this reminds me i need to figure out my own ss stuff, just turned 62 last month and got that packet in the mail but havent opened it yet lol

Thank you everyone for all the helpful responses! I feel much better knowing that our strategy is sound. I'll make sure to organize all our documentation in case something happens to me before I file at 70. I appreciate all your insights and personal experiences - this community is wonderful.

tell her to go to the office IN PERSON!!! do NOT rely on the phone. my daughter wasted 6 months trying to call about her sons benefits on her disability. we finally just went to the local office and waited all morning but at least got it done in one day!!!

Just to add a bit more info since there are some good questions here: 1. Regarding the Family Maximum Benefit that several people mentioned - yes, there is a cap that's generally 150-180% of the disabled parent's benefit. With two children, they might each get somewhat less than 50%, but it's still significant. 2. Timeline: Once she applies, it typically takes 1-3 months for auxiliary benefits to be approved (much faster than disability applications). Back benefits are limited to 6 months from application date. 3. The older child's benefits will stop at age 18 unless they're still in high school, in which case benefits can continue until graduation or age 19 and 2 months, whichever comes first. 4. Application process: If your daughter has mobility issues, she can: - Start the application online at ssa.gov - Call for a phone appointment - Request an in-person appointment - In some cases, request an accommodation if visiting the office is difficult Make sure she doesn't delay - every month she waits is potentially lost back benefits!

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.

make sure u list ALL ur symptoms not just the main ones!! my nephew got approved faster cuz he included everything even the brain fog and fatigue not just the physical stuff

That's a really good point - I do have significant fatigue and cognitive issues from both the RA and the medications. Some days the brain fog is actually more limiting than the joint pain. I'll definitely make sure to document all of these effects.

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.