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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.
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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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My friend just went thru this!!! The SSA made her payback like 7 months of benefits when she went back to work and it was a NIGHTMARE getting everything processed right. She said it would have been easier to just let them reduce her benefits based on her earnings instead of dealing with the withdrawal process. Just my 2 cents!
One last point to consider: if you withdraw your application and repay benefits, you're essentially resetting the clock. This means your future benefit amount will be higher when you claim again, especially if you wait until your Full Retirement Age (66 and 10 months for someone born in 1960) or even age 70. However, if you keep your current filing date and just work while receiving reduced benefits, you're stuck with that early filing reduction permanently (though partially offset by any months benefits are completely withheld). For someone still in good health with longevity in your family, withdrawing might be the better long-term financial decision if you can afford to repay the benefits now. I'd recommend using the calculators on ssa.gov to compare your lifetime benefits under each scenario based on how long you expect to live.
this is the big one. my mom claimed at 62 and regretted it. wished she couldve done the withdrawal but was past the 12 month window. Now shes stuck with the smaller check forever
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my grandma got the same thing, its normal for women of that generation who didnt work outside the home. its def the spousal benefit and $900 sounds about right for someone that age who prob claimed years ago. the benefit increases every year with COLA but not by much.
Since both of your parents are in their 90s, it's also worth looking into whether your mother might qualify for a higher survivor benefit when your father passes away. The survivor benefit would be up to 100% of what your father receives (including his delayed retirement credits), which would be substantially higher than her current spousal benefit. This is important financial planning to consider at their ages. You might want to discuss this with a benefits specialist at SSA once you get through to them.
That's really helpful information - I didn't know survivor benefits would include dad's delayed retirement credits. That would more than double mom's benefit if he passes first. I'll definitely discuss this with SSA when I call them. Thank you!
Logan Chiang
Thank you all for these helpful responses! I think I understand now that survivor benefits would be based on his Primary Insurance Amount rather than his reduced benefit, which is a relief. I'm going to try to speak with someone at SSA directly to confirm based on our specific situation. Hearing about that Claimyr service is helpful since the last time I tried calling SSA, I gave up after being on hold for over an hour.
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Ruby Blake
•Glad the Claimyr suggestion was helpful! When you do connect with SSA, make sure to specifically ask about the "widow(er)'s limit provision" - that's the technical term for the calculation that determines the maximum you can receive as a survivor. Some representatives aren't familiar with all the details of this provision unless you specifically mention it.
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Miles Hammonds
I just wanted to add one thing - make SURE you keep a copy of your marriage certificate and divorce decree!!! My aunt went through this last year and SSA rejected her claim TWICE because they said they needed "original" copies even though she sent certified copies. The whole process took her 9 months to resolve and she almost lost her house waiting for the benefits to start!!! The system is HORRIBLE for widows and survivors!!!
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Logan Chiang
•That's a really good point about the documentation - I'll make sure I have all that organized and ready. I actually still have my original marriage certificate in a safety deposit box. Sorry your aunt had such a terrible experience, that sounds incredibly stressful.
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