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Just wanted to add that you should definitely run multiple scenarios with SSA once the legislation is finalized. In my case, we discovered that my wife was actually better off with her WEP-reduced benefit than the spousal benefit after GPO. The math gets tricky and depends on your specific work history and pension amounts.
Excellent point. And remember that the repeal bills currently being considered have different implementation timelines - some propose immediate full repeal while others phase it out over 5-10 years. This could significantly affect your planning, especially if either of you is nearing 70 when delayed retirement credits max out.
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Regarding your question about the specific form - there isn't a separate form just for divorced survivor benefits. She would apply for survivor benefits using the same process as anyone else, but indicate she's a divorced spouse. She can apply either online at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment. However, for divorced survivor cases, I generally recommend applying in person or at least by phone rather than online, as these cases sometimes require additional attention to process correctly.
Thank you! I'll suggest she applies by phone or in person then. Much appreciated.
One more important point: when her ex-husband passes away, she should notify SSA as soon as possible. Survivor benefits are not automatically awarded - she must apply. Also, unlike retirement benefits, survivor benefits can be applied for in the month of death. So if her ex passes on June 15th, for example, she could potentially be eligible for a survivor benefit payment for the month of June (paid in July). Social Security only pays survivor benefits 6 months retroactively, so timely filing is important. If she waits too long, she could lose out on some payments.
This is SO important! I didn't know about the 6-month limit and nearly lost thousands in back payments when my ex passed. The SSA doesn't exactly go out of their way to tell you this stuff.
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This has been super informative, everyone. I'm in a similar situation (62, widowed last year) but I'm confused about one thing. My husband took his benefits early at 62. Does that affect how much I can get as a survivor benefit? Someone told me I'd only get what he was getting when he died, which was reduced because he filed early.
Yes, your survivor benefit is based on what your husband was receiving when he died. Since he filed early at 62, his benefit was reduced by about 30% from what it would have been at his FRA. Your survivor benefit will be based on that reduced amount. However, if you wait until your FRA to claim the survivor benefit, you can get 100% of what he was receiving. If you claim before your FRA, your survivor benefit will be further reduced based on your age. But the strategy of claiming survivor benefits and then switching to your own retirement benefit at 70 can still be advantageous, especially if your own work record is strong.
Thank you all for the detailed advice! I'm going to move forward with applying for the survivor benefit while continuing to work part-time, and I'll definitely bring documentation about restricting my application to ONLY the survivor benefit. I'll also print out the relevant SSA rules just in case. I think this makes the most sense for my situation - I'll get some income from the survivor benefit now (even with the earnings test reduction), and then switch to my maximized retirement benefit at 70. Seems like the best of both worlds if I can get SSA to process it correctly. And if I can't get through to them by phone, I'll definitely check out that Claimyr service. Thanks again for all your help!
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i'm confused about something... if the husband already took SS early doesnt that mean he gets a permanently reduced amount forever? even as a survivor?
Good question. Taking his own benefits early does create a permanent reduction to those benefits, but survivor benefits are calculated differently. The reduction to survivor benefits is based on the survivor's age when they begin receiving those benefits, not when they took their own retirement. However, the RIB-LIM rule I mentioned earlier creates some complications when someone has already taken reduced retirement benefits and then later switches to survivor benefits. The SSA uses a formula that essentially prevents getting the full survivor amount in some circumstances.
Thank you everyone for all this helpful information! I feel much better knowing my husband would have immediate access to survivor benefits if needed. I'll definitely make sure we keep good records and that he knows about the application process. I think we'll try to schedule an appointment with SSA to get specific calculations based on our actual earnings records too. This community has been so helpful!
Good plan! My mom always says the best thing she did was sit down with someone at SSA a few years before retirement to go over everything. You both should do it. Bring all your questions written down because sometimes you forget stuff when you're there.
Emily Parker
another thing - inflation. that $130 diffrence will be worth less in 10 yrs anyway
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Daniel Rogers
•Social Security benefits receive annual Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) that are tied to inflation. So while the purchasing power of $130 might decrease over time, the actual dollar amount of the difference would increase with each COLA adjustment.
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Justin Evans
Thank you all for the thoughtful responses! I've decided to go ahead and apply for benefits now instead of waiting. The break-even analysis and the point about enjoying the money while I'm still active enough to use it for travel and hobbies really resonated with me. I've started the application online yesterday and hopefully it goes smoothly. I appreciate all the different perspectives!
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Ezra Collins
•Good luck with your application! Remember to check your MySSA account regularly for updates on the processing status. If you have any issues, calling early in the morning (right when they open) usually means shorter wait times.
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