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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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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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Does anyone know how long these ex-spouse applications typically take to process? I'm worried that even after my March appointment it'll be months before I see any change in my benefit amount.
In my experience, once you've had your appointment and provided all the required documentation (marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc.), the processing typically takes 2-4 weeks. However, with current SSA staffing issues, I've seen it take up to 6-8 weeks for some people. The most important thing is to have all your documentation ready during the phone appointment. If they need to request additional verification, it can add significant delays. You might want to upload your documents to your my Social Security account ahead of your appointment if possible.
this whole WEP/GPO stuff makes my head spin! feels like they purposely make it complicated so we don't get all the benefits we deserve :
I feel the same way! I spent hours researching and still don't fully understand how the calculations work. I was counting on a reasonable SS benefit to supplement my pension, and finding out I only get $12/month was shocking.
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wait im confused now. does this mean the money from ss is completely separate from the earnings limit? so u can get full ex spouse benefits as long as ur job doesnt pay too much?
Yes, that's correct. The Social Security benefits themselves don't count as "earnings" for the earnings limit test. Only your wages from work count. So you could receive $15,000 in ex-spouse benefits, and as long as your job pays less than the annual limit ($22,320 in 2025), you'd get your full benefits with no reduction. If your job pays more than the limit, only then would they reduce your benefits.
Thank you everyone for all this helpful information! I think I understand now - my spousal benefits don't count toward the earnings limit, but my work income might reduce how much I receive if I earn over $22,320 this year. I'll definitely contact SSA to set up the proper reporting for my estimated income. When I reach my Full Retirement Age in a few years, none of this will matter anymore and I can earn whatever amount without reductions. This community has been so much more helpful than the confusing explanations I got elsewhere!
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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