One important thing to understand about these benefits - you might be eligible to switch to retirement benefits on your own record when you reach age 62 if that would pay more. Or you could switch to regular survivor benefits (not disability) when you reach full retirement age. It's worth having a benefits planning session with SSA once you're settled into these payments to understand your future options.

I'm sorry for your loss, and congratulations on your approval! As others have mentioned, this is actually a great outcome. Surviving Spouse Disability Benefits can often provide better monthly payments than regular SSDI, especially if your husband had higher lifetime earnings. One thing I'd add that hasn't been mentioned yet - make sure to keep SSA updated if you ever remarry, as that could affect these benefits. Also, if you have any dependent children under 18 (or disabled adult children), they might be eligible for additional benefits on your husband's record too. The fact that you got approved on your first application is really remarkable given how strict the process has become. Take some time to process this good news - you've got financial security coming your way during what I'm sure has been an incredibly difficult time.

Thank you all for the helpful responses! I think I understand better now - it sounds like at FRA, they'll automatically adjust my benefit amount going forward to account for months when benefits were withheld due to my earnings. I'll definitely keep detailed records of which months have benefits withheld and how much is withheld each year. I'm still a bit confused about the possibility of a lump sum that one person mentioned their sister received. I wonder if that might have been related to something else or maybe a retroactive payment of some kind? Either way, it sounds like I'm on the right track claiming survivor benefits now while continuing to work, and then letting my own retirement benefit grow until 70. I appreciate everyone taking the time to explain this complicated process!

I went through something very similar when I started my survivor benefits at 62. The earnings test can definitely be confusing, especially when you get different explanations from different SSA representatives. From my experience, what happens is that SSA keeps track of all the months when your benefits were reduced or withheld due to the earnings test. Then at your FRA, they automatically recalculate your benefit to give you credit for those months - essentially treating you as if you had filed later than you actually did. This results in a permanently higher monthly benefit going forward. One thing I wish someone had told me earlier: make sure you understand exactly how much you're allowed to earn each year without penalty. The earnings limit changes annually, and in 2024 it's $22,320 for people under FRA. Any earnings above that amount result in $1 being withheld for every $2 you earn over the limit. Also, keep copies of all your annual earnings statements and any correspondence from SSA about benefit adjustments. This documentation becomes really helpful if you need to verify the recalculation was done correctly at FRA. Your strategy of claiming survivor benefits now while letting your own retirement benefit grow until 70 is exactly what I did, and it worked out well financially. Good luck with everything!

btw make sure u look at spousal benefits too...might be worth having lower earner take early and higher earner wait. thats what my parents did

As someone who works in financial planning, I can confirm what others have said - you're in great shape! With 25+ years of high earnings, those zero years won't significantly impact your benefits. The Social Security formula is progressive, meaning it replaces a higher percentage of lower earnings, so your high-earning years already put you near the maximum benefit range. One thing I'd suggest is running the numbers on delaying to age 70 vs claiming at 67. With your strong earnings history, that guaranteed 8% annual increase could be substantial over your lifetime, especially since you have rental income to bridge the gap. Also, don't forget that your Social Security benefits will be partially taxable given your other income sources.

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Unfortunately, the 10-year marriage requirement is strictly enforced by SSA with very few exceptions. However, I'd recommend double-checking a few things when you call SSA: 1) Make sure they have the correct marriage and divorce dates on file - sometimes there are discrepancies that could work in your favor, 2) Ask specifically about any credits you might have earned during your marriage that could boost your own future benefits, and 3) Inquire about whether you might qualify for any disability benefits if you have health issues. Also, don't forget that you may still be eligible for benefits on your own work record, and at 53 you have time to increase those future benefits through continued employment. Good luck with your call to SSA!

I'm really sorry for your loss and the difficult situation you're facing. While the 10-year rule is unfortunately very strict, I wanted to mention a couple of things that might be worth exploring when you call SSA. First, make absolutely certain they have your correct marriage and divorce dates - even a few days difference could matter if there's any discrepancy in their records. Second, since your ex-husband never remarried, you might want to ask about any potential one-time death benefit (though this is typically only $255 and goes to surviving spouses or children). Most importantly, use this as motivation to maximize your own Social Security earnings record over the next 14 years before your full retirement age. Every year of higher earnings can replace lower-earning years in your benefit calculation. I know it's not the answer you were hoping for, but focusing on what you can control moving forward will serve you well.

Thank you everyone for all this helpful information! I feel much more confident about my plan now. I'm going to try to reach SSA to start my retirement benefit now, and then make sure to contact them 3 months before my FRA to initiate the switch to survivor benefits. I'll also be sure to document everything carefully along the way. I appreciate all your suggestions and experiences - it's made this whole process much less intimidating!

One more tip that might help - when you call SSA, try calling right when they open (usually 8 AM local time) or later in the afternoon around 4-5 PM. Those tend to be less busy times. Also, if you get disconnected, don't give up! The system is frustrating but your strategy is solid and will save you money in the long run. I've seen too many people give up on legitimate benefit increases because the process was difficult. You've got this!