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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!
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!
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.
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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I was in a similar situation last year. Divorced after 22 years, started my own SS at 66. Found out my ex was a high earner so I applied for divorced spouse benefits. Took FOREVER to process (about 3 months) but I ended up getting an additional $320/month because half of his benefit was higher than my full benefit. Definitely worth checking into!! They did ask for my marriage certificate and divorce decree, so tell your friend to have those ready.
That's encouraging! I'll let her know. Did you have to provide his SSN when you applied? She's worried about that part.
To answer your follow-up question: No, she doesn't need his SSN to apply. The SSA can locate his record with his name, date of birth, and place of birth. She should bring her own identification, her Social Security card, birth certificate, marriage certificate, and divorce decree to prove she meets the requirements. Also, to clear up some confusion in this thread: If she's entitled to both her own retirement and a divorced spouse benefit, she'll receive her own benefit plus the difference if the divorced spouse benefit is higher. So if her own benefit is $1000 and 50% of his is $1400, she would receive $1400 total (not $2400). But if her own benefit is $1500 and 50% of his is $1400, she would just continue to receive her $1500.
Thank you for this clear explanation. I'll share all this with her. Between managing her own health issues and tight finances, she's been reluctant to look into this, but it sounds like it could really help her situation with no downside.
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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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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.
Liam Murphy
Has anyone here successfully appealed an SSA calculation? We're considering it because we still think there's an error in how they calculated our benefits with GPO and early filing reductions. The amounts just don't add up no matter how we do the math.
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Yuki Tanaka
•I requested a reconsideration of my benefit calculation last year. It took about 4 months to process, but they did find an error and adjusted my payment. The key was having all my documentation organized and being very specific about what I thought was wrong with the calculation. In my case, they had used the wrong pension amount for my GPO reduction. Definitely worth trying if you think there's a mistake.
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Sasha Ivanov
One other factor to consider: if your wife's FRA is 67 (born in 1960 or later), filing at 62 means a 30% reduction to benefits. But the spousal benefit reduction is actually calculated differently and can be higher - up to 35% if claimed at 62. So the full calculation is: 1. Take 50% of your PIA 2. Subtract 2/3 of her non-covered pension (GPO) 3. Apply the appropriate early filing reduction percentage based on her age when she filed 4. Factor in any COLA adjustments between her filing date and when spousal benefits began It's one of the most complex calculations in the Social Security system, and unfortunately, not all SSA representatives fully understand it. If you get your questions answered by someone knowledgeable, please share what you learn - it would help others in similar situations!
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Miguel Hernández
•I will definitely update once we get this resolved! You're right that her FRA is 67 (born in 1962), so the reduction is substantial. Between GPO and early filing, it's taking a huge chunk of the potential spousal benefit. I appreciate everyone's insights - this community has already been more helpful than hours on the phone with SSA.
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