Remember, whatever you decide, document EVERYTHING. Keep records of all your communications with SSA, any calculations you do, and the reasoning behind your decisions. It'll save you a headache if you ever get audited or have to appeal anything.

Just wanted to add another perspective here - I actually did a partial Roth conversion while on SSDI about two years ago. I worked with a CPA who specializes in disability benefits, and we did it in smaller chunks over three years to keep the taxable income manageable each year. The key thing that helped me was calculating exactly how much I could convert each year while staying well under the SGA limit and avoiding the income thresholds that would make my SSDI taxable. It's definitely doable, but you really want to run the numbers carefully first. The peace of mind from having professional guidance was worth every penny!

One thing that might help with planning - you can create a my Social Security account online at ssa.gov to see your benefit estimate at different claiming ages. It shows your PIA at full retirement age, plus what you'd get if you claim early (reduced) or late (with delayed retirement credits up to age 70). This can help you see exactly how much you'd receive before Medicare deductions at different claiming strategies. I found this tool super helpful when I was planning my retirement timeline!

Just wanted to share my experience since I went through this exact same confusion last year! When I was 64, I got my SSA statement showing a PIA of $2,180. I was so worried about budgeting because I didn't know what would actually hit my bank account. Here's what I learned: your PIA is indeed the gross amount before deductions. So Charlotte, your $2,245 PIA means that's your base benefit if you claim at full retirement age. Then Medicare Part B gets deducted (mine was $174.70/month in 2024, now it's $179.80 for 2025). I also chose to have federal taxes withheld at 10%, which took out another chunk. My actual deposit ended up being about $300 less than my PIA after all deductions. The key is understanding that PIA is just the starting point - your actual "take home" will be lower, but at least now you can plan for it!

I'm so sorry your father is struggling with rising expenses - it's heartbreaking to watch our elderly parents face financial stress. Based on what everyone has shared here, it sounds like there isn't a "new law" that would allow switching from RRB to separate Social Security benefits, but there are definitely some concrete steps you can take to help increase his available income. The suggestions about Medicare Extra Help, Medicare Savings Programs, and pharmaceutical assistance are really valuable. Also, don't forget to check if your state has a Property Tax Exemption or Freeze program for seniors - that could save hundreds per month depending on where he lives. One more thing: if he's a veteran or his spouse was a veteran, he might qualify for Aid & Attendance benefits through the VA, which can provide additional monthly income for seniors who need help with daily activities. You're being such a good advocate for your dad. Even though the RRB situation might not change, these assistance programs could make a real difference in his monthly budget.

I'm new to this community but wanted to share something that might help. My grandmother was in a similar situation last year - 94 years old and struggling with rising costs on a fixed railroad retirement income. While it's true there's no new law allowing you to switch to separate Social Security benefits, we discovered she wasn't receiving all the benefits she was entitled to through other programs. The biggest help came from: 1. The Low Income Subsidy (Extra Help) for Medicare Part D - this saved her about $80/month on prescriptions 2. Our state's utility assistance program for seniors - another $45/month savings on electric bills 3. The local Area Agency on Aging had a property tax assistance program she qualified for The key was calling our state's 2-1-1 helpline. They connected us with a benefits specialist who did a complete review of what she was eligible for. It took about 3 hours on the phone but resulted in nearly $200/month in additional assistance. I know it's not the answer you were hoping for regarding the Railroad Retirement benefits, but these other programs can really add up to meaningful monthly relief. Good luck helping your dad - you're doing the right thing by advocating for him.

One thing I wanted to add that might be helpful - if you're still working at 64, you should also consider the earnings test impact on any benefits you might claim before your full retirement age. If you earn over the annual limit ($22,320 for 2024), Social Security will reduce your benefits by $1 for every $2 you earn above that threshold. This applies to both your own retirement benefits AND survivor benefits if claimed before FRA. So if you're planning to keep working, it might make sense to delay claiming until you either reduce your earnings or reach full retirement age, depending on your specific financial situation. Also, don't forget that as a divorced spouse, you have the advantage of being able to claim survivor benefits without your ex-spouse having to file first (unlike spousal benefits while he's alive). This gives you more flexibility in timing your claim.

As someone who recently went through a similar situation with my ex-spouse's survivor benefits, I wanted to share a few practical tips that might help you navigate this process: 1. Document everything - Keep records of your marriage dates, divorce decree, and any correspondence with SSA. You'll need proof of the 10+ year marriage when you apply. 2. Consider getting a Social Security statement estimate for yourself now so you can compare your projected benefits at different claiming ages. This will help you evaluate the switching strategies others mentioned. 3. When you do speak with SSA, ask specifically about "deemed filing" rules if you're considering claiming before your FRA. Sometimes claiming one benefit automatically triggers an application for another, which could affect your strategy. 4. If your ex-husband has other ex-spouses from marriages of 10+ years, don't worry - survivor benefits aren't reduced when multiple people claim on the same record (unlike some other benefit types). The earnings test point that Amina raised is crucial if you're still working. At $65K salary, you'd definitely want to factor that into your timing decision. Good luck with your SSA appointment - having all these questions prepared will make it much more productive!

I'm so sorry for your loss, Xan. This is such a challenging situation to navigate while you're grieving. I wanted to add something that hasn't been mentioned yet - if you have any trouble locating your divorce decree, you might also check with the attorney who handled your divorce (if they're still practicing). Many law firms keep copies of final divorce documents for years, and they might be able to provide you with a copy more quickly than going through the courthouse. Also, when you do call SSA at 8 AM as others suggested, have a pen and paper ready to write down the name of the representative you speak with and any reference numbers they give you. If you need to call back or follow up, having those details can help ensure continuity and avoid having to re-explain your entire situation. Based on everything shared here, it sounds like you have an excellent case for survivor benefits. The potential increase from $2,200 to around $3,100 monthly would make such a meaningful difference. Don't let the process intimidate you - you've got a whole community here supporting you, and you're absolutely entitled to these benefits after a 25-year marriage. You've got this!

I'm so sorry for your loss, Xan. This thread has been incredibly comprehensive and helpful - I've learned so much just reading through everyone's experiences and advice. I wanted to add one small but potentially important detail that I haven't seen mentioned yet: when you do get your appointment with SSA (whether in person or over the phone), ask them to confirm the exact date your ex-husband's benefits stopped. Sometimes there can be discrepancies in their records, and you want to make sure your survivor benefits start from the correct month to maximize your retroactive payments. Also, if you're comfortable sharing, please update us on how the process goes! This thread has become such a valuable resource for anyone dealing with ex-spouse survivor benefits, and hearing about your actual experience could help future community members who find themselves in similar situations. Wishing you strength and success in getting the benefits you're entitled to - based on everything shared here, it really sounds like you have a very strong case and should see that significant monthly increase everyone has been discussing.