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Will taking SS at 62 reduce my survivor benefits if husband delays until 70?
I'm trying to figure out our best Social Security strategy as my husband and I approach retirement age. We're both 60 now, and I'm considering taking my benefits early at 62, while he would wait until 70 to maximize his amount since he's still working and has the higher earnings history. What's confusing me is what would happen with survivor benefits if he passes away after he starts collecting at 70. Would I still receive his full amount as a survivor benefit, or would my benefit be permanently reduced because I started taking MY benefits early at 62? I've heard conflicting information about this. Some people say I'd get his full amount regardless of when I started my own benefits, but others say my survivor benefit would be reduced. Can anyone clarify how this works? It makes a big difference in our planning.
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Social Security dilemma: Take reduced benefits at 64 or wait until FRA in 2027?
I'm struggling with the decision about when to start my SS retirement benefits. I'm 64 now, and my Full Retirement Age is September 2027 with a projected benefit of $1,291. My husband plans to file in January 2026 when he turns 69 (his FRA benefit was $2,782). I'm considering filing early now, then possibly getting a spousal bump after he files if that would give me more money despite the early filing reduction. I've tried calculating this myself but I'm so confused by all the formulas! Has anyone successfully gotten a detailed comparison of options from their local SSA office? Do I need to make an appointment or is there a specific form to request this kind of personalized analysis? I don't want to leave money on the table but also don't want to wait unnecessarily if filing now makes more sense.
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Social Security ex-spouse benefits with SSDI at 64 - changes at retirement age?
Been trying to figure this out for weeks and the SSA phone line is always busy! I'm currently 64 and receiving SSDI after my accident in 2022. I was married for 35 years before we divorced in 2019. My ex-husband has since remarried and is 66 now. I also receive a Long-Term Disability payment from my former employer's insurance. Here's what I'm confused about: Am I eligible for any ex-spouse benefits even though I'm already on SSDI? And what happens when I reach my full retirement age at 67 - does my SSDI automatically convert to retirement benefits? Will the amount change? Also worried about my LTD payments - do these stop at 65 when Medicare kicks in? Thanks in advance for any guidance!
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One more clarification about the SSDI to retirement conversion at 67 - while your payment amount stays the same, there's a significant benefit: once you're on retirement benefits instead of SSDI, you'll no longer be subject to medical reviews, and you can earn unlimited income without affecting your benefits (unlike SSDI which has strict work limitations). Regarding your LTD question - many policies do terminate at 65, but the exact terms depend on your specific policy. Some continue until your Social Security Full Retirement Age (67), while others have different age-based schedules. I'd recommend reviewing your policy documents or contacting your LTD provider directly.
That's a great point about no more medical reviews! Those always make me nervous even though my condition is permanent. I didn't realize I could work without limits after conversion either - that's really good to know.
Social Security survivor benefits at 60 with pension - switching to own benefits at 70 possible?
Hi everyone, I've been researching survivor benefits and need some clarity. My husband died last year at 65 after taking his Social Security early at 62. I'm approaching 60 in a few months and trying to figure out if I qualify for his survivor benefits. I worked for the county government for 31 years and currently receive a pension (not covered by Social Security). My strategy is to claim survivor benefits when I turn 60, then switch to my own SS benefits at 70 since they should be higher by then. My own work history includes about 12 years in SS-covered jobs before my government career. Here's what's confusing me: 1. Will Government Pension Offset (GPO) completely wipe out survivor benefits? 2. Does the early retirement reduction apply since my husband claimed at 62? 3. If I start survivor benefits at 60, will they be permanently reduced? 4. Can I actually switch to my own benefits at 70 like I'm planning? I've tried calling SSA three times but keep getting disconnected. Any advice from those who've navigated this would be so helpful!
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I just remembered something else!!! Make SURE you ask about any LUMP SUM DEATH BENEFIT when you apply!!! My friend almost missed out on the $255 death payment because no one at SSA told her about it - she had to specifically ask. They don't automatically tell you everything you're eligible for!!
Thank you for this reminder. I did receive the $255 lump sum death benefit shortly after my husband passed away. It's not much, but every bit helped with the funeral expenses. You're right that they don't always tell you everything you might be eligible for!
