One last point worth considering: If you're in good health and longevity runs in your family, the strategy of claiming survivor/ex-spouse benefits at FRA and switching to your own at 70 becomes even more valuable. The math generally works out that if you live beyond your early 80s, maximizing your own benefit by waiting until 70 provides the highest lifetime payout. Regardless of when you claim, make sure to file your application 3-4 months before you want benefits to begin. The SSA processing time has been running longer than usual lately.

Just want to echo what others have said about getting all three benefit amounts calculated - it's absolutely crucial for making the right decision. I went through something similar a few years ago and found that creating a simple spreadsheet helped me visualize the long-term impact of each strategy. One thing I'd add is to consider your health insurance situation too. If you're retiring at 65, you'll be eligible for Medicare, but if you're still working and have employer coverage, you might want to factor that into your timing decision. Sometimes the healthcare costs can influence whether it makes sense to retire exactly at 65 or adjust your timeline slightly. Also, since you mentioned your ex-husband earned significantly more than your late husband, definitely get his benefit amount calculated. That 50% of his benefit at your FRA could potentially be much higher than 100% of your late husband's benefit. Good luck with everything!

Just to add something important - you should BOTH apply for benefits right away even if you're uncertain about eligibility. Here's why: 1. If denied, you preserve your filing date for appeals 2. Sometimes the rules have exceptions you might not know about 3. The SSA representative might identify other programs you qualify for And regarding your daughter's Crohn's - medical documentation is CRUCIAL. Get detailed statements from ALL her doctors about how it limits her ability to function and work. For Disabled Adult Child benefits, they need to see that her condition prevents substantial gainful activity.

I'm so deeply sorry for your loss. Losing your husband so young is devastating, and trying to navigate all these financial questions while grieving is overwhelming. A few additional thoughts that might help: 1. **Timing is critical** - Apply for your daughter's survivor benefits ASAP. Benefits can be retroactive to your application date, but not before that. 2. **Document everything** - For your daughter's potential Disabled Adult Child claim, start gathering comprehensive medical records NOW. Include not just diagnosis dates but detailed functional assessments from her doctors about how Crohn's affects her daily activities, energy levels, and ability to maintain consistent work/school attendance. 3. **Consider a disability attorney** - If your daughter's Crohn's case is borderline, a disability attorney who specializes in DAC claims might be worth consulting. Many work on contingency. 4. **Don't forget smaller benefits** - Beyond the $255 death benefit, check if your husband had any veterans benefits, union survivor benefits, or employer life insurance you haven't claimed yet. 5. **State programs** - While waiting for federal benefits decisions, look into state assistance programs for food, utilities, or medical coverage that might bridge the gap. The people here have given you excellent advice. You're not alone in this, and there are programs designed to help families in exactly your situation. Take it one step at a time.

my bad about the wrong info i think my sister wasnt remarried when her ex died thats probably why she could get his ss

I work as a benefits counselor and see cases like yours frequently. While you unfortunately can't claim survivor benefits from your ex-husband due to remarrying before age 60, don't overlook that you may have other valuable options. Since you're still working at 64, you're in a good position to potentially maximize your retirement planning. Consider: 1) Your own delayed retirement credits if you wait past Full Retirement Age, 2) Spousal benefits on your current husband's record (could be up to 50% of his benefit), and 3) The "restricted application" strategy if applicable. Also, when you meet with SSA, bring both your and your current husband's earnings statements so they can run comprehensive calculations. Sometimes the numbers surprise people in a good way!

One thing nobody mentioned - when you switch to survivor benefits, you'll need his death certificate and marriage certificate. Get multiple certified copies of the death certificate (at least 5-10) when the time comes. Every organization will want one and some won't accept photocopies. Just a practical tip I wish someone had told me!

Just wanted to add another perspective as someone who works with retirees - you might also want to consider the tax implications when making this decision. Your reduced retirement benefit at 65 will be taxed as income, but when you eventually switch to survivor benefits, that will also be taxable income (potentially at a higher amount). If you're still working or have other income sources, this could push you into a higher tax bracket. It's worth running the numbers with a tax professional to see how the timing affects your overall financial picture, especially if you're planning to work past 65.

My cousin went thru something similar. She was 63 and got disability. Only raised her payment like $75 a month but she said it was worth it. She got backpay too but I think that's cuz her disability started before she took retirement.

I went through almost the exact same situation at 63! Had taken early retirement and then found out I qualified for SSDI. The confusion between SSI and SSDI is SO common - even among SSA employees unfortunately. Here's what I learned: You CAN still apply for SSDI even though you're already getting retirement benefits. The key is proving your disability started BEFORE you took early retirement at 62. If approved, they'll remove that early retirement reduction penalty from your benefit calculation. In my case, it took about 14 months to get approved (had to appeal once), but I ended up with about $180 more per month plus some backpay. At your age, you're cutting it close with the timeline, but if your medical records clearly show disability onset before age 62, it might still be worth pursuing. As for the inheritance - definitely use it for necessities like your roof and car! That money has nothing to do with SSDI eligibility. The SSA rep who told you otherwise was confusing the two programs. Don't let misinformation stop you from taking care of essential needs.