My uncle was a state worker and my aunt couldn't get his SS either, something about the windfall provision I think? But she got his pension so it worked out ok. Good luck!

After reading through all the comments, I think your situation is actually more straightforward than it might seem. Since you were married to your first husband for more than 10 years before divorcing, and you'll be 60 when applying, you should be eligible for survivor benefits on his record now that he's deceased. The fact that you later married other people doesn't affect this eligibility since you're over 60 now. When you contact SSA, ask specifically about 'surviving divorced spouse benefits.' Also, make sure to compare this amount with what you might get on your own record when you reach 62, as you can switch to whichever is higher later.

no u dont have to tell them before working!! just report it on taxes. thats what i do and im way over the limit. they just send me a letter once a year saying they adjusted my benefit.

One clarification on the earnings limit - truck drivers need to be careful about how they calculate their income. If your husband is an independent contractor (1099 worker), SSA counts net earnings from self-employment, not gross income. If he's a W-2 employee, they count gross wages. This difference can significantly impact how much is withheld. Also, only income from actual work counts toward the earnings limit. Investment income, pension payments, or other government benefits don't count against the limit. From what you've described, having him work while receiving reduced benefits probably makes more financial sense than withdrawing the application entirely.

SS is THE WORST with these kinds of complex family situations!!! I've been dealing with them for years with my disabled son and working spouse. Got hit with a $7,000 overpayment because nobody could give me a straight answer about reporting requirements. THEN they had the nerve to tell me I should have known better!!! The system is designed to fail us. Good luck getting a straight answer even if you call.

Thank you everyone for the responses. I'm going to try the mobile app first for reporting, and then try to get an appointment with a Claims Specialist who understands concurrent entitlement situations. I'll make sure to get everything in writing and keep good records of all our reporting. Just to clarify - my spouse benefits are definitely under the child-in-care provision because of our disabled adult daughter, not regular spousal benefits (which I know I couldn't get until 62). It sounds like both my wife and daughter need to report their earnings directly to SSA, regardless of employer reporting. I appreciate all the helpful information!

just wondering, has ur sister checked if shes eligible for any of her late husbands Medicare?? my aunt got Medicare at 62 thru her deceased husbands benefits even tho normal Medicare age is 65. might help with her health issues

WARNING ABOUT SURVIVORS BENEFITS! If your sister gets a job while collecting early survivors benefits (before her FRA), she'll be subject to the earnings limit ($22,320 in 2025) and could lose some benefits if she earns over that amount. This trips up so many people! Also, make sure she applies for the one-time $255 death benefit if she hasn't already. It's not much but every bit helps in this situation.

My uncle said nobody actually reports their part-time income and SSA doesn't really check anyway lol

So after reading everyone's comments, it sounds like I should: 1) Understand it's actually $1 reduction for every $2 I earn above the limit (not $3 like I thought); 2) For 2025, they'll only count my earnings after I start benefits in July; 3) I need to report my expected earnings when I apply; 4) It's based on gross wages. Am I missing anything else important?