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.

Make sure to double check the FRA for survivor benefits! Some people don't realize survivor FRA can be different from retirement FRA depending on your birth year. For most people born 1943-1954, FRA for survivors is 66, not 67. Just want to make sure you have the right age!

One more thing to consider - when you apply, do it as a "filing strategy" rather than just applying for benefits. Make it very clear you're: 1) Filing ONLY for survivor benefits at your FRA 2) Explicitly deferring your retirement benefits to grow delayed retirement credits 3) Planning to switch to your own higher benefit at age 70 I recommend applying in person at your local office if possible for this type of situation. Over the phone or online applications sometimes don't handle these strategic filings correctly. Bring a printed statement explaining your intention if needed.

To answer your latest question - no, you cannot switch later. Under current rules (changed in 2016), once you file for benefits, you're deemed to be filing for ALL benefits you're eligible for. The SSA will pay you the higher amount, but you cannot switch strategies later. This is why planning is so important. If your own benefit at FRA would be significantly higher than the divorced spouse benefit, it might be worth waiting. Your own benefit grows until age 70, while divorced spouse benefits max out at your FRA. I'd recommend creating a my Social Security account online if you haven't already. It will show your earnings history and benefit estimates based on different claiming ages.

Thanks everyone for the incredibly helpful advice! I've learned so much: 1. I can claim divorced spouse benefits at 62 based on my ex's SSDI record 2. I'll get either my own benefit OR up to 50% of my ex's benefit (reduced for early claiming), not both 3. Filing at 62 means about a 30% reduction from what I'd get at my FRA 4. Once I file, I can't switch strategies later I'm going to create a my Social Security account and use the benefit estimator to run some numbers. Then I'll try to schedule an appointment specifically to discuss my divorced spouse options. This has been so much more helpful than the confusing information on the SSA website!

Something NO ONE has mentioned yet is that sometimes SSA will send you a letter saying what month your benefits officially start - keep this letter!!! You might need it to prove when you were entitled to benefits vs when you actually got paid. Especially if there's ever an audit or question later.

Just to add one more point of clarification - when the backpay arrives, the SSA-1099 will show the total amount paid to you during that calendar year. It won't specify which months the payments were for, just the total received. This is why it's important to keep your award letter that explains the breakdown of payments. Also, since you're asking about taxes, remember that depending on your combined income (adjusted gross income + nontaxable interest + half of SS benefits), up to 85% of your Social Security benefits may be taxable. Since you're still working, this is something to be aware of for your tax planning.

I thought I read somewhere that Congress might eliminate WEP? Is that true or just wishful thinking?

Update: I found the WEP calculator link and it worked! For anyone else dealing with this, it shows both the regular PIA and the reduced amount after WEP. In my case, my monthly benefit would be $2,285 without WEP but will be $1,786 with the reduction. My 23 years of substantial earnings helped reduce the penalty from the maximum, so that's good news at least. Thanks everyone for your help!