Just to add to my earlier comment - be prepared for some confusion when you call or visit SSA. I had to explain several times that I was applying for ex-spouse survivor benefits. The first representative didn't seem familiar with the rules and almost turned me away! I had to politely ask to speak with a technical expert who confirmed I was eligible. So if someone tries to tell you that you don't qualify, don't give up - ask to speak with a supervisor or someone who specializes in survivor benefits for divorced spouses. The difference in my monthly amount was nearly $800, which adds up to over $9,500 per year!

I'm a Social Security caseworker and want to clarify a few important points for anyone reading this thread. Yes, divorced spouses ARE eligible for survivor benefits if the marriage lasted 10+ years, regardless of whether the deceased remarried. The SSA does receive death notifications from funeral homes, but you MUST still apply - nothing happens automatically. Key tip: If you can't get through on the phone (which unfortunately happens often), you can also start the application process online at ssa.gov under "Apply for Benefits" then look for survivor benefits. While you'll likely still need an in-person appointment to complete everything, starting online can save time and establish your application date for retroactive payment purposes. One more thing - bring copies of ALL your documents, not originals, as they'll make copies and return them to you. This process can seem overwhelming, but the financial impact makes it worth pursuing diligently.

This is such valuable information! I'm in a similar situation - started collecting at 62 and recently picked up some consulting work. It's reassuring to hear that SSA will automatically recalculate benefits when new earnings can replace lower-earning years. For anyone else in this boat, I'd recommend creating a mySocialSecurity account if you haven't already - being able to track your earnings record and see potential benefit increases online is incredibly helpful. The automatic recalculation typically happens each year after they process your W-2 or self-employment earnings, so you don't need to file any special paperwork or applications.

But isn't the AIME "adjusted" for inflation? I started collecting at 70 and I'm still working. Although I'm earning more than I did 30 years ago, when inflation is taken into consideration, I'm not. How does the SSA handle this?

Hi Chuck! This is definitely a complex family maximum situation. From what I understand about Social Security rules, when DAC (Disabled Adult Child) benefits and spousal benefits are both involved with the family maximum, the benefits are typically allocated proportionally among all eligible family members, but there can be some nuances. The key points that might help clarify: 1. DAC benefits don't get preferential treatment over spousal benefits in the family max calculation 2. All auxiliary benefits (including DAC and spousal) are typically reduced proportionally when the family max is reached 3. However, the specific calculation can depend on the exact benefit amounts and timing of applications Given that you're getting conflicting information from different SSA representatives, I'd strongly recommend: - Asking for the calculation to be explained in writing - Requesting to speak with a supervisor or technical expert who specializes in family max calculations - Getting a clear breakdown of how they're arriving at each person's benefit amount The POMS can be confusing even for SSA employees, so don't hesitate to push for clarity. You have the right to understand exactly how your family's benefits are being calculated. Keep detailed notes of all conversations and consider filing an appeal if the final determination doesn't match what you were previously told by multiple representatives. Good luck with getting this sorted out!

I'm also approaching 70 and have been researching this exact question! From what I've learned through the SSA website and talking to others, you definitely want to apply for July as your benefit start month. The system doesn't prorate benefits - you get the full month even if your birthday is mid-month. One thing I discovered is that you can actually apply online up to 4 months in advance, which helps avoid the phone wait times you've experienced. The online application at ssa.gov/retire2/apply.htm walks you through selecting your "month of election" - just choose July and you'll be all set. I applied about 3 months before my birthday and it was much less stressful than trying to call. Also, just to echo what others have said - your first payment will arrive in August for July's benefits, but it will be the full monthly amount calculated at your age 70 rate. Don't second-guess yourself by waiting until August 1st as your start date - you'd lose an entire month of benefits that way. Hope this helps and congratulations on reaching 70!

I just wanted to add another perspective as someone who works in benefits counseling. The advice you've received here is spot-on - definitely apply for July as your benefit start month. What I often tell my clients is to think of it this way: Social Security doesn't care what day of the month you turn 70, only what month. Since you become eligible for maximum benefits in July (the month you turn 70), that's when your entitlement begins, and you receive the full month's payment. One additional tip that might help ease your application anxiety: when you apply online, you'll see a question about your "desired month of entitlement" or "month you want benefits to begin." This is where you select July 2024. The system will automatically calculate your payment amount based on your age 70 rate for that entire month. Also, since you mentioned trouble reaching SSA by phone, I'd strongly recommend applying online if possible. The online retirement application is actually quite user-friendly and you can save your progress if you need to gather documents. You can find it directly at ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/apply.html. Best of luck with your application!

Just to follow up on this - changing your start date from 65 to 67 is definitely worth the hassle. Each year you delay past your full retirement age (which is 67 for those born in 1960 or later) increases your benefit by 8%. So waiting those two years could mean roughly 16% more in monthly benefits for the rest of your life. That can add up to tens of thousands of dollars over your lifetime. Don't give up on reaching SSA to make this change!

Congratulations on getting it sorted out! This is such a common situation and you handled it perfectly by catching it before any payments were issued. For anyone else reading this thread who might be in a similar situation, I'd recommend also checking if your local SSA office offers appointments - sometimes that can be faster than the phone lines. The face-to-face service can be really helpful for complex changes like this. Also worth noting that you can delay benefits all the way up to age 70 for maximum delayed retirement credits if your financial situation allows for it. Great job advocating for yourself and not giving up on those phone calls!