Has anyone else noticed they keep changing these rules every few years?? My mom got benefits from her ex husband but they were only married 8 years I think... but that was back in the 90s so maybe rules were different then???

Just wanted to add that if you're still worried about any of this, you can create a my Social Security account online at ssa.gov to see your earnings record and get benefit estimates. It's really helpful for planning purposes and you can see exactly what your projected benefits would be based on your current earnings history. Plus, if there are any errors in your record, you can spot them early and get them corrected. The online account also shows you what documents SSA has on file for you, including marriage and divorce records that affect benefit eligibility.

I'm new to this community but dealing with a very similar situation! Applied for my retirement benefits in late November and I'm also stuck at step 2. Haven't gotten any of those mysterious text messages yet, but after reading everyone's experiences here, I'm almost expecting them now! It's both frustrating and somewhat reassuring to see I'm not alone in this. The inconsistency in processing times and communication from SSA is really concerning - some people waiting 6 weeks, others 14+ weeks, all for what should be straightforward applications. @Zara Mirza - I hope you get some movement on your application soon! Based on what others have shared, it sounds like you're still within the normal (albeit frustrating) timeframe. Thanks for posting this - it's been really helpful to read everyone's advice and experiences.

Welcome to the community! I'm also a newcomer here but unfortunately not new to SSA delays. I submitted my disability application 8 months ago and it's been a rollercoaster of confusing communications and long waits. What strikes me about your situation @Zara Mirza is how common these phantom text messages seem to be - I've gotten them too! It's like their notification system is completely disconnected from their actual case management. I've learned to just ignore the texts at this point since they never correspond to anything real in my account. One thing that helped me was creating a simple spreadsheet to track all my interactions with SSA - dates of calls, reference numbers, what each rep told me, etc. It's been invaluable when I have to call back because at least I can reference exactly what was said before. The inconsistency in information between different representatives is mind-boggling. Hang in there - from what I've seen in this thread, retirement claims do seem to move faster than disability once they get going. Hopefully you'll see movement soon!

Just wanted to add another perspective here - make sure your wife understands that once she starts receiving her own retirement benefit at 62, she'll be locked into that reduced amount forever (about 75% of her full benefit). The spousal top-up decision is separate, but her own benefit reduction is permanent. Also, I'd suggest calling SSA multiple times if you get conflicting information. I've found that different representatives sometimes give different answers, so it's worth getting a second or third opinion, especially for something this important. Document who you spoke with and when - ask for their employee ID if possible. One more thing - if your wife has any earnings between 62 and her FRA while collecting benefits, be aware of the earnings test limits. For 2024, she can earn up to $22,320 without affecting her benefits, but this changes annually.

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm in a somewhat similar situation but with a twist - my husband will be eligible for benefits before me, and I'm trying to understand if the same principles apply in reverse. From what I'm reading here, it sounds like the key is being proactive about communicating your timing preferences to SSA rather than assuming they'll automatically do what's best for you. The math breakdown that Alice provided really drives home how important it is to run the actual numbers rather than just assuming waiting is always better. I'm definitely going to bookmark this discussion and use some of these strategies when we start navigating our own claiming decisions. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - it's so much more valuable than the generic information you find on most websites!

just wanted to say im sorry for your loss. please make sure you also apply for the lump sum death payment from social security. its only $255 but its something. you have to call them about it though they dont just give it to you automatically

I'm so deeply sorry for your loss, Chloe. What you're going through is incredibly difficult, and having to navigate these complex Social Security decisions while grieving is overwhelming. Based on what everyone has shared, I'd strongly encourage you to withdraw your current retirement application using Form SSA-521 before benefits begin. As a widow, you now have strategic options that weren't available before - you can potentially optimize between your own retirement benefits and survivor benefits. A few additional points to consider: 1. **Timing flexibility**: Since you're 63, you have time to make the optimal choice rather than rushing into the first available option. 2. **Work considerations**: The earnings test ($23,520 annual limit for 2025) applies equally to both retirement and survivor benefits, so your work income will impact either choice the same way until you reach FRA. 3. **Professional guidance**: Given the complexity and long-term financial impact (potentially tens of thousands over your lifetime), consider consulting with a fee-only financial planner who specializes in Social Security strategies, in addition to speaking with SSA directly. Take your time with this decision - there's no rush once you withdraw your current application. Your financial security is important, but so is your emotional well-being during this difficult time.

Thank you all so much for the helpful information! I just talked to Mom and she's incredibly relieved. She was actually considering postponing the marriage because of the financial concerns, but now she feels comfortable moving forward. She does have some Extra Help with her Medicare Part D, so we'll look into how that might be affected. I'm going to help her schedule an appointment with SSA to confirm everything for her specific situation. I really appreciate everyone taking the time to share your knowledge!

That's wonderful news! I'm so happy your mom can move forward with her marriage without worrying about losing her survivor benefits. Just a quick additional tip - when she does contact SSA, she might want to ask about whether she should report the marriage proactively or wait until after it happens. Some offices prefer advance notice while others just want to be notified after the fact. Also, make sure she brings a copy of the marriage certificate when she does report it. Best wishes to your mom and her fiancé on their upcoming wedding!