Just to clarify something important about survivor benefits that many people misunderstand: If you're already at full retirement age when you apply for widow's benefits, you'll get 100% of your deceased spouse's benefit amount. But if you take your own retirement early (before your FRA), and then later switch to survivor benefits, your survivor benefit won't be reduced. However, if you take survivor benefits early (before your survivor FRA), they will be reduced. The reduction amounts are different than for regular retirement benefits. This is why it's so important to compare scenarios like the agent did for you. Sometimes taking your own reduced benefit first, then switching to survivor benefits at your FRA is the best strategy.

My mother had a similar experience when my dad passed. She was shocked they answered all her questions by phone. I think people don't realize that for many common situations (especially straightforward survivor benefits), they've really improved their phone service. Now getting through and not being on hold for 2 hours is another story...

After reviewing your numbers more carefully, I'm concerned about your estimate of $3,800 at age 70. That would be an unusually high benefit (it's above the maximum benefit even for someone who earned at the taxable maximum their entire career). The maximum benefit for someone retiring at age 70 in 2025 is projected to be around $4,873, but that's only for people who earned at or above the maximum taxable amount for 35+ years. I strongly recommend creating an account at my.ssa.gov if you haven't already, so you can see your actual projected benefits based on your work history. This will help you make a more informed decision.

Based on your corrected estimate of $2,850 at age 70 vs. $1,425 spousal benefit now, waiting still makes financial sense IF you can afford to. The break-even point would be around age 82-83. If you expect to live beyond that age (which statistics suggest is likely), waiting to claim your own benefit would give you more lifetime income. However, if immediate income is essential, taking reduced benefits now might be necessary despite the long-term financial penalty. Personal circumstances sometimes outweigh optimal claiming strategies. No shame in that - we all have to work with real-world constraints.

Just a heads-up about benefits calculation: Since you're applying at your Full Retirement Age (67), you'll get 100% of your benefit amount. If your marriage lasted at least 10 years (which you mentioned it did), you potentially have the option to claim on your ex-spouse's record if that would give you a higher benefit amount. This is something you should ask about during your application call. When you apply, they'll automatically calculate whether your own benefit or the spousal benefit (50% of your ex's) would be higher, and give you the higher amount. You don't need to make this decision yourself. For the application itself, having your bank information ready for direct deposit setup will make things go faster. They'll ask for routing and account numbers during the call.

Thank you everyone for all this helpful information! I feel much better prepared now. I think I'll try applying online first based on several suggestions here, but have all my information ready in case I need to call instead. I'll definitely remember to write down the confirmation number (in multiple places!) and keep an eye out for any mail that follows. And I'll make sure to ask about potentially claiming on my ex's record since his earnings were higher. Really appreciate all your advice!

This is why the SS system is so frustrating. Your getting a bigger benefit because your husband never claimed but if he had filed early and then died you would get less! Makes no sense to me. Meanwhile people like my sister who's husband claimed early then died get stuck with reduced benefits forever. The whole system needs an overhaul.

Thank you everyone for the helpful information! I'm feeling much more confident about my upcoming appointment now. I'll be sure to specifically ask about receiving 100% of what would have been his FRA amount and mention the widow's limit provision. One last question - will I need to give up my current benefit completely, or will they just pay me the difference between my current benefit and his FRA amount?

I wanted to address what happens during the SSDI application process specifically for spinal osteoarthritis: 1. After applying (online, by phone, or in person), SSA will review your work history to verify you're insured for SSDI. 2. Your case goes to your state's Disability Determination Services (DDS) where a medical consultant and examiner evaluate your medical evidence. 3. For osteoarthritis claims, they'll likely request detailed imaging and may send you for a consultative exam (CE) with their doctor. 4. They'll assess whether your condition meets Listing 1.15 OR if your limitations prevent all types of substantial work. 5. For back conditions, they look specifically at your ability to: sit/stand/walk for periods of time, lift/carry objects, bend/stoop/crouch, and maintain concentration despite pain. The approval rate for musculoskeletal conditions at the initial application stage is only about 35%, but increases to nearly 60% at the hearing level. Having a longitudinal medical history (consistent treatment over time) significantly improves your chances.

my friend with back problems got denied and she said her mistake was she was TOO HONEST in her application! She said she could grocery shop (with breaks) and they used that against her. Be careful what you say you can still do!!!!