one thing no one mentioned what happens if u remarry after ur husband dies????? thats important 2 know to!!! if u get remarried before 60 u lose survivor benefits but after 60 u can keep them!!!!

To summarize the correct information for you: 1. Taking spousal benefits early will NOT affect your survivor benefits 2. Your future survivor benefit will be based on your husband's benefit amount 3. Since he claimed at 62, his benefit (and consequently your future survivor benefit) is permanently reduced 4. You can claim spousal now and later switch to survivor benefits when applicable 5. To maximize your survivor benefits, you would need to wait until your FRA to claim them when the time comes Given that you're turning 64 next month, taking spousal benefits now means approximately a 13.3% reduction from what you'd get at your FRA. Only you can decide if getting payments now is worth this permanent reduction to your spousal benefits.

My cousin tried to apply for her ex-husband's SS and they told her she couldn't because she remarried when she was 58... have you remarried? That's a dealbreaker for ex-spouse benefits from what I heard.

Make sure you understand what "top off" actually means - it's NOT adding two benefits together. Here's how it works: 1. SSA calculates your current SSDI benefit (let's say $1,200/month) 2. They calculate what you'd get as an ex-spouse (50% of his PIA, reduced for your age - maybe $1,500/month) 3. You get the HIGHER of these two amounts ($1,500) 4. The "increase" is $300 in this example If your SSDI is already higher than what you'd get as an ex-spouse, you'll see NO CHANGE in your benefit amount. That's why some people apply and get nothing extra. Also, if your ex hasn't applied yet but you've been divorced 2+ years, you can still apply when he turns 62 regardless of whether he's filed for benefits himself.

Not to hijack your thread but this reminds me of when I tried to apply for spousal benefits a few years ago. I went around in circles with THREE different reps who all said different things! One told me I couldn't apply at 62, another said I could but would get less, and the third one said something completely different about restricted applications that I didn't even understand. It's crazy how even THEY don't understand their own rules sometimes!

This is a good reminder for everyone dealing with complex SS situations: the POMS (Program Operations Manual System) is the actual rulebook SSA employees use, and it's available online. For family maximum calculations with disabled adult children, you'd want to look at sections RS 00615 and DI 10115. Having the exact POMS reference can be incredibly helpful when speaking with representatives who might not be familiar with unusual situations. You can say "According to POMS section X, this is how the calculation should work..." For the original poster: The Birmingham Processing Center handling your case is actually a good thing. They have specialists who work on complicated family maximum calculations all day, every day.

Just want to add that while you're waiting to reach age 62, it might be worth exploring if you qualify for the Medicare Savings Program if your family income is limited. This program can help pay Medicare premiums for your husband, which could free up some monthly income. Requirements vary by state, but it's worth checking into. Also, make sure your husband is receiving all the benefits he's entitled to. Sometimes people on SSDI don't realize they might also qualify for SSI if their SSDI payment is low enough and they meet the resource limits.

You're correct - at $1,850/month SSDI, your husband wouldn't qualify for SSI as that exceeds the federal benefit rate. However, definitely check out the Medicare Savings Program (MSP) options. Depending on your total family income and resources, you might qualify for one of the MSP levels that could pay his Part B premium ($174.70 in 2023), which would put that money back in your pocket each month. Also, when your children age out of their benefits, that will be a significant reduction in household income. Start planning for that transition now, especially if your 16-year-old will be heading to college.

I tried doing it online but got confused about some questions and ended up calling. Was on hold forever. Wish I'd known about that Claimyr thing the other person mentioned.

Social Security Administration recommends applying three months before you want benefits to begin. In your case, that would be January 2025 for April 2025 benefits. The online application at ssa.gov is the most efficient method and can be completed in about 30-45 minutes if you have all your information ready. If you have a complex situation (multiple marriages, foreign work, etc.), then calling or visiting might be better. The local office wait times vary by location, but most now require appointments which can be scheduled by calling the national number (1-800-772-1213). Be aware that your first payment for April would arrive in May, as Social Security pays benefits in the month following the month for which they are due.