One final point about the monthly test versus annual test: After your first year on benefits, Social Security will automatically switch you to the annual test. You don't need to contact them for this change. So in 2025, they'll use the monthly test, and in 2026, they'll automatically use the annual test. For 2025, as long as you stay under $1,840 in January, you should be fine. For the rest of 2025, if you've fully retired, you won't have any earnings to worry about anyway. But if you do any part-time work later in 2025, you'll need to stay under the monthly limit for any month you work.

I'm dealing with a similar situation as a newcomer to Social Security benefits! Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful. One thing I want to add that might help other newcomers: I called my former HR department to get a written breakdown of which hours were worked in which month, since my final paycheck also spanned two months. They were actually really helpful and provided a detailed breakdown that I can keep for my records. It might be worth reaching out to your HR department too, Natasha, just to have that documentation from the employer side as well as your own records. This whole earnings test thing is way more complicated than I expected when I first applied for benefits!

wait i'm confused...if i'm getting ssi now and my husband retires next year do i get a higher benefit? or do i have to pick one or the other?? we've been married 23 years

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this confusion! This is actually one of the most common misunderstandings about Social Security benefits. What you're experiencing is called "dual entitlement" - you can't receive both your own benefit AND the full spousal benefit stacked on top of each other. Here's what's happening: SSA takes the higher of either (1) your own retirement benefit OR (2) 50% of your ex-husband's Primary Insurance Amount. If 50% of his PIA is higher than your own benefit, you get your own benefit PLUS just enough spousal benefit to bring you up to that 50% level. So if your own benefit is $1,288 and 50% of his PIA is $1,500, you'd only get $212 more per month ($1,500 total), not $1,500 on top of your $1,288. The good news is your calculation is probably correct - it's just that the "50% spousal benefit" isn't what most people think it means. Definitely call to verify they used the right ex-spouse's record though, just to be sure!

Just wanted to add one important point that might help with your planning - even though you can claim ex-spouse benefits at 62, you might want to consider waiting a bit longer if possible. The reduction isn't just a small amount - it's permanent and significant. At 62, you'd get about 32.5-35% of your ex's full benefit amount, but if you wait until your Full Retirement Age (likely 67), you'd get the full 50%. That's a substantial difference that will last for the rest of your life. I know it's tough to wait when you need the income, but even waiting a few extra years could make a big financial difference. You might want to run the numbers to see if you can make it work with other income sources until you're closer to your FRA.

The SSA website has a retirement estimator tool that can give you ballpark figures, but since you don't have enough work credits for your own benefits, it won't be as helpful for your situation. For ex-spouse benefits, you'll need to estimate based on your ex-husband's earnings record, which you obviously don't have access to. Here's what I'd suggest: Contact SSA and ask for a benefit estimate based on your ex-spouse's record. They can provide this information since you're eligible as a divorced spouse. You can also use rough estimates - if you know approximately what your ex earned during his working years, the average Social Security benefit is around $1,900/month in 2024. So at your FRA, you'd get about $950/month (50% of his benefit), but at 62 you'd only get around $630-665/month (the reduced amount). Also consider that if you do find part-time work now, you could potentially earn enough credits to qualify for a small benefit on your own record, which might supplement the ex-spouse benefit. Even earning $7,000/year would get you 4 credits annually. Something to think about as you weigh your options!

I've been following this thread, and I wanted to circle back - did you manage to file the appeal yet? Remember that if you request the continuation of benefits during appeal (by checking that box on the SSA-561 form), they should continue her Medicaid during the appeal process. This buys you time to explore the state-specific programs others have mentioned. Don't wait on this - the 10-day window for continued benefits during appeal is crucial.

I'm so glad to hear you got the appeal filed and have the Medicaid appointment scheduled! That's exactly the right approach. When you meet with the Medicaid office tomorrow, also ask about Missouri's "MO HealthNet for the Disabled" program - Missouri does participate in several disability-specific Medicaid programs that aren't tied to SSI eligibility. One more thing to consider while you're exploring options: if your daughter's medications are name-brand, ask her doctors about patient assistance programs directly from the pharmaceutical companies. Many offer free or deeply discounted medications for families in situations like yours. It's not a permanent solution, but it can help bridge the gap while you get the Medicaid sorted out. You're doing an amazing job advocating for her - I know it feels overwhelming, but you're taking all the right steps!

Thank you everyone for your helpful advice! I've learned so much. I'm going to try the Claimyr service to get through to SSA this week and make sure I ask about WEP/GPO since I did have that teaching pension. I'll gather all my documents and request benefit estimates for all three scenarios. I really appreciate all your help - this has been so confusing to figure out on my own!

As someone who went through a similar situation a few years ago, I want to emphasize something that hasn't been mentioned yet - timing is everything! Since you're already 63 and receiving reduced survivor benefits, you need to be very strategic about any switches. One thing to consider: if your ex-husband is still alive and hasn't claimed his benefits yet, his benefit amount could still increase if he delays claiming until age 70. However, your divorced spouse benefit would still be calculated on his Full Retirement Age amount (50%), not his delayed retirement amount. Also, keep detailed records of every conversation you have with SSA representatives. Get names, dates, and case numbers. I had conflicting information from different reps and having documentation helped resolve the confusion later. The GPO/WEP issue mentioned by others is serious - I know teachers who were shocked to discover their benefits were reduced by amounts they never knew about. Make sure you get this in writing from SSA, not just verbal confirmation. Good luck with Claimyr - that service has helped several people I know get through to SSA much faster than calling directly!