I just remembered something important! My mom had to specifically REQUEST the RIB-LIM calculation when she was talking to SSA. The first person she talked to had no idea what she was asking about, but when she got a supervisor they knew exactly what to do. Print out the info from that POMS section the expert mentioned above and bring it with you!

One last thing I'd add - make sure you gather all necessary documents before applying: 1. Your ex-husband's death certificate 2. Your marriage certificate 3. Your divorce decree 4. Your ID and Social Security card 5. If possible, information about his earnings record/benefit amount Also, when you apply, make it clear you're applying as a disabled divorced widow. This is a special category, and not all SSA representatives are equally familiar with the rules. If you get pushback or contradictory information, politely ask to speak with a Technical Expert who specializes in survivor benefits. Good luck! This could mean a significant increase in your monthly income.

One additional document to consider is the "ANYPIA" calculation (Average Indexed Monthly Earnings calculation). This shows the detailed formula used to determine your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). What complicates your situation is coordinating between your own benefit and the potential spousal benefit. Here's what many people don't realize: if you take your own benefit early at 62, and later become eligible for a spousal benefit when your husband files at 70, your spousal benefit will be reduced because you took your own benefit early. This is why getting these calculations done professionally is so important in your specific situation. The difference could potentially be tens of thousands of dollars over your lifetime.

When I was planning my retirement, I found it helpful to make a list of specific questions before my SSA appointment. Make sure to ask: 1. What's my retirement benefit at 62, 63, FRA, and 70? 2. What would my spousal benefit be at each of those ages? 3. How does my husband delaying until 70 affect my spousal benefit? 4. What happens to my benefit if I switch from my own to spousal later? 5. How does continued work affect these calculations? Bring a notepad and write down everything they tell you. I found the representatives helpful but they sometimes skip details if you don't specifically ask.

Has anyone tried the online application for survivor benefits? The SSA website says you can apply online but when I tried for my mom it kept giving errors. wondering if thats another option for OP besides going in person?

Update: I went to the office today and got there at 6:45am - there were already 8 people in line! But I did get in during the first group. The process took about 2 hours total, but I'm now officially applied for survivor benefits! The representative confirmed I was absolutely eligible at age 60 (that phone rep was completely wrong). She said I should see my first payment in about 3-4 weeks, and it will include any back benefits from my filing date. The amount was close to what I expected - $1,790 per month. Not as much as I'd get if I waited until FRA, but it will keep a roof over my head right now. Thanks everyone for your advice. Going in person was definitely the right move.

The advice here seems focused on maximizing your monthly payment, but don't forget to think about your total lifetime benefits too! If you wait 4+ years to claim (assuming your FRA is around 66-67), you're giving up 48+ monthly payments. You'd need to live well into your 80s before the higher monthly amount makes up for all those missed payments. No one can predict how long we'll live, but if you have health concerns or family history of shorter lifespan, claiming earlier often results in more total benefits received over your lifetime.

After reviewing all the advice here, let me summarize the key points for your decision: 1) Your husband's transition from SSDI to retirement benefits won't affect your spousal benefit amount. 2) Filing at 62 gives you about 32.5% of his PIA permanently, while waiting until your FRA gives you 50%. 3) Each month you delay between 62 and FRA increases your benefit percentage slightly. 4) Consider both monthly amount AND lifetime total benefits in your decision. 5) Your financial needs now vs. later should guide your choice - there's no universally "right" answer. I suggest calling SSA to get exact benefit estimates for different filing ages to make an informed decision.

Make sure they check if your ex has multiple exes filing on his record! Many people don't realize there's no 'family maximum' for divorced spouse benefits - each eligible ex-spouse can receive benefits without reducing the others. But it DOES affect survivor benefits later, which is something to keep in mind for future planning.

On your call, request a complete breakdown of your benefit calculation in writing. SSA should send you an award letter after your claim is processed, but it doesn't always show the detailed math. Specifically ask for: 1. Your PIA based on your own work record 2. The spousal benefit amount you're eligible for (up to 50% of ex's PIA) 3. The excess amount (the difference between #2 and #1) 4. How continuing to work might change these calculations Keep detailed notes during your call - write down the name and direct extension of anyone helpful that you speak with. If you need clarification later, it's much easier if you can get back to the same person rather than explaining everything to someone new. Also, while your current earnings won't reduce benefits at FRA, they could potentially increase your own PIA if these are high-earning years for you, which might reduce the spousal excess portion (though your total would remain the same or increase).