Thank you all so much for your helpful responses! Based on everything you've shared, I feel much more confident about moving forward with wedding plans. I'm definitely past 60 now, so timing should be fine, but I'll keep all the documentation organized and make reporting the marriage to SSA a priority right after the ceremony. I really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and knowledge!

Congratulations on your engagement! Just wanted to add another perspective - I work at a local SSA field office and see this situation fairly regularly. The key points everyone has shared are correct: you must be 60 or older on your actual wedding date, and you need to report the marriage promptly after the ceremony. One tip from the administrative side - when you call or visit to report your marriage, have your Social Security number, your new spouse's Social Security number, and your marriage certificate ready. This will make the process much smoother. Also, don't be surprised if they ask for a copy of your late husband's death certificate again - it's part of their verification process. The agents are usually very helpful with survivor benefit cases, so don't hesitate to ask questions during the reporting process. Best wishes for your upcoming wedding!

While contacting your representative is always an option, it's important to understand that WEP and GPO have been controversial but established parts of Social Security policy since the 1980s. Several repeal bills have been introduced over the years, but they face significant hurdles due to the potential cost to the Social Security Trust Fund. In the meantime, it's best to work within the current rules to maximize benefits under the existing system.

I'm sorry you're dealing with this frustrating situation, Carmen. Based on what you've shared, the math unfortunately works against you. With your $3,275 monthly pension, the GPO reduction would be about $2,183 (2/3 of your pension). Even if you were entitled to the maximum spousal benefit of around $1,225 (50% of your husband's benefit), the GPO reduction would completely eliminate it. One thing worth double-checking though - make sure SSA has all your earnings records correct, especially those 15 years of covered employment. Sometimes there are missing quarters or miscalculated amounts that could potentially affect your WEP reduction or create other opportunities. Also, while the current rules are what they are, it might be worth keeping an eye on any legislative changes. There have been recent discussions in Congress about WEP/GPO reform, though as others mentioned, these efforts have historically faced challenges. The suggestion about scheduling an in-person appointment at your local SSA office is solid advice - they can run the exact calculations for your specific situation and make sure nothing is overlooked.

congratulations! glad it went smooth for you. my mom did this same thing last year (survivor to own benefits at 70) and she had no problems either. i think people mostly post when things go wrong not when they go right lol

I'm so glad to hear about your positive experience! As someone who will likely face a similar transition in a few years (currently 67 and on survivor benefits), this gives me hope. I've been dreading the process after reading so many horror stories here. Quick question - did you need to provide any additional documentation during the call, or did they have everything they needed from your previous survivor benefits application? I'm wondering if I should start gathering paperwork now or if the transition is more straightforward than I'm expecting. Also, did they explain how the cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) would work during the transition? I'm curious if there's any timing issue with getting the full COLA increase when switching benefit types.

OMG this makes me so nervous! I'm turning 60 next month and planning to apply for survivor benefits. Now I'm scared they'll give me wrong info too! Did you research before going in or just trust what they told you? I've been reading so many articles but they all say different things about how survivor benefits work!

This is exactly the kind of bureaucratic nightmare that makes people lose faith in the system. I'm a retired federal employee (not SSA) and have seen this pattern countless times - contradictory information, lost paperwork, and reps who don't understand their own procedures. Your situation highlights a critical flaw: you were given incorrect information that cost you potentially thousands of dollars, then when you tried to correct it, the system failed you again. The fact that your withdrawal has been in limbo for 6 months is unacceptable. Here's what I'd recommend as your next steps: 1. File a complaint with your Congressional representative's office - they have staff specifically for SSA issues and can often get faster results than going through normal channels 2. Document everything in writing and send a certified letter to your local SSA office manager outlining the timeline and requesting immediate action 3. Request all communications be provided in writing going forward The "misinformation provision" mentioned earlier is real and could protect you from penalties, but you need to document that initial incorrect advice you received. Don't let them rush you into decisions at appointments - if something doesn't sound right, ask for time to verify the information. You shouldn't have to become an expert in Social Security law just to get the benefits you're entitled to. This system is broken and your experience proves it.

If your waiting till FRA anyway, why not just file a restricted application for spousal benefits only? That way you can collect half of her benefit while still letting yours grow until 70. My financial advisor told me this was possible if you were born before 1954.

Thanks everyone for the really helpful information. I think I understand better now - my wife can get the spousal supplement but only AFTER I file for my own benefits, and it'll be based on my FRA amount not my increased age 70 amount if I delay. If I'm understanding correctly, our best strategy is probably: 1. I continue working and delay my benefits until 70 to maximize my own amount 2. Once I file, my wife will automatically get the difference between her reduced benefit and half of my PIA 3. If I pass away before her, she'd then be eligible for survivor benefits equal to my full benefit including delayed credits Is that right? I think we need to run the numbers to see whether it makes sense financially for me to file earlier so she can get the spousal supplement sooner, or if the increase to my own benefit from waiting is worth more in the long run.