Just wanted to add one more thing that might help - if you do decide to apply for survivor benefits at 60 while still working, you can actually request to have federal taxes withheld from your Social Security payments. This might be useful since the survivor benefits could push you into a higher tax bracket. You can choose to have 7%, 10%, 12%, or 22% withheld when you apply. Also, don't forget that survivor benefits aren't subject to the same "file and suspend" restrictions that regular retirement benefits have - you have more flexibility to start and stop these benefits if your situation changes. Good luck with whatever you decide!

I went through this exact situation about 3 years ago when my ex-husband passed away. I was 61 at the time and had been divorced for 12 years after a 15-year marriage. The folks here are giving you good advice - you CAN apply at 60 regardless of what age your ex would have been. What I wish someone had told me is to gather ALL your documents early. You'll definitely need your marriage certificate and divorce decree, and yes, they will likely ask for his death certificate too. I had to request a copy from the county where he died since I didn't have one. Also, if you have any old tax returns or W-2s that show his earnings history, bring those too - it can help speed up the process. The SSA office was actually pretty helpful once I had all my paperwork in order. One more tip: if you're planning to keep working, run the numbers carefully. I was earning too much and decided to wait until my FRA to avoid the earnings test hassle. But every situation is different, so definitely talk to them about your specific circumstances.

Just watch your first few payments CAREFULLY!!! Make sure the amount matches what they TOLD you it would be! I got underpaid for MONTHS because they didn't add the spousal portion correctly! Don't assume the computers get it right!!

As someone who recently went through a similar situation, I wanted to add that it's worth asking SSA about the "restricted application" rules that changed in 2016. Since you're filing at 62, you're subject to "deemed filing" which means you're automatically applying for both your own benefit and spousal benefits simultaneously - they'll pay you whichever is higher. The key thing to remember is that both benefits get reduced for early filing, but the reduction rates are slightly different (about 25% reduction on spousal vs 30% on your own record when filing at 62). Also, make sure to ask them to send you a written benefit verification letter once everything is processed so you have official documentation of your benefit amounts. Good luck with your call tomorrow!

I just remembered something else - when I got my lump payment it showed up as "XXSOC SEC" on my bank statement which was different from my regular monthly deposit that shows as "XXXXSSI". So watch for that.

I'm in a very similar situation right now! Started collecting at 62 last year and they've been withholding my benefits since September based on their estimate. I actually called last month and spoke to a representative who walked me through exactly what happens: 1. Once they receive your annual earnings report, it goes into their system for processing 2. The system automatically calculates whether you were over or under the limit 3. If you were under (like in your case), they issue what's called a "retroactive payment adjustment" 4. This comes as a separate deposit, usually within 30-60 days of processing your report The rep also told me that you can check the status online through your my Social Security account - there should be a section that shows pending actions or recent transactions. I've been checking mine weekly and it shows "Annual Earnings Report - Processing" since I submitted mine in February. One thing that helped put my mind at ease: she confirmed that you WILL get every penny back that was incorrectly withheld, plus they'll adjust your ongoing monthly benefits if needed. The system is actually pretty good about these calculations once it gets the correct information. Hope this helps ease some of your worry while you wait!

I really appreciate everyone's help here. I'm frustrated that I wasn't given complete information years ago, but at least now I understand I'll be eligible when I turn 60. That's still two years away, but it gives me time to plan. I'm going to gather all my documents and apply three months before my 60th birthday as suggested. And I'll definitely use that Claimyr service to avoid the phone frustrations. Thanks again everyone - this community has been more helpful than the actual SSA office was!

I'm so sorry for your loss and the frustration you've experienced with getting clear information. Unfortunately, this situation is more common than it should be. The SSA representatives sometimes don't explain all the options available, which can lead to years of missed opportunities. Just to add to the excellent advice already given - when you do apply at 60, make sure to ask about "deemed filing" rules. Since you'll be eligible for both survivor benefits and potentially your own retirement benefits in the future, understanding how these interact is crucial for maximizing your lifetime benefits. Also, keep in mind that survivor benefits aren't subject to the earnings test once you reach full retirement age, unlike regular retirement benefits. This could affect your decision about when to claim if you're still working. The fact that your husband worked for 31 years with good earnings should mean a decent survivor benefit for you. Hang in there - you're almost at the finish line!

After reading more on the SSA website, I want to clarify something important - not ALL teachers/firefighters/public employees will see a benefit increase. The change only affects those who receive pensions from work not covered by Social Security (about 28% of state/local public employees). If you paid SS taxes throughout your career, you weren't affected by WEP/GPO in the first place, so you won't see changes. Just wanted to mention this since I've seen some confusion on other forums!

For those waiting on these adjustments, here's what I've learned after researching the implementation process: 1. The SSA is currently focusing on processing NEW claims correctly without applying WEP/GPO 2. For existing beneficiaries like most of us, they're developing both manual and automated processes to recalculate benefits 3. If you're receiving Social Security now with a WEP reduction, you don't need to reapply - they'll eventually adjust your benefit automatically 4. If you never applied for spousal/survivor benefits because GPO would have eliminated them, you should apply now 5. If you pay your Medicare premiums directly (rather than having them deducted from SS), continue doing so until notified otherwise The SSA webpage for the Fairness Act has an option to subscribe for updates, which might be helpful: https://www.ssa.gov/fairness-act