Here's a simplified explanation of your situation: 1. January-May 2025 (before FRA): Higher annual earnings limit applies (approximately $60,000 adjusted for 2025 COLA) 2. June 2025 and beyond (FRA attained): No earnings limits whatsoever The monthly earnings limit only applies in a non-FRA year when you have a "grace year" - the first year you retire and claim benefits mid-year. This is often confused with FRA rules. For official verification, see SSA's page on Special Earnings Limit Rule: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/rule.html

Just wanted to add one more important point that hasn't been mentioned yet - make sure you understand how the earnings test calculation works in practice. SSA looks at your ANNUAL earnings for the months before FRA, but they deduct benefits on a monthly basis if you exceed the limit. So if you earn $70,000 from January through May 2025 (exceeding the ~$60K limit), they'll withhold $1 for every $3 over the limit, but they spread that withholding across the remaining months of the year. It's not like they take a lump sum - they adjust your monthly benefit payments. This might affect your cash flow planning even though you'll be within your rights to earn that much.

I'm sorry for your loss, Angel. I went through something similar when my mother passed last year. The $255 death benefit was supposed to be deposited on a Tuesday, but didn't show up until the following Monday - nearly a week late. When I called SSA about it, they explained that the death benefit payments often get caught up in additional verification processes that regular monthly benefits don't go through. What I learned is that even though they give you a specific deposit date, it's really just their target date. The actual payment can be delayed by weekend processing, bank holidays, or SSA's own internal reviews. The agent I spoke with said 3-10 business days beyond the stated date is considered normal for death benefits. Since you mentioned you applied for survivor benefits in person, you're already ahead of the game. Those monthly payments are much more reliable once they start because they go through the regular benefit payment system. The death benefit uses a different processing queue entirely, so don't let this delay make you worry about your ongoing survivor benefits. I'd give it until early next week before calling, and when you do call, have your husband's SSN and death certificate information ready. The wait times are long, but they can usually tell you exactly where the payment is in their system.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Angel. I went through this exact situation when my grandmother passed away last spring. The SSA told us the $255 would be deposited on the 8th, but it didn't actually arrive until the 17th - over a week late! What I found helpful was calling my bank directly to ask if they had received any pending government deposits. Sometimes the funds are received by the bank but take an extra day or two to show up in your account balance. My bank was able to see the incoming ACH transfer before it posted to my available balance. The delay with the death benefit definitely doesn't mean there are issues with your survivor benefits application. Those are processed by completely different departments within SSA. Since you applied in person with all your documentation, you should be in good shape for the monthly survivor benefits when those start. If you don't see the deposit by Friday, I'd recommend calling SSA's main number early in the morning (right at 8 AM) when wait times are typically shorter. Have your husband's Social Security number and the date from your original notification letter ready. They can usually tell you exactly where the payment is in their processing system. Hang in there - this delay is frustrating but very common with the lump-sum death benefit.

Andre, I'm so glad you found the information you needed here! This thread has been incredibly educational - I had no idea about the disabled widow benefits available at age 50. It's really troubling how many SSA representatives seem unaware of these provisions, leaving people like you struggling unnecessarily for years. Your story is a perfect example of why it's so important to get multiple opinions and specifically ask about different benefit types. The fact that you were initially told to wait until 60 when you've been eligible since age 50 is just heartbreaking. Thank you for sharing your experience and please do update us after your appointment. Stories like yours help spread awareness about benefits that too many people don't know exist. I'm sure there are other community members who could benefit from this information. Wishing you a smooth application process and quick approval!

Andre, this is such wonderful news! I'm so happy you were able to get through to SSA and confirm your eligibility. This entire thread has been incredibly valuable - I had no idea about disabled widow benefits being available as early as age 50. It's really frustrating that you had to struggle for three years when you were eligible all along, but I'm glad you found the support and information you needed here. The community knowledge shared by everyone, especially about the specific terminology to use and services like Claimyr, seems to have made all the difference. Best of luck with your appointment next week! Make sure to bring copies of everything and don't hesitate to ask questions if anything seems unclear. Your persistence and willingness to advocate for yourself is inspiring, and I'm sure your experience will help other widows and widowers who might be in similar situations. Please keep us updated on how the application process goes!

WAIT!! There's something nobody mentioned - I think there's a LUMP SUM DEATH PAYMENT of $255 you should get regardless of the monthly benefit stuff. Don't forget to ask about that!!!

I'm so sorry for your loss, Natalia. Going through this while grieving is incredibly difficult. I went through a similar situation with my late ex-husband's benefits about 3 years ago. From my experience, the key thing to understand is that your survivor benefit will be based on what he was actually receiving (since he claimed early), but you can still maximize YOUR portion by waiting until your FRA at 67. Here's what helped me: I gathered all the documents first - death certificate, our marriage certificate, divorce decree, and his last SS statement if you have it. Then I made an appointment at my local SSA office rather than trying to call. The in-person visit was much more productive. One thing that surprised me was that they could run the calculations on the spot to show me exactly what I'd get if I claimed now versus waiting until my FRA. In my case, waiting made a significant difference because it avoided the early claiming reduction on the survivor benefit. Also, since you're already receiving your own benefits, they'll just pay you the difference if the survivor amount is higher. It's not like you get both - you get the higher of the two amounts. The whole process took about 6 weeks once I applied, so don't expect it to be immediate. But definitely get the ball rolling soon so you understand your options.

As someone who's been through this process, I wanted to add that you should also be aware of the timing considerations. If you're planning to claim ex-spouse benefits at your FRA (which sounds smart based on the advice here), make sure you apply about 3-4 months before you want your benefits to start. The application process can take some time, and you don't want any delays in receiving your first payment. Also, regarding finding out your benefit amount - in addition to calling SSA directly, you can create a my Social Security account online at ssa.gov. While it won't show your ex-spouse benefit estimate initially, once you're within a few months of eligibility, you can use their online benefit calculators and retirement estimator tools. Just another option to consider alongside calling them directly. The key takeaway from everyone's responses is that yes, there are caps, but they're based on the maximum possible Social Security benefit, not arbitrary limits. Your ex's wealth beyond his Social Security-covered earnings won't help you, but if he consistently maxed out his SS contributions, you could still receive a decent benefit at 50% of his PIA.

I went through this exact situation about 3 years ago! A few additional points that might help: First, when you do call SSA, ask them to run scenarios for claiming at different ages (62, FRA, 70) so you can see how the timing affects your benefit amount. The reduction for early claiming on ex-spouse benefits is permanent, so it's worth seeing the numbers. Second, keep in mind that if you're still working when you claim before FRA, the earnings test might reduce your benefits temporarily. But this doesn't apply once you reach FRA. One thing that surprised me was that SSA was actually very helpful and discreet about the whole process. The representative I spoke with explained everything clearly and assured me multiple times that my ex would have no knowledge of my inquiry or eventual claim. It really put my mind at ease about the privacy aspect. Also, make sure to ask about Medicare coordination when you're getting close to 65, as that's a separate but related consideration for your overall retirement planning.