Social Security survivor benefits at 60 with pension - switching to own benefits at 70 possible?

You've got a complicated situation because of the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Since your pension is from a job not covered by Social Security, the GPO will reduce your survivor benefits by 2/3 of your pension amount. For example, if your monthly pension is $3,000, your survivor benefit would be reduced by $2,000. Yes, your husband claiming early does affect your survivor benefit. Since he claimed at 62, the benefit amount you'd be eligible for is based on what he was receiving when he died, not his full retirement amount. And yes, claiming survivor benefits at 60 means they'll be reduced to 71.5% of the full survivor benefit. This reduction is permanent. Your strategy of switching to your own benefits at 70 is sound if your own benefit will be higher after maximizing delayed retirement credits. The GPO doesn't affect your own benefits based on your SS-covered employment.

I went through this EXACT situation last year!!! My husband also died shortly after claiming SS early, and I have a state pension. Let me tell u what happened to ME - I applied for survivor benefits when I turned 60 and got DENIED completely because of the GPO!!! My pension is $3900 and they said the 2/3 rule meant I wouldn't get ANY survivor benefits. I was DEVASTATED!! But here's what nobody told me - you should STILL apply even if you think GPO will eliminate benefits, because the SSA calculation might surprise you. Also make SURE they're calculating your own SS benefit correctly based on your 12 years of covered work. I ended up having to get an appointment at my local office to sort everything out. Still didn't get survivor benefits but at least I understand why now.

my mom got hit by both GPO and WEP its crazy how they penalize govt workers!!! she worked 25 yrs for the school district and when she tried to get my dads SS after he died they gave her like $50 a month after the GPO. so unfair!!

If you're having trouble reaching SSA by phone (who isn't these days?), I discovered this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to a live agent without waiting for hours. I used it last month when dealing with my own survivor benefits questions and got through in about 15 minutes instead of the usual 3+ hour wait. Check out their video demo: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU or their website claimyr.com - honestly it saved me so much frustration. For complex situations like yours with GPO and potential WEP, you really need to talk to a representative who can look at your specific earnings record.

dont forget theres an earnings limit if ur under FRA! If u work while getting survivors benefits and ur under full retirement age they take back $1 for every $2 u earn over the limit (which is like $19k or something). just something else to think about

One strategy option that hasn't been mentioned: even if your survivor benefit is mostly or completely offset by GPO, there might still be value in filing for it at 60. Here's why: 1. The application process establishes your eligibility 2. If your pension amount ever decreases (some government pensions have COLAs that don't keep pace with inflation), you might become eligible for a partial survivor benefit later 3. There are occasional legislative proposals to modify GPO/WEP, and having an application on file could be beneficial if changes occur Also, make sure you're accounting for the different FRAs for survivor benefits vs. retirement benefits. The FRA for survivors is different than for your own retirement benefit.

One critical clarification: You mentioned your pension is from work not covered by Social Security. Just to confirm - this means you didn't pay Social Security taxes on those earnings, correct? Some government employees are in positions covered by both their pension system AND Social Security. If your government job was truly non-covered (no SS taxes paid), then yes, GPO applies. But if your position was actually covered by both, then GPO wouldn't apply to your situation. Also, when you apply for survivor benefits, bring: 1. Marriage certificate 2. Your husband's death certificate 3. Your birth certificate 4. Your husband's Social Security number 5. Your pension award letter showing monthly amount 6. Recent tax returns This will speed up the process tremendously.

have u considered remarrying??? if u remarry after 60 u can still get survivor benefits from ur first husband. just throwing that out there lol

I just remembered something else!!! Make SURE you ask about any LUMP SUM DEATH BENEFIT when you apply!!! My friend almost missed out on the $255 death payment because no one at SSA told her about it - she had to specifically ask. They don't automatically tell you everything you're eligible for!!

After reading through all these comments, I think your best approach is to: 1. Schedule an appointment with SSA (either by phone or in-person) 2. Apply for survivor benefits regardless of potential GPO impact 3. Request a detailed calculation showing how GPO affects your specific case 4. Also request a computation of your own future retirement benefit at 70, accounting for WEP 5. Make your decision based on these personalized calculations Many people in your situation find that even with GPO, they might receive a small survivor benefit, which can provide some income between 60 and 70 while your own benefit grows with delayed retirement credits. The key is getting accurate calculations based on your specific earnings history rather than general advice.