Just to clarify some misunderstandings I'm seeing in this thread: For survivor benefits, the rules are different than for regular retirement benefits. While it's true you can apply as early as 60, the benefit reduction formula is different. Also, if you remarry after age 60, you can still collect survivor benefits from your previous spouse. As for the original poster's situation, at age 70, you would receive 100% of your deceased husband's benefit amount IF it's higher than your current retirement benefit. You should request an appointment specifically for survivor benefits and ask them to do a complete benefits calculation to determine the best option for you. One more tip: if your husband had delayed retirement credits (meaning he worked past his full retirement age), those would be factored into your survivor benefit as well.

Yes, that's correct about remarriage after 60 for survivor benefits! It's different from spousal benefits (where remarriage at any age ends eligibility). For survivors, if you remarry after 60, you can still claim on your deceased spouse's record. Confusing, I know!

Don't let anyone tell you there's nothing you can do about these unfair provisions! There are bills in Congress right now to reform or eliminate WEP/GPO. Contact your representatives! My mom's teacher group is fighting this tooth and nail. Public servants deserve better!

Thank you all for your helpful responses! I've scheduled an in-person appointment at my local SSA office for next week and I'm gathering all my pension documentation. I've also made a list of questions based on all your advice. I'm still frustrated about the WEP/GPO reductions, but at least I understand the process better now. I'll update once I've had my appointment and let you know how it goes.

has anyone actually received increased benefits from this GPO change yet? my mom has a teacher pension and we applied in february but her check hasnt changed

Update: We submitted the application yesterday and put the current date as the start date. The claims specialist said they will determine if any retroactive benefits apply based on the new law. She also confirmed that his benefit will increase gradually over the next few years as the GPO phases out, starting with 20% this year. Thank you all for your helpful advice!

One more thing to keep in mind - since your wife is at full retirement age (FRA), she's eligible for the full spousal benefit of 50% of your Primary Insurance Amount (before any GPO reduction). If she's eligible for both her own retirement benefit and a spousal benefit, SSA will pay her own benefit plus the difference to equal the higher amount. Also, since she's past FRA, there's no penalty for either of you working while collecting benefits. The earnings test doesn't apply after FRA. Bring to your appointment: 1. Photo ID for both of you 2. Social Security cards 3. Marriage certificate 4. Pension documentation with lump sum details 5. Recent tax returns 6. Bank account information for direct deposit Good luck with your appointment!

after all ur appointments done come back and tell us what happend! lots of us dealing with same stuff and its helpful to hear real examples

My sister lost her ex last year too. She got about $450 extra a month by switching to his benefit. The way they calculate it is weird though... something about your FRA and his FRA and when you both started collecting. My sister was already 73 when she applied so it was pretty simple but I think there's reductions if you're under FRA.

Thank you all for the helpful replies. I used the Claimyr service this morning and it worked - got through to an agent in about 15 minutes! The agent told me based on our benefit amounts I'm likely eligible for about $820 additional per month. I have an in-person appointment next Tuesday to bring in my documents and finalize everything. They also confirmed they use the application date for benefits, not the date of death, so I'm glad I didn't wait longer!