I STILL think this is a TERRIBLE policy!!! Both spouses pay into SS their entire working lives but then one doesn't get squat when the other dies if they already have their own benefit?? How is that fair??? We should all be writing to our congress people about this!!! And don't even get me started on the WEP/GPO penalties that some of us face. The whole system needs to be overhauled!!!

One thing to clarify that might help others reading this thread: for retirement benefits, you can choose between your own benefit OR a spousal benefit (up to 50% of your spouse's FRA amount while they're alive). For survivor benefits after a spouse passes away, you can receive up to 100% of what your deceased spouse was receiving if you're at full retirement age (less if you take survivor benefits early). In both cases, you get the higher of either your own benefit OR the spousal/survivor benefit - never both combined. The OP's situation is unfortunately common - when both spouses have worked and earned their own benefits, sometimes the survivor rules don't provide additional amounts. The $255 death benefit hasn't been increased since the 1950s, which is why it seems so small compared to monthly benefit amounts.

I'm in a similar situation but decided to wait. Financially it makes more sense for most people unless you have health issues or really need the money now. That 30% permanent reduction is significant.

To calculate your specific amount with precision: take your annual earnings over the limit ($34,000 - $22,560 = $11,440), divide by 2 = $5,720 annual reduction. Then divide your full benefit by 12 months ($1,800 × 12 = $21,600 annual benefit). Subtract the reduction ($21,600 - $5,720 = $15,880 annual adjusted benefit). Divide by 12 to get monthly = $1,323/month approximately. Remember this is before any tax considerations. And the earnings limit typically increases slightly each year with inflation adjustments.

A quick tip: When you call or visit SSA, specifically ask for a "TECHNICAL EXPERT" who specializes in WEP/GPO cases. Regular claims representatives often don't fully understand these complex provisions. A technical expert can provide a detailed, written explanation of your benefit calculation. Also, while it doesn't apply to your current situation, I want to mention for others reading this thread: If you're affected by GPO, there's something called the "Last Day of Employment" exception. If you were eligible for your government pension before July 1, 2004, and your last day of government employment was before July 1, 2004, you might be exempt from GPO. Always worth checking if this applies to your situation.

Based on all the information you've shared, here's my analysis of what might be happening: 1. Your own benefit may be correctly reduced by WEP (unless you qualify for the 30-year exception) 2. Your husband's PIA is likely lower than his current benefit amount 3. Your spousal benefit is being reduced by GPO The formula should be: Your WEP-reduced benefit + [max(0, (50% of husband's PIA - 2/3 of your pension))] If the amount in the parentheses is negative, you get nothing additional from the spousal benefit. The fact that you're getting some spousal addition means that 50% of your husband's PIA is more than 2/3 of your pension, but the difference is small. My recommendation: Request a "PEBES" (Personal Earnings and Benefit Estimate Statement) and a detailed calculation of your WEP and GPO adjustments. Then make an appointment with a technical expert at SSA to review everything.

My brain hurts trying to understand all this lol. But I do know that the SSA workers are SUPER OVERWORKED so sometimes they don't have time to look into complicated cases. I would definitely try again and maybe go in person like others have said. Phone calls are useless for complicated stuff!!

One more important point that hasn't been addressed: Your friend mentioned her first husband was on disability when he died. This means his SSDI benefit amount would have already been calculated before his death, making it easier to determine what the survivor benefit would be with COLAs applied. She should request what's called a "Survivor Benefit Estimate" from both deceased spouses and compare them to her current benefit. If either would be higher, she can switch. The fact that the SSA representative dismissed her quickly suggests they either: 1. Didn't understand the full complexity of her case 2. Didn't check both deceased spouses' records with COLAs applied 3. Saw something specific that would disqualify her, but didn't explain it properly Definitely worth following up with a scheduled appointment. Make sure to bring: - Marriage certificates for both marriages - Death certificates for both husbands - Any old benefit award letters she might have kept - Her own Social Security statement showing current benefits Persistence often pays off with these complex cases.

dont bother with the phone unless you want to wait 3 hours!!! go to the offfice in person and bring your mom's ID and your dad's too

I went through something similar with my grandparents last year. One thing to consider - if your mom gets approved for the higher spousal benefit, make sure SSA knows where to deposit it. If she's been getting her own benefit via direct deposit, they should use the same account, but sometimes they mess up and send a paper check for the new amount which can cause confusion. Also, when you call SSA, specifically ask about their "Compassionate Allowances" process since both your parents have serious medical conditions. This won't affect the benefit amount but might expedite the processing. And definitely pursue the Medicaid application simultaneously - at their ages with those medical conditions, they'd likely qualify for home health aide services which would be life-changing given what you described.