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To be extra clear about the WEP calculation: The law says they use the "monthly periodic payment which the individual first became entitled to receive" (not subsequent increases). You can find this in Section 215(a)(7) of the Social Security Act. If you have your initial pension award letter, that's your best documentation. Also, don't forget that WEP impact is reduced if you have 21+ years of substantial earnings under Social Security, and eliminated completely with 30+ years.
Thank you for the specific reference to the law! That's incredibly helpful. I have about 23 years of substantial earnings under Social Security, so I know I'll get some reduction in the WEP penalty, but I still want to calculate it correctly. I appreciate everyone's help with this.
One additional tip: if you're using the WEP calculator on the SSA website, after you enter your initial pension amount, make sure you also check if any of the WEP exceptions apply to you. There are several situations where WEP might not apply or might be calculated differently, such as if you were eligible for your pension before 1986 or if you have federal employment covered under CSRS Offset. The calculator might not account for these exceptions automatically.
That's good to know. I don't think any exceptions apply in my case (standard fire department pension starting in 2013), but I'll definitely check that section of the calculator just to be sure. Thanks!
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My sister just went through this exact thing! Her husband was on disability too. She was shocked when she found out how the math works. Since she makes about $50k, she basically would get $0 in survivor benefits until she either quits or hits her FRA.
One thing to clarify about survivor benefits that might affect your planning: your survivor benefit amount is based on what your husband would have received if he had reached full retirement age, even though he was receiving SSDI. So the calculation is: - If he died before his full retirement age (which it sounds like he did): Your survivor benefit is based on his full retirement age benefit amount - If he died after reaching his full retirement age: Your survivor benefit would be based on what he was actually receiving This is why it's important to speak directly with SSA about your specific situation - the exact calculation can affect your planning significantly.
This is getting confusing. So his SSDI amount might not be what my survivor benefit would be based on? I thought since he was already receiving disability, that would be the amount (plus COLAs). I definitely need to talk to someone at SSA to get the exact numbers for my situation.
For SSDI recipients, the disability benefit is calculated the same way as a full retirement age benefit, so they're typically the same amount. Your husband's SSDI payment should be the basis for your survivor benefit (plus any COLAs since his passing). I just wanted to clarify since some people confuse SSDI with SSI or other benefits.
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I'd like to add one important point: the adjustment for your wife should happen automatically when you file for your retirement benefits, but it's always good to specifically mention to SSA that your wife should receive the spousal benefit when you file. Sometimes these automatic adjustments don't process correctly. Also, keep in mind that since your wife's current benefit of $800 likely reflects the reduction for claiming at 62, that early claiming reduction will continue to affect her overall benefit. The spousal add-on calculation is based on the difference between her reduced benefit and half of your FRA amount.
That's good advice about specifically mentioning it when I file. I definitely don't want anything to fall through the cracks. Is there a specific form we should fill out, or do I just mention it during my application process?
Just mention it during your application process. There's actually a question about current marital status and whether your spouse receives benefits already. Make sure to have your wife's Social Security number handy. The representative should handle the rest, but it never hurts to specifically say, "My wife should receive the spousal benefit increase when my retirement starts.
One more thing! When your wife starts receiving the spousal benefits, they'll be subject to the same taxation rules as other Social Security benefits. Depending on your combined income, up to 85% of Social Security benefits may be taxable. Just something to factor into your retirement budget planning for next year.
wait they tax social security?? i thought that money was already taxed when we earned it! thats double taxation!
Social Security benefits can be taxable if your combined income exceeds certain thresholds. It's not double taxation in the traditional sense - only a portion of benefits become taxable (up to 85%) when your income exceeds certain levels. For married couples filing jointly, taxation begins when combined income exceeds $32,000. This is definitely something to discuss with a tax professional when planning retirement finances.
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Everyone acts like waiting until 70 is always better, but that's NONSENSE! If you need the money at 62, take it! Life is short and UNPREDICTABLE. My brother waited to file and then died at 68 - got NOTHING after paying in his whole life! Plus the government keeps moving the goalposts - who knows if they'll change the rules again before you hit FRA? Take what you can get when you can get it!
I understand your frustration, but I should clarify something important: If your brother was married, his spouse would be eligible for survivor benefits based on his work record. Also, if he had dependent children under 18 or disabled adult children, they would receive benefits. So his contributions weren't completely lost. You're right that personal circumstances matter enormously in this decision. Health status, family longevity, current financial needs, and marital status should all factor into the claiming decision. It's definitely not one-size-fits-all.
Thank you all for the advice! This has given me a lot to think about. I'm definitely going to create that my Social Security account to see my actual numbers. Since I'm making good money right now and don't absolutely need to retire at 62, it sounds like waiting might be the better option for me. I think I need to do more research about how my taxes will work in retirement too. And I'll check out that Claimyr service to talk directly with SSA - I've tried calling before and it's impossible to get through! Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences!
You're welcome! One final thought - consider getting a retirement checkup with a financial advisor who understands Social Security claiming strategies. Many offer free initial consultations, and they can help you understand how your Social Security benefits will interact with your other retirement assets, potential tax implications, and how to create a withdrawal strategy that maximizes your overall retirement income. Best of luck with your planning!
Connor Byrne
Has anyone actually successfully switched from one widow benefit to another? My mother tried to do this (switch from her second husband to first husband's record) and the SSA office gave her such conflicting information that she gave up. One person said she could, another said she couldn't - typical SSA confusion!
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Keisha Williams
•I successfully switched from my first husband's survivor benefit to my second husband's higher retirement benefit when he turned 70 (we were still married). Different situation, but yes, SSA will process benefit switches if you qualify. The key is getting to the right person who understands the rules. Using Claimyr helped me get to an experienced agent who processed everything correctly the first time. You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU - helped me bypass hours of hold time.
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PixelPioneer
I've been reading through all these comments and now I'm confused about one thing - when exactly should the original poster apply? Right at 60? A few months before? After? I know with regular SS retirement you can apply a few months early but when does that process start for widow benefits?
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Ava Johnson
•For widow's benefits, you can apply up to 4 months before you want benefits to begin. So if you want benefits to start the month you turn 60, you should apply when you're 59 years and 8 months old. It's best to apply early rather than late because survivor benefits can only be paid for up to 6 months retroactively, so if you wait too long, you could lose some payments you're entitled to receive.
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