After reading through all these comments, I think your best approach is to: 1. Schedule an appointment with SSA (either by phone or in-person) 2. Apply for survivor benefits regardless of potential GPO impact 3. Request a detailed calculation showing how GPO affects your specific case 4. Also request a computation of your own future retirement benefit at 70, accounting for WEP 5. Make your decision based on these personalized calculations Many people in your situation find that even with GPO, they might receive a small survivor benefit, which can provide some income between 60 and 70 while your own benefit grows with delayed retirement credits. The key is getting accurate calculations based on your specific earnings history rather than general advice.
Thank you for summarizing this plan of action. I agree that getting the specific calculations for my situation is crucial. I'll apply for survivor benefits and request detailed calculations including both the GPO impact and my future retirement benefit with WEP considered. This forum has been incredibly helpful in preparing me for what to ask and what to expect when I finally get through to SSA.
Confusion about spousal Social Security benefits - can wife claim on my record before I apply at age 70?
I'm completely baffled by conflicting Social Security spousal benefit advice. My wife (67) and I (68.5) are both retired teachers. She's already collecting her own Social Security retirement benefits based on her work history outside teaching. Yesterday, her friend insisted my wife could apply NOW for spousal benefits under my work record, even though I haven't filed for my own benefits yet (planning to wait until 70 for maximum credits). The friend claimed SS would just 'adjust it' when I file in about 18 months. This contradicts everything I've researched - I thought spouses could only claim on their partner's record AFTER the primary earner files. Adding to my confusion, we're not even sure if my wife's current benefit is higher than what she'd get as my spouse (which I understand would be 50% of my FRA amount). Is her friend correct about being able to file on my record before I apply? And if my wife's benefit is already higher than the spousal benefit would be, is there any point in applying for spousal benefits at all? Our state pension situation makes this extra complicated!
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my mom went thru this last year. make sure ur wife checks if survivor benfits would be higher than spousal! that's a whole different calculation and GPO affects it differently sometimes.
That's an excellent point about survivor benefits. While spousal benefits max out at 50% of the worker's PIA, survivor benefits can be up to 100% of what the deceased spouse was receiving (including delayed retirement credits). GPO still applies, but since the base amount is higher, survivor benefits are more likely to exceed the GPO reduction than spousal benefits are.
We hadn't thought about survivor benefits yet, but that's a good point. I know delaying until 70 will maximize what she could receive if I pass away first. Is there anything specific we should know about how GPO affects survivor benefits differently?
To summarize for clarity: 1. Your wife cannot claim spousal benefits until you file for your retirement benefits 2. Due to GPO, any spousal benefits she'd receive would be reduced by 2/3 of her government pension 3. When you do file at 70, SSA will automatically determine if adding a spousal benefit would increase her total benefit 4. If her own reduced benefit already exceeds what she'd get as your spouse after GPO, no additional amount would be paid 5. Delaying until 70 is still valuable for potential survivor benefits later Regarding GPO and survivor benefits: The same 2/3 pension offset applies, but since survivor benefits can be up to 100% of your benefit (versus 50% for spousal), there's more likely to be something left after the offset.
Thank you for this clear summary! This is extremely helpful. I'll stick with my plan to file at 70, and when I do, we'll see if my wife qualifies for any additional spousal benefits at that time. I appreciate everyone's insights!
Javier Cruz
Just my 2 cents but my financial advisor told me that for women especially it often makes sense to claim early since we tend to live longer. That way we get something earlier in life when we can enjoy it more. Just something to think about.
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Natasha Orlova
To summarize the key points for your situation: 1. If you claim your retirement benefit at 62, it will be permanently reduced (to about 70% of your FRA amount). 2. If your husband claims at 70, his benefit will be 132% of his FRA amount. 3. If he passes away after claiming, you would be eligible for survivor benefits equal to 100% of what he was receiving - IF you claim survivor benefits at or after your survivor FRA. 4. If you claim survivor benefits before your survivor FRA, they would be reduced. 5. You would receive either your own benefit OR the survivor benefit, whichever is higher, not both. Given these rules, your strategy of claiming early while he delays could work well if the goal is to maximize potential survivor benefits. Just be aware of the earnings test if you're still working when you claim early.
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CosmicCowboy
AuthorThis summary is incredibly helpful! I think I understand much better now. Since he has the higher earnings history, maximizing his benefit by waiting until 70 seems smart for both of us in the long run. Thank you all for the helpful information!
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