ with lower incomes and can provide part-time work and training while you're waiting to be eligible for benefits. I found it through my local Area Agency on Aging and it really helped bridge the gap. The waiting is hard, but you're so close! Just two and a half more years and you'll have that extra financial security.

SEE!!! I TOLD YOU!!! So happy for you!! 🎉🎉🎉

Congratulations on getting this sorted out! This is a perfect example of why it's so important to advocate for yourself when dealing with government agencies. The first representative clearly didn't understand the rules around divorced spouse benefits and federal pensions. For anyone else reading this thread who might face similar issues: always ask for a supervisor or technical expert if the information you're getting doesn't align with what you've researched or sounds inconsistent. SSA representatives are human and can make mistakes, especially with complex scenarios involving federal employment and divorced spouse benefits. Your persistence really paid off here, and I'm sure this thread will help other people in similar situations who might get incorrect information initially.

I started my benefits last year at 62 and I made sure to stay juuuust under the earnings limit. My sister went over by accident and they sent her this scary letter and stopped her benefits for like 3 months! Just keep really good track of what your earning. My boss was cool about it and would let me know when I was getting close to the limit so I could take time off if needed.

Just wanted to add one more important detail that I learned the hard way - make sure you report ALL income sources to SSA when you apply, not just your main job. I forgot to mention some occasional weekend work I did helping neighbors with yard cleanups, and it came back to bite me during their annual review. Even cash payments count toward the earnings limit! Also, if you're getting any 1099 income (like if the garden center classifies you as a contractor instead of an employee), that counts too. The SSA gets copies of all your tax documents anyway, so it's better to be upfront about everything from the start.