Can I collect partial survivor benefits while working before FRA then switch to my own SS at 70?

You're asking a great question about a somewhat complex situation. The SSA representative gave you basically correct advice, but there might be some nuance worth exploring. When you're under FRA and working, the earnings test will indeed reduce your benefits ($1 reduction for every $2 you earn above $22,320 in 2025). You CAN apply for survivor benefits earlier than FRA, but they'll be permanently reduced AND subject to the earnings test while working. The "partial benefits" concept might be referring to what happens after the earnings test is applied - you might still get some money if your earnings aren't too high above the limit. Waiting until your FRA (66+10mo) to claim unreduced survivor benefits, then switching to your own higher benefit at 70, is generally a solid strategy. But it really depends on your exact earnings level and how much of the survivor benefit would actually be withheld. Have you calculated exactly how much your current earnings would impact the survivor benefit?

my husband died 2 years ago and i was in the same boat as you!! the SSA people told me i should wait til FRA for survivor but i applied at 62 anyway cause i only work part time. i still lost some to the earnings test but still got about $700/month. depends on how much you make but might be worth checking if your working less than you think. also they dont count some months if you earn under a limit in those months

The strategy the SSA rep suggested (waiting until FRA for unreduced survivor benefits, then switching to your retirement benefit at 70) is actually optimal in your situation for several reasons: 1. With earnings of $95k, you'd lose ALL survivor benefits to the earnings test if you applied now 2. Early survivor benefits are permanently reduced (about 28.5% reduction at age 63) 3. The survivor benefit has a different FRA than your retirement benefit (important distinction) 4. When you reach FRA, the earnings test goes away completely By waiting until 66+10mo to collect unrestricted survivor benefits (~$2,450/mo) and then switching to your own higher benefit at 70 (~$3,600/mo), you're maximizing your lifetime benefit. There's no advantage to applying earlier with your current work situation. One thing to watch: if you expect a big salary increase, some people consider retiring a few months before FRA, as stopping work early can sometimes provide more total benefits than working those last few months.

I went through this whole mess last year!!!!! The SSA website is USELESS for explaining survivor benefits clearly!!!! I wasted THREE DAYS trying to get someone on the phone! Called at 7am and still waited 2+ hours! The whole system is designed to confuse us and make us miss out on benefits we deserve!!!!

Question - are you SURE about that 20 year divorce timeline? There's a rule about being divorced for at least 2 years before claiming on an ex-spouse's record, but I don't recall a maximum time limit. Just wanted to check since timing is important with these benefits.

im confused about something... if your going to get $3600 at age 70 that means your FRA benefit is like $2700 right? and the survivor benefit is $2450? so even at your FRA your own benefit is already higher than the survivor benefit? if thats the case why would you even bother with survivor benefits at all? am i missing something??

Thank you all for the responses! This is so much clearer now. I've decided to stick with the original plan - wait until my FRA (66+10mo) to collect the full survivor benefit while continuing to work, then switch to my own retirement benefit at 70. With my current salary, claiming early would just mean losing it all to the earnings test plus permanent reductions. One more question though - when the time comes, do I need to specifically tell SSA I want to switch from survivor to retirement benefits at 70, or is that automatic?

i forgot to mention my sister had a similar problem but she was getting close to FRA and only had like 6 months to go so she just reduced her work hours for those months to get under the earnings limit and got some benefits. might not work for you if your younger but something to think about if your close

One last thing I'd recommend - schedule an appointment with SSA about 6 months before your FRA to review your survivor benefit eligibility and exact benefit amount. They'll need your ex-husband's death certificate and marriage/divorce records if you haven't already provided them. Also, keep documentation of your ex's earnings history if you have access to it, as survivor benefits are based on his earnings record and sometimes mistakes happen. The SSA's estimates aren't always accurate, so it's worth verifying everything in advance.