Thank you so much! This is a great checklist of what I need to do. I've gathered my documents and will try to connect with SSA this week to get the process started. I really appreciate everyone's help!

I'm sorry for your loss, Isabella. This is a complex situation but there are some good options for you. Since you were married for 10+ years, you're eligible for divorced spouse survivor benefits. The key thing to understand is that survivor benefits are calculated differently than regular retirement benefits - your ex-husband's benefit amount won't be reduced just because he died at 62 before claiming. However, if you switch to survivor benefits now at 64, your benefit would be reduced since you haven't reached your full retirement age yet. You might want to compare your current reduced retirement benefit with what you'd get from survivor benefits now, versus waiting until your FRA to get 100% of his benefit. Also, don't worry about his remarriage - that doesn't affect your eligibility at all. I'd recommend getting exact calculations from SSA to help you decide the best timing for your situation.

You can report earnings changes by calling SSA, using your my Social Security account online, or visiting a local office. The online account is usually the easiest way - there's a section specifically for updating your earnings estimate. Just make sure you keep documentation of all your income in case there are questions later.

Just wanted to add one more important detail - make sure you understand how self-employment income is counted for the earnings limit. Since you mentioned you work as a consultant, SSA counts your net self-employment earnings (after business expenses) toward the limit, not your gross income. So if you invoice $60,000 but have $10,000 in legitimate business expenses, only $50,000 would count toward the $59,520 limit. Keep detailed records of all your business expenses throughout the year - things like equipment, software, travel, office supplies, etc. This could help you stay under the limit even if your gross consulting income is higher than expected.

I just wanted to update that I called the SSA today and managed to get through after about 45 minutes on hold. The representative said I should definitely come in for an appointment when I retire to compare my own benefit to the widow benefit. She also mentioned something about

Great news! Just so you know, \

Thank you everyone for the helpful information! I'm going to create my Social Security account online tonight and look at my estimated benefits. Sounds like I need to wait until I'm 62 (and until he's 62 as well), but at least I know I have options. This is such a relief after thinking I might be out of luck because of his remarriage.

I went through this EXACT situation!!! My ex remarried a younger woman right after our divorce but I was able to claim on his record when I turned 62. The worker at my local SS office was AMAZING and explained everything. BUT she said that if I ever remarry I would LOSE the ex-spousal benefit!!! So keep that in mind if you're dating anyone... unfortunaely remarrying can actually COST you money in this situation!

Thank you for that perspective and the information about the special calculation! I hadn't heard about that. You make a good point about treatment costs. I've been saving for unexpected expenses, but it's hard to know exactly what I'll be facing. My treatments start next week, so I'm thinking it might still make sense to stick with the December timeline since it's not that far away. I'm trying to balance immediate needs with long-term financial security.Thank you for the well wishes - it means a lot coming from someone who's been through it.

I want to echo everyone's condolences - dealing with loss, health challenges, and navigating Social Security all at once is incredibly difficult. Your plan shows remarkable foresight given everything you're facing. One additional consideration: since you're self-employed and will be reducing hours significantly during treatment, you might want to calculate your projected 2024 and 2025 earnings carefully. The earnings test calculations can be tricky when your income varies monthly, especially when you're transitioning between different benefit types. Also, I'd strongly recommend getting a recent Social Security statement (you can access it online at ssa.gov/myaccount) to verify your projected retirement benefit amount. This will help you confirm that your own retirement benefit is indeed higher than the survivor benefit you'll be receiving. Your approach of wanting to "work less and live more" resonates deeply. Sometimes life's challenges help us prioritize what truly matters. Wishing you strength through your treatments and a smooth experience with Social Security.