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has anyone mentioned restricted application? my brother did that with spousal benefits but im not sure if it applies for survivors benefits the same way
The restricted application rules were phased out for most beneficiaries by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, but survivor benefits work differently. Widows/widowers still maintain the ability to choose between their own retirement benefit and the survivor benefit, and can switch between them. This is why the strategy of claiming reduced survivor benefits early and then switching to their own retirement benefit at FRA (or later) can be advantageous for some people.
After reading through all these comments, I'd recommend scheduling an appointment with SSA to get the exact numbers for your situation. The general advice here is helpful, but only SSA can tell you exactly what your benefit amounts would be with the earnings test applied. If your reduced survivor benefit after the earnings test would be at least a few hundred dollars per month, and your husband's benefit was significantly higher than your own, it might be worth applying now. You'd get some extra income for 4 years, and then switch to your own benefit at FRA. However, if the amount after the earnings test would be minimal, the paperwork and hassle of applying might not be worth it. Remember that you'll need to provide marriage certificate, death certificate, proof of your earnings, and potentially other documentation. Have you considered reducing your work hours to stay under the earnings limit? That might be another strategy worth exploring if it's feasible in your situation.
Thank you for pulling everything together. I hadn't thought about reducing my hours - that's an interesting idea, but probably not feasible with my current position. I think I'll try to reach SSA to get the exact numbers before making a decision.
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my sister got survivor benefits 15 years after her husband died so yes its possible. good luck getting anyone at SS to answer the phone tho lol
One final point that might help your brother: When he speaks with SSA, he should specifically ask them to run a computation for BOTH benefits - his own reduced retirement benefit AND what he'd receive as a survivor. The higher amount is what he'll get going forward. If the survivor benefit is higher, they'll essentially switch him to that benefit and discontinue his own retirement benefit.
Thank you all for the helpful information! My brother has an appointment next week to discuss this with SSA. I'm going with him to make sure he asks all the right questions about comparing his current benefit to potential survivor benefits. I appreciate everyone's advice!
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Thank you all for the helpful responses! It sounds like I need to: 1. Let my SSDI automatically convert at FRA 2. Apply separately for spousal benefits (whether married or divorced) 3. Contact SSA 3-4 months before reaching FRA to start this process 4. Watch out for any Medicare premium issues during the transition I feel much better having a plan now. I was so confused by the conflicting information I got from the SSA representatives. Does anyone know if there's a specific form I need to fill out to apply for the spousal benefits when the time comes?
You'll want to file Form SSA-2 (Application for Wife's or Husband's Insurance Benefits) if still married, or Form SSA-1 (Application for Divorced Spouse's Benefits) if divorced by then. However, the easiest approach is to apply online through your my Social Security account or schedule an appointment with your local office about 3 months before your FRA. They'll guide you through all the necessary paperwork for your specific situation.
one more thing!! if u do get divorced make SURE u get a copy of ur marriage certificate AND divorce decree. ssa made me go back and forth 3 times for more paperwork. total nightmare!!!
That's really good advice - thank you! I'll make sure to keep copies of everything. I'm hoping we can work things out, but I want to be prepared either way.
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That's a common misconception. DAC benefits (officially called Childhood Disability Benefits) are for adults who became disabled before age 22 (not 18). The adult child must be unmarried and have a disability that began before age 22. The parent must be either deceased or receiving retirement or disability benefits. Since OP's daughter became disabled before 22 and her father is now on SSDI, she likely qualifies.
Freya Andersen
Just a heads up! The earnings recalculation is automatic BUT sometimes they miss it. My husband's wasn't done until he called and asked about it. Then they found the "error" and fixed it with back payment. So apply now, but mark your calendar for October 2025 to check if your benefit increased from the 2024 earnings.
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Ravi Patel
•That's a great suggestion! I'll definitely set a reminder to follow up if I don't see any adjustment by fall 2025. Thanks for looking out!
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Omar Zaki
btw if ur turning FRA in march but apply now ur not loosing 8% per year anymore anyway. once ur at FRA thats done. just the max u can get at that point
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CosmicCrusader
•This is partially correct but needs clarification. The 8% per year delayed retirement credits only apply AFTER reaching Full Retirement Age. From FRA to age 70, you earn 8% per year (or 2/3% per month) in permanent benefit increases for delaying. So if the original poster starts benefits exactly at FRA in March, they would still have the option to earn those increases if they delayed past FRA up to age 70.
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