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Since you're turning 63 next month, I want to make sure you understand that you're filing for early retirement benefits. Your Full Retirement Age (FRA) is likely 67 depending on your birth year, so filing at 63 means you'll receive approximately 75-80% of your full benefit amount permanently. This reduction applies whether you're collecting on your own record or your ex-spouse's. Just want to make sure you're aware of this since it's a lifetime decision.
Yes, I know about the reduction. I've done the calculations and with my health issues and current financial situation, taking reduced benefits now makes more sense for me than waiting. I appreciate your concern though!
If I were you I'd just go INTO THE OFFICE if possible. Phone is useless, online is confusing, but face-to-face they have to help you! Bring ID and all your paperwork.
That's a good idea. I'll check if my local office takes appointments or if it's walk-in only. Sometimes talking to a real person is the best approach.
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I just realized nobody asked - does the wife have children under 16? If your friend and his wife had kids who are still minors, she could potentially receive benefits as a mother caring for his children, even after divorce. This doesn't have the 10-year marriage requirement. But since you mentioned they don't have kids together, this wouldn't apply.
No, they don't have any children together. She has adult children from a previous relationship but that wouldn't apply here. Thanks for checking though!
Has your friend talked to a divorce attorney who specializes in situations involving disability benefits? My neighbor went through something similar and said her lawyer gave her better advice than SSA did because he understood both the SS rules AND how they interact with divorce law in our state. Might be worth the consultation fee.
That's a really good point. I think he's met with a general divorce attorney but not one who specializes in cases involving disability benefits. I'll suggest this to him.
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OH WAIT!! Totally forgot to mention - at some point during the online application it's going to ask you questions that seem repetitive about your work history. Don't skip these! My husband did and it delayed his application by weeks because they had to call him to verify information he could have just entered online. And a quick question for others on this thread - does accepting SS retirement benefits affect the potential survivor benefits my spouse would receive if I pass away first? We haven't been able to get a straight answer on this.
Thanks for mentioning the work history section - that's definitely important to complete carefully. Regarding survivor benefits: Your spouse's survivor benefit would be based on your benefit amount at the time of your death. So by waiting until 69 to claim (past your FRA), you've already increased any potential survivor benefit your spouse would receive. Claiming now versus waiting longer only affects future accrual of delayed retirement credits that would further increase both your benefit and any survivor benefit.
are u sure u shud file online?? my cousin did that and his application got lost for 3 months!! he had to start over in person. just sayin maybe go to the office if u can
Online applications rarely get truly "lost" - more likely there was missing information that required follow-up. The online system is actually quite reliable now, especially for straightforward retirement claims. In-person appointments currently have a 3-4 month waitlist in most offices, so online is generally the fastest option for retirement benefits.
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my frend worked for school district 26 yrs now gets $0 from husbands SS even tho he paid in 45 yrs! system is rigged against teachers
EXACTLY!!! Meanwhile Congress refuses to fix it but keeps their own special retirement system! My congressman promised he'd vote to repeal GPO/WEP during his campaign but hasn't done ANYTHING since getting elected. What a surprise...
One final suggestion - even though your calculation shows $0 benefit, it might still be worth calling SSA to verify your specific situation. There are occasionally special circumstances or provisions that might apply in individual cases. For instance, if you had any substantial earnings under Social Security yourself (not just your teacher's pension), the calculation becomes more complex and potentially more favorable. Also, having the calculation officially done can help with future planning, especially regarding survivor benefits should your spouse pass away before you (survivor benefits are also subject to GPO, but the calculation is different). Keep in mind that when you do call, try to speak with someone who specifically understands GPO/WEP provisions, as not all representatives are equally familiar with these complex rules.
That's a really good point about survivor benefits. I did work briefly in the private sector in my 20s, but it wasn't many years. I think I'll take your advice and make that call just to have everything professionally calculated and on record for future planning. Thank you for the thoughtful suggestion!
Freya Larsen
Don't forget that if you're still working while collecting survivor benefits before FRA, you'll be subject to the earnings test! They'll deduct $1 for every $2 you earn above $22,320 (for 2025). I learned this the HARD WAY and had to pay back thousands!!! Make sure you understand ALL the rules before making any decisions!
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Emma Wilson
•Oh wow, I hadn't even thought about that. I'm still working full-time and make about $48,000 a year. Sounds like I need to factor that in when deciding when to apply. Thank you for the warning!
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Ravi Kapoor
Just wanted to add - when you do apply for survivor benefits, bring every document you can think of: marriage certificate, his death certificate, his social security number, birth certificates, etc. I made the mistake of not bringing everything and had to make another appointment. Also request an appointment rather than just showing up at your local office.
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Emma Wilson
•That's great practical advice. I have most of those documents already gathered for other paperwork after his passing. I'll double-check I have everything before making an appointment.
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