Thanks for all this helpful information everyone! I spoke with my sister and we've decided that she's going to talk to the social worker at her dialysis center first thing tomorrow. She's also going to check with her HR department about exactly what kind of health coverage she has now and what her STD/LTD options look like. We now understand that switching to SSDI isn't an option at her age, but the information about Medicare's special provisions for kidney disease patients is a game-changer. I'm going to help her enroll in Part B right away to avoid any future penalties.

Just wanted to add one more consideration that might help your sister - since she's still working full-time at 72, she should also look into whether her employer offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Many companies provide free counseling and benefits navigation services through EAPs that can help sort through all these complex Medicare and insurance decisions. Also, if she decides to retire, she might want to time it strategically around her dialysis schedule to minimize any gaps in coverage. The transition period can be tricky, but it sounds like you're helping her think through all the right questions. Good luck with everything!

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!

Just wanted to update everyone and say THANK YOU for all the helpful responses! I showed my sister this thread and she's feeling much better. She's going to use that Claimyr service to confirm everything with SSA directly, but it's a huge relief to know her benefits should continue unchanged. You all have saved her so much worry and stress!

This is such valuable information! I'm bookmarking this thread because I work as a benefits counselor and get this exact question all the time. The automatic conversion from SSDI to retirement at FRA with no change in benefit amount is one of those things that causes so much unnecessary anxiety. It's great to see people sharing their actual experiences here - it really helps put minds at ease. Your sister is lucky to have you advocating for her and doing the research!