btw if u havent already u should apply for spousal benefits right now, u dont need to wait for survivor benefits. since ur over 50 u can get them while hes still alive

One more IMPORTANT thing I forgot to mention!!! If you're taking care of your husband full-time and he requires constant attendance, check if you qualify for the "Aid and Attendance" benefit through VA (if he's a veteran) OR look into whether your state has a paid family caregiver program through Medicaid. I missed out on YEARS of potential benefits because nobody told me about these programs!!! The system is DESIGNED to keep us in the dark!!

Important point that hasn't been mentioned yet: When your husband goes to SSA about this issue, he should specifically request a "GPO recalculation based on pension amount change." This uses specific language their systems recognize. Also, the timing matters here. If your husband was denied in October 2023, and the pension decreased in January 2024, you're dealing with a subsequent change in circumstance rather than an incorrect initial determination. This is why the reopening request based on new and material evidence is the correct approach. One more thing - make sure he brings proof that the pension decrease is permanent and not temporary, as that affects how they process the adjustment.

i just remembered something that might help u guys. my friends wife had something like this happen and she said that even though they were past the appeal deadline they were able to get backpay by filing whats called a "good cause" statement explaining why they didnt report the change sooner. might be worth asking about that too when u go in.

Has your husband looked into his Canadian pension yet? My uncle gets both his Canadian and US benefits, it's not one or the other. They're actually pretty generous up there!

Just to add one important detail - your husband should apply for his Canadian benefits first before the US application. This is because the SSA will ask for verification of his Canadian benefits as part of calculating any potential WEP (Windfall Elimination Provision) adjustment. Also, there's a specific form for totalization claims: the SSA-2490-BK. Not all SSA representatives may be familiar with it, so ask specifically for someone experienced with totalization claims when you call or visit an office. One more tip: when you do apply, the SSA might initially deny the claim if they only look at US credits. Make sure they understand it's a totalization claim so they consider the combined credits from both countries.

I need to apologize for my earlier incorrect information! I was confusing the rules for spousal benefits with survivor/widow benefits. The other commenters are correct - you CAN switch from widow benefits to your own retirement benefits if yours would be higher. I'm so sorry for the confusion I caused.

When you contact SSA, make sure you have your recent tax returns handy. They may want to verify your earnings for the recalculation. Also make sure to specifically ask about: 1. What your current widow benefit amount is (with exact figures) 2. What your own retirement benefit would be if you switched now 3. Whether waiting longer to switch would increase your own benefit further Get all three numbers so you can make an informed decision. And consider asking them to document this in your file, even if you don't make a change immediately.

This reminds me of when I retired. I think what's happening is the monthly test vs. annual test confusion. When you first retire, you get to use the monthly test which is definitely better for people who work part of the year then stop completely.

I just called SSA again using that Claimyr service someone mentioned (it actually worked!), and got through to a very knowledgeable agent. She confirmed I can absolutely start benefits in December for January payment using the monthly earnings test since I haven't worked since July. She also said I could technically apply for benefits going back to August (first payment in September) if I wanted to, but I'd need to specifically request retroactive payments for those months. I'm going to start with December/January payment as originally planned. Thanks everyone for helping clear this up! The monthly earnings test vs. annual test distinction was the key piece I was missing.