Since you mentioned your health isn't the best, here's another strategy to consider: Apply for reduced survivor benefits now, but ALSO apply for SSDI (disability benefits). If approved for SSDI, you'd receive your full retirement benefit amount without reduction. The SSDI approval process is lengthy and often involves appeals, but it's worth pursuing if your health condition is documented and severe enough to limit your ability to work. You can apply for both benefits simultaneously. This approach gives you some income now through survivor benefits while potentially securing your full retirement rate through SSDI if your health deteriorates further.

Thank you all for the helpful advice. I've scheduled an appointment with SSA (took forever to get through) to review my specific numbers. Going to get documentation of all my options before making a decision. I think I'm leaning toward taking the survivor benefit now and then switching to my own retirement benefit at 70, but I want to see the actual dollar amounts first. Will update once I have more information!

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.

My aunt just went thru this exact thing last yr. SSA gave her a nice chunk of backpay for 6 months plus her monthly check went up by like $800 or something. She was so mad nobody told her sooner!

One more important point - when you call SSA, specifically ask for the "spousal benefit" or "spouse's benefit" by name. Sometimes if you just say you want to see if you can get a higher benefit, the representative might not check all options. Be sure to mention that your husband's benefit is significantly higher than yours and you believe you qualify for a spousal top-up benefit. Write down the name of the representative you speak with and ask for a confirmation number for your application.

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.

One more thing - DOCUMENT EVERYTHING!! Write down every conversation with SSA, get names of reps, take screenshots of your MySocialSecurity account info!!!! Trust me on this!!!!!

Thank you all for the helpful advice! I'm going to put together all these calculations before I make my filing decision. It sounds like my husband should definitely apply for the spousal benefit once I file, regardless of when I decide to start taking benefits. I'll make sure to document everything and specifically mention the WEP-spousal benefit calculation when we apply. And I'll definitely look into that Claimyr service - sounds like it could save a lot of frustration with the phone calls. I really appreciate everyone taking the time to explain this complicated situation!