Thanks everyone for your helpful responses. I've learned so much! I created my SSA account but couldn't find a way to see my wife's records there. I'm going to try calling again using the specific wording suggested here about requesting a "survivor benefit calculation." Based on everyone's input, I'm now rethinking my strategy. With the earnings test, it might make more sense to wait until closer to my FRA since I plan to continue working. I had no idea that making $72k would essentially wipe out most of the survivor benefit at age 60. I'm going to make an in-person appointment at my local office to get concrete numbers. If the phone waits are as bad as they've been in the past, I might try that Claimyr service someone mentioned. I'll update here once I get more information from SSA!

I'm sorry for your loss. I went through a similar situation after my husband passed away two years ago. One thing that helped me was getting a copy of my deceased spouse's Social Security Statement directly from SSA. You can request this by calling and asking for Form SSA-7050 (Request for Social Security Earnings Information). There's a small fee, but it gives you the complete earnings history you need to calculate benefits. Also, don't give up on the phone calls. I learned that asking to speak with a "claims specialist" rather than a general representative often gets you someone with more knowledge about survivor benefits. They have access to calculators that can give you a pretty accurate estimate. One more tip: if you do decide to wait until FRA to claim, remember that you can still file a "protective filing" at 60 to preserve your claim date, then withdraw it if you change your mind. This gives you more flexibility in your planning.

After reading through all the comments, here's a summary of key points to consider before making your decision: 1. You'll lose access to ex-spouse benefits immediately upon remarriage 2. You must be married for 12 months before claiming on your new husband's record 3. Your new husband must be receiving his own benefits before you can claim spousal benefits 4. Spousal benefits are 50% of your husband's PIA at your FRA 5. Consider comparing potential benefits: your own work record vs. ex-spouse benefits vs. future new spouse benefits You might want to discuss a commitment ceremony now with legal marriage timed strategically after your boyfriend files for his benefits. This could be the best financial approach while still celebrating your relationship.

Congratulations on your engagement! What an exciting time. I've been through a similar situation myself and wanted to share a few additional thoughts based on what others have mentioned. One thing that really helped me was creating a timeline spreadsheet comparing all scenarios - your current situation, what you'd get from ex-spouse benefits, and what you'd potentially get from new spouse benefits. Don't forget to factor in cost of living increases and the fact that your boyfriend is still working (his benefit amount might increase if he continues working past age 67). Also, since you mentioned he's 67 and still working part-time, he might be subject to the earnings test if he files for benefits now. This could affect the timing of when it makes sense for him to start collecting, which then affects when you could claim spousal benefits. The commitment ceremony idea is really smart - my neighbor did exactly that and it worked out perfectly for her financial situation. Love doesn't have to wait, but sometimes the paperwork should! Best of luck with whatever you decide.

Thank you everyone for the helpful responses! I feel much better knowing this transition should be smooth. I'm going to try reaching SSA again to confirm everything, and I might try that Claimyr service if I keep having trouble getting through. I'll also double-check my direct deposit information to make sure it's current. I appreciate all your help!

Just wanted to add that you can also check your transition status through your my Social Security account online. When you log in at ssa.gov, you can see your benefit information and payment history. About 30 days before your FRA, the system will usually show the upcoming change in your benefit type. This gives you a good way to monitor the transition without having to wait on hold for hours. I'd recommend checking your account regularly in the weeks leading up to your FRA date - it's much easier than trying to get through on the phone!

my uncle did this exact thing last year!! suspended for 8 months while he sold his business then started again. worked out great for him tax wise

This is such a smart strategy! I'm in a similar situation with rental properties creating tax headaches. One thing I learned from my financial advisor is to also consider the timing of when you restart benefits in relation to your tax year. If you're planning to sell properties in early 2025, you might want to restart benefits in January 2026 to keep that tax year cleaner. Also, don't forget that when you do restart, it might take a month or two for payments to actually begin again, so plan your cash flow accordingly. The 8% annual delayed retirement credits really do add up - even a short suspension can be worth it if it saves you from getting hammered by the tax torpedo!

To address your latest question - there isn't a perfect calculator for your specific situation because of the complexity with the potential GPO repeal. However, here's a step-by-step approach: 1. Create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov 2. Look at your ex-spouse's earnings record (you'll need to request this from SSA) 3. Calculate 50% of his Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) 4. Compare that to your own benefit (if you have one from work covered by Social Security) Without GPO, you would be eligible for the higher of your own benefit or up to 50% of your ex's benefit. Since you worked as a teacher in a state where you didn't pay into Social Security, you likely don't have your own SS benefit, so you'd get the 50% spousal benefit if GPO is repealed. And yes, you'll still need to meet that 2-year divorce requirement.

Welcome to the community! I'm new here but have been following this GPO discussion closely as my situation is very similar. I'm a retired teacher from Texas (also didn't pay into SS) and have been married for 15 years. My husband is 62 and planning to retire next year. Reading through all these comments has been incredibly helpful - especially learning about the 2-year divorce requirement and the current status of the GPO repeal. Like many of you, I was under the impression it had already passed! One thing I wanted to add that might help others: I called my state teachers' retirement system and they said they're tracking the GPO legislation closely and will notify members once anything is officially signed into law. They recommended not making any major financial decisions based on potential benefits until it's actually enacted. Stay strong everyone - hopefully we'll all get the benefits we've been waiting for soon!