As a newcomer to this community, I'm really grateful for Emma sharing her complete experience with this spousal benefits denial situation. Reading through this thread has been incredibly educational about the complexities of applying for benefits during major legislative transitions. What strikes me most is how the WEP/GPO repeal timing created such confusion in SSA's processing system. It's concerning that their systems aren't equipped to properly handle applications that bridge implementation dates of new laws, but Emma's persistence in calling repeatedly really paid off in getting the real explanation. The advice throughout this thread about being very explicit with SSA agents about timing, considering in-person applications for complex cases, and applying closer to actual benefit start dates is invaluable. As someone who will eventually need to navigate this system myself, I'm taking notes on all these insights. Thanks to Emma for sharing the full journey and resolution, and to all the experienced community members who provided such detailed explanations. This kind of real-world guidance makes the Social Security system much less intimidating to understand!

As a newcomer to this community, I'm finding Emma's experience both incredibly educational and somewhat concerning. The fact that SSA's systems aren't properly equipped to handle applications that span major legislative implementation dates like the WEP/GPO repeal is frustrating but unfortunately not surprising given how slowly government systems adapt. What really stands out to me is how Emma's persistence in repeatedly calling SSA was absolutely crucial to getting the real explanation. It's a good reminder that sometimes the first answer isn't the correct one, especially during periods of significant rule changes. The distinction between current vs. future-dated claims that caused the confusion makes perfect sense in hindsight but highlights how important it is to be extremely clear about timing when communicating with SSA. I'm taking notes on all the practical advice shared here - applying closer to the actual benefit start date, being explicit about WEP/GPO repeal timing, and considering in-person applications for complex cases. This kind of real-world insight is invaluable for those of us who will eventually need to navigate this system. Thanks Emma for sharing your complete journey and persistence in getting answers. And thanks to all the knowledgeable community members who provided such detailed explanations - this thread is an excellent example of how helpful this community can be for understanding complex Social Security situations!

I'm so sorry for your loss, Ava. I went through something similar when my wife passed three years ago. Here's what I learned about getting survivor benefit estimates before age 60: The online account won't show survivor benefits until you're closer to claiming age, so you definitely need to contact SSA directly. I found the best approach was to visit the local office in person with all your documents (death certificate, marriage certificate, both SSNs, and your ID). One tip that helped me: call first thing Monday morning at 8:00 AM sharp when they open - I had better luck getting through then. When you do get someone on the phone, ask specifically for a "survivor benefit estimate" and mention you're planning financially for the future. Also, don't forget that you might be eligible for Medicare at 65 based on your husband's record even if you haven't claimed survivor benefits yet - that's separate from the cash benefits and can be really helpful for healthcare planning. The waiting is frustrating, but getting those numbers will really help with your financial planning. Hang in there!

I'm so sorry for your loss, Ava. I went through something similar when my wife passed three years ago. Here's what I learned about getting survivor benefit estimates before age 60: The online account won't show survivor benefits until you're closer to claiming age, so you definitely need to contact SSA directly. I found the best approach was to visit the local office in person with all your documents (death certificate, marriage certificate, both SSNs, and your ID). One tip that helped me: call first thing Monday morning at 8:00 AM sharp when they open - I had better luck getting through then. When you do get someone on the phone, ask specifically for a "survivor benefit estimate" and mention you're planning financially for the future. Also, don't forget that you might be eligible for Medicare at 65 based on your husband's record even if you haven't claimed survivor benefits yet - that's separate from the cash benefits and can be really helpful for healthcare planning. The waiting is frustrating, but getting those numbers will really help with your financial planning. Hang in there!

This is exactly the kind of detailed, helpful information this community needs! As someone who's been navigating Social Security benefits for my aging parents, I can't stress enough how important it is to get multiple opinions and do your own research. The RIB-LIM rule is so obscure that even I hadn't heard of it until reading your post, despite spending months researching survivor benefits. It's shocking that a rule with such significant financial implications isn't better explained or more widely known. Your persistence at the SSA office was admirable - I know it's uncomfortable to push back when you feel like you're being difficult, but $21,000 is absolutely worth advocating for yourself! The fact that they suddenly found a "technical specialist" when you mentioned calling your Representative's office says everything about how the system works. For anyone else reading this who might be in a similar situation: document everything. Keep notes of what each SSA rep tells you, including their names and the date. If you get conflicting information, ask them to put their recommendation in writing. This creates a paper trail that can be helpful if you need to escalate or if there are errors that need to be corrected later. Thank you for sharing this experience and potentially saving other widows and widowers from making costly mistakes!

As someone who works in financial planning, I can't emphasize enough how critical this story is for anyone dealing with survivor benefits. The RIB-LIM rule is one of those "hidden" provisions that can literally make or break someone's retirement security, yet it's rarely discussed in general Social Security education materials. What's particularly concerning is that this isn't just about one misinformed representative - it reflects a systemic issue where front-line SSA staff often aren't trained on the more complex optimization scenarios. They're taught the basic rules but may not understand how different provisions interact with each other. For anyone reading this thread: if you're dealing with survivor benefits, divorced spouse benefits, or any situation involving multiple benefit types, please get a second opinion before filing. The difference between optimal and suboptimal timing can easily be $20,000-$50,000+ over your lifetime. Ally, thank you for being persistent and sharing this experience. Your willingness to stand your ground potentially saved not just yourself but countless others who will read this story. This is exactly the kind of real-world advocacy that forces the system to work properly.

A bit of planning advice: Since your husband isn't filing until 2027, make sure you keep detailed records of your application for your own benefits now, and then set a reminder to apply for the spousal benefit when he files. Many people forget this second step and miss out on increased benefits for months or even years. The SSA doesn't retroactively pay these benefits beyond 6 months in most cases.

Just wanted to add another important point - when you do apply for your own benefits this summer, make sure to tell SSA that you plan to apply for spousal benefits later when your husband files. They should make a note in your file about this. Also, if your husband is still working when he reaches FRA in 2027, he might want to consider the "file and suspend" strategy... oh wait, that ended in 2016. Never mind that part! But definitely mention the future spousal benefit application when you file your initial claim.

As you're planning for the future, remember that when your husband eventually files, you'll need to contact Social Security to ensure they process your spousal benefit properly. While it should happen automatically, sometimes there are delays if you don't initiate the process. Also, when you receive the spousal add-on, it will be effective from the month your husband begins receiving benefits, not retroactive to when you started receiving your own benefits. Make sure to mark your calendar to contact SSA as soon as he files.

I'm in a very similar situation! I'm 64 and took my benefits at 62, and my husband is 66 but still working. He keeps saying he wants to wait until 70 to maximize his benefits, but I've been wondering if there's any way I can get spousal benefits sooner. Reading through all these responses, it's clear that I'm in the same boat as you - we both have to wait until our husbands actually file. It's frustrating but at least we're getting something now. Have you calculated roughly what your spousal benefit might be once he does file? I'm trying to figure out if it will be worth the wait for us financially.