One more important thing to consider: If you're still working, the earnings test might apply until you reach your FRA. In 2025, you can earn up to $22,150 without any reduction in benefits. Above that, they withhold $1 in benefits for every $2 earned. Are you still working, and if so, do you earn above this threshold?

I called back to SSA three times and got three slightly different answers about my survivor benefits. The third rep finally took the time to do the actual calculation with me on the phone and explain each step. Don't be afraid to keep calling until you get someone who will take the time to go through the full calculation with you so you understand exactly what you'll be receiving.

my aunt said u should also look at state taxes cuz some states tax SS and some dont!!! depends where u live

One strategy to consider for future years (won't help for 2024): if you have the ability to control income sources, you might be able to stay below the taxation thresholds. For example, taking distributions from Roth accounts (which aren't counted in the combined income formula) rather than traditional IRAs, or timing certain investment decisions. This requires advance planning but can reduce the tax impact on your Social Security benefits.

The original poster should also know that the surviving parent needs to report her own earned income to Social Security if she's receiving the mother/father with child-in-care benefit. For 2025, if she earns over approximately $22,320, her benefit (not the children's) will be reduced by $1 for every $2 she earns above that limit. The children's benefits are safe regardless of the parent's income.

my heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time. losing a loved one is hard enough without having to figure out all these complicated financial issues. sending hugs to you and those kiddos.

I was in a similar situation but reversed (I'm female). Started widow benefits at 60 and they were about 70% of what I would've gotten at FRA. But it was worth it for me because I needed the income. One thing no one mentioned - if you're planning to work past 60 while collecting, remember those benefits will be reduced if you earn over the limit (which was around $19k when I started but is higher now). For every $2 over the limit, they take $1 from your benefits.

Good question about withheld benefits due to excess earnings! Those benefits aren't permanently lost. Once you reach your Full Retirement Age, Social Security will recalculate your benefit amount to give you credit for the months when benefits were withheld. It's essentially a recoupment over time. But also consider: if your own retirement benefit will ultimately be higher than the widow benefit, and you plan to switch to your own benefit at FRA anyway, it might be worth analyzing whether taking a reduced widow benefit that's further reduced by the earnings test makes financial sense. Sometimes waiting until you're closer to FRA or working part-time to stay under the earnings limit can be more advantageous.

Just my 2 cents - everybody's situation is different. My wife and I decided I'd file at 62 and she'd wait til 70 since her benefit was bigger. Worked great for us, we're 15 years into retirement and no regrets. Health problems can change everything tho so dont just think about the math, think about QUALITY OF LIFE!!

Has anyone mentioned survivor benefits yet? This is HUGE in your planning! When one spouse dies, the surviving spouse basically continues with the HIGHER of the two benefit amounts. So if you delay till 70 and get say $4200/month, then pass away, your husband would get that $4200/month for the rest of HIS life (assuming it's higher than his own benefit). So even if you delay and don't live super long, your husband could benefit from your higher amount for DECADES, especially with that 3 year age difference. This is especially important with his WEP situation limiting his own benefit.