One more important thing to note - even if your own retirement benefit amount doesn't exceed your survivor benefit now, it's still worth checking every couple of years if you continue working. Each additional year of earnings could potentially replace a lower-earning year in your 35-year calculation for your own benefit. The difference might be small each year, but over time it could eventually push your own retirement benefit higher than your survivor benefit. Also, don't forget that your continued work might affect your future Medicare Part B premiums through IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) if your income is high enough. This isn't directly related to your benefit amount but is something to be aware of as you continue working.

Just to share my experience - I was in a similar situation and discovered my own benefit had grown to be $230 higher than my survivor benefit! I had been working part-time for 8 years after starting survivor benefits. When I finally got through to SSA after countless attempts (seriously, their phone system is the worst), they did the calculation and switched me to my own benefit. They were only able to backpay me for 6 months though, which was frustrating since I could have been getting the higher amount for years if I'd known to ask. Don't wait - check on this now!

My aunt had almost identical situation. They reduced her survivors benefit because of some county job she had in the 90s. She fought it and eventually won, but it took multiple appeals. The key was proving she paid SS taxes during that job, which sounds like you did if your SS statement shows earnings. Don't let them get away with this!

I want to add something important: there's a 60-day deadline to request reconsideration from the date on your notice. If you're close to that deadline, file the request immediately, even if you haven't gathered all your evidence yet. You can always submit additional documentation later during the reconsideration process. Based on everything shared here, you have a strong case for having the GPO removed completely. Good luck, and please come back to let us know the outcome!

i think my mom had someting like this and they made her pay a penalty or something??? just make sure you ask if theres any downside to applying late

Just want to add that when you DO get through to SSA, INSIST they explain exactly how they calculate everything. I've had agents give me completely different answers about the same question. And get the agent's name and ID number too, because if they give you wrong info, you'll need to reference who told you what.

I tried calling SS about this exact issue last month and spent TWO HOURS on hold only to be disconnected! The whole system is broken. Why can't they hire more people to answer the phones??!!

my aunt retired at 65 and she said the monthly thing worked great for her. but she had to be really careful about tracking her hours at her part time job. good luck with everything!

I called SSA today and wanted to update everyone. The representative confirmed that I could receive a combination of my own benefit plus a partial spousal benefit to bring me up to 50% of my husband's PIA (what he would have received at full retirement age). In my case, it amounts to an extra $218 per month, which definitely helps! They're processing my application now. Thank you all for your helpful advice!

They said it would take about 30 days to process, and the payments would start the following month. They also mentioned I might get a small retroactive payment since I was eligible as of last month when I reached FRA. Every bit helps with these inflation rates!