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just wondering - did your sister check if she qualifies for the one-time death payment of $255? its not much but at least its somthing while she figures out the survivor benefits
No, I don't think she knows about that! Thanks for mentioning it - I'll definitely tell her to ask about that when she contacts SSA.
To summarize what your sister should do now: 1. File for survivor benefits immediately (even if she'll receive $0 now) 2. Request detailed calculations showing how the earnings test applies to her specific case 3. Consider reducing work hours if financially feasible 4. Plan ahead for whether to take full survivor benefits at FRA or switch between benefits 5. Apply for the $255 death payment if she hasn't already The most important thing is getting an application on file. Benefits can be retroactive for up to six months for survivors, but only if the application is filed.
This is incredibly helpful - thank you! I'm going to help my sister put together a list of questions and make sure she gets that application filed right away. I really appreciate everyone's advice and explanations.
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This all sounds complicated! Wouldnt it be easier just to take the survivor benifits now? Why wait?
It might be simpler, but it wouldn't maximize her lifetime benefits. By taking her own reduced retirement benefits now and switching to full survivor benefits at FRA, she'll get some income now PLUS the maximum survivor benefit later. If she took survivor benefits now, they would be permanently reduced. In her specific situation (where her husband was the higher earner), this strategy often results in tens of thousands of dollars more over her lifetime. The exact difference depends on benefit amounts and life expectancy, but it's usually significant enough to justify the more complex approach.
When you do make the switch at 67, start the process at least 3 months before your birthday. I waited until the month of my FRA to switch strategies, and there was a gap in my payments that created some financial stress. The SSA backdated everything eventually, but I went almost 2 months without any benefits while they processed the change. Just something to plan for.
Thank you for this practical advice! I'll definitely start the process early. Did you have to complete a whole new application when you made the switch, or was it a simpler process since you were already in their system?
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One more important point: The earnings limit for survivor benefits increases in the year you reach your full retirement age (FRA), and then disappears completely once you hit your FRA. For example, if your FRA is 67, in the year you turn 67, the earnings limit jumps to around $59,520 (for 2025), and they only count earnings before the month you reach FRA. Then after your FRA, you can earn any amount without reduction. Since you're planning to switch to your own benefit at 70, you'll still need to be mindful of the earnings test between 60-67, but after your FRA, you can work as much as you want without any impact on your survivor benefits.
That's great to know about the higher limit in the year I reach FRA. My full retirement age is 67, so I'll need to plan carefully for the years between 60-67. I'm hoping to work part-time during those years anyway, but it's good to know I have more flexibility once I reach FRA.
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The earnings limit is SUCH A HEADACHE! My advice? Have your husband tell his boss he needs to be paid MONTHLY, with the pay periods matching calendar months. That would solve everything. Not sure why companies can't figure this out when so many older workers have this exact problem with Social Security!
Since several people mentioned reporting: Your husband should call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to report his return to work. Alternatively, he can report estimated earnings online through his my Social Security account or in person at a local office. For calculating his earnings during his first year of retirement, SSA uses the "Grace Year" rule. This means they'll look at his monthly earnings for the remainder of 2024. For each month he earns under the limit ($1,860), he'll receive his full benefit regardless of annual totals. Starting in 2025, SSA will switch to annual accounting. They'll estimate his expected earnings for the year and may adjust his benefits accordingly. If the estimate changes, he should update SSA to avoid overpayments. Keeping detailed records is absolutely critical - especially the breakdown of exactly which days' work falls into which calendar month.
This is extremely helpful - thank you! I didn't know about the "Grace Year" rule by name, but this confirms what others have said. We'll make sure to report his return to work right away and keep detailed records of when he performs the work.
Diego Ramirez
btw don't forget about social security earnings test if you claim before your FRA... that caught me by surprise when i retired!!! has nothing to do with WEP but another thing to remember
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ShadowHunter
•Good point about the earnings test, but that's a separate issue from WEP/GPO. The earnings test only applies if you claim benefits before Full Retirement Age while still working. It's temporary and you get the money back later, unlike WEP which is a permanent reduction.
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Sean O'Connor
As someone who's been through this exact situation, here's what I'd advise: 1. Calculate your expected state pension after 10-15 years of service 2. Compare that to potential private sector salary + full SS benefits 3. Factor in healthcare benefits, which are often superior in state jobs In my case, even with WEP reducing my Social Security by about $520/month, my state pension more than made up for it. The healthcare benefits alone saved me thousands annually. The strategy of returning to private work can mathematically reduce WEP impact, but it's generally not worth the career disruption. Each year of substantial earnings beyond 20 years reduces WEP by 5%, but that might mean only $30-35 more per month in benefits for each additional year. Focus less on maximizing SS and more on total retirement income including pension, savings, and healthcare costs.
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Chloe Taylor
•Thank you for this practical perspective! You're right - I should look at the total package rather than hyperfocusing on Social Security alone. The healthcare benefits with the state job are excellent compared to my current private sector options.
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