Survivor Benefits – The Simply Retirement Podcast

The Truth Behind Social Security Increases and What They Mean for Your Retirement (Ep. 87)

By The Simply Retirement Podcast | January 14, 2026

That annual Social Security increase announcement can be confusing.

Is it a bonus? Will it cover your rising costs? More importantly, how does it really affect your decisions about when to retire and when to claim your benefits?

In this episode, I unpack the new 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment for 2026. We explore how Social Security benefits grow differently before and after age 62, why the inflation measure might not match your personal expenses, and how your early work years still count. We provide clarity on how delaying your claim and continuing to work can increase your lifetime benefits, especially important for married couples planning for survivor income.

Key Points Covered:

The meaning behind the 2026 2.8% COLA and why personal inflation may be higher
How Social Security uses CPI-W, an inflation index for workers, which can undervalue senior expenses like healthcare
The role of wage indexing in growing your pre-retirement benefits and the “gap” from age 60 to 62
The powerful impact of delaying your filing age on your monthly benefit and future COLA dollar amounts
How working in your 50s, 60s, or 70s can replace low-earning years and permanently increase your benefit
And more!

Resources:

Get Your FREE Simply Retirement Roadmap

Connect with Eric Blake:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Social Security: Essential Rules for Women and Divorcees (Ep. 85)

By The Simply Retirement Podcast | December 31, 2025

Understanding Social Security can feel complicated, especially when life events like divorce or widowhood come into play.

In this episode, I join Karen Covy on her podcast, Off The Fence, to walk through the rules that often matter most for women.

We discuss how full retirement age works, how spousal, ex-spousal, and survivor benefits are determined, and what to know about the 10-year marriage rule. Our conversation also covers the Social Security Fairness Act and how it affects certain workers with pensions.

Together, we outline key considerations that can help listeners better understand their options when planning for future income.

Key Topics:

How full retirement age determines your benefit amount and why this number is critical to every Social Security decision
The difference between spousal, ex-spousal, and survivor benefits, and how remarriage affects your eligibility
The 10-year marriage rule for divorced individuals, and what documentation you need to claim benefits
How the Social Security Fairness Act eliminated penalties that primarily affected women with pensions
Strategic timing considerations when you’re still working and approaching retirement age
And more!

Next week, Karen will be joining me on the Simply Retirement Podcast to discuss how women can move forward with strength and strategy after divorce. Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss it.

Resources:

Connect with Eric Blake:

Connect with Karen Covy:

About our Guest:

Karen Covy is a Divorce Coach, Lawyer, Mediator, Author, Speaker, and Podcaster. She coaches busy professionals and business owners all over the world to make clear, confident decisions about their most important relationships. She also helps them navigate through divorce with less conflict, unnecessary expense, and needless drama so that they can create the life they truly desire sooner rather than later. Karen is the author of When Happily Ever After Ends: How to Survive Your Divorce Emotionally, Financially, and Legally. She is also the creator of the online divorce programs, The Divorce Road Map 3.0 and How to Successfully Mediate Your Divorce, as well as the host of the podcast, Off the Fence: Mastering Decision-Making Divorce and More.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

REPLAY: Social Security Fairness Act (Ep. 84)

By The Simply Retirement Podcast | December 24, 2025

Many people nearing retirement are unsure how recent rule changes might affect what they can receive.

What happens when long-standing limits disappear, and families finally gain access to benefits they were denied for years?

In this special replay, we revisit one of our most crucial and widely discussed episodes of the year: the one focusing on the Social Security Fairness Act.

I walk through the details of the Social Security Fairness Act and highlight its significant impact, especially on survivor and spousal benefits for women across the country. I explain how removing the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) could open new income opportunities. Additionally, I discuss what these potential changes mean for teachers and public sector workers, and the immediate steps listeners should consider taking now.

Key takeaways:

How eliminating WEP and GPO shifts eligibility for many women previously reduced or blocked from benefits
Why survivor and spousal payments may now be available even if pensions once prevented them
How timing, age, and filing strategies still influence benefit amounts
Action steps for reviewing statements, applying promptly, and preparing for retroactive payments
Why staying informed is essential as Social Security adjusts to this major policy change
And more!

Resources:

Connect with Eric Blake:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Can I Stop My Social Security Benefits If I Go Back to Work? A Listener Case Study (Ep. 71)

By The Simply Retirement Podcast | September 24, 2025

Retirement rarely unfolds exactly as planned, especially when unexpected life changes occur.

In this episode, I share a real listener’s story involving Social Security, divorce, and the possibility of going back to work. I walk through step-by-step strategies to help women understand their Social Security options and prepare for future benefits.

Key points:

How to determine whether Social Security payments are based on personal or spousal benefits
The rules for withdrawing a Social Security application within 12 months (Form SSA-521) and the repayment requirements
The earnings test and how going back to work before full retirement age can reduce or later recalculate benefits
How additional work years can replace low-earning years and improve future Social Security benefits
The differences between ex-spousal benefits, survivor benefits, and how remarriage affects eligibility
And more!

Resources:

Connect with Eric Blake:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Navigating Life After Loss – Part 3: Planning Your First Year with Clarity and Care (Ep. 69)

By The Simply Retirement Podcast | September 10, 2025

The first year after losing a spouse brings overwhelming emotions alongside important decisions. Knowing what needs immediate attention versus what can wait can make the difference between added stress and thoughtful progress.

In Part 3 of our Navigating Life After Loss series, I share how to approach both urgent and long-term planning after the loss of a spouse. I explain which financial and lifestyle choices deserve early focus, how tax planning can protect your future, and why building a supportive foundation is essential. Together, we look at practical ways to move forward with clarity and confidence.

Key takeaways include:

The impact of pre-death planning, wills, estate plans, and beneficiary designations on easing stress after loss
The key financial updates in the first year, including executors, trustees, Social Security timing, and income sources
How tax filing status changes after a spouse’s passing, and strategies like Roth conversions and capital gains harvesting
Rebuilding a financial foundation through account consolidation, investment updates, and income planning
The importance of lifestyle and emotional choices, such as housing, community support, and designing the next chapter of life
And more!

Resources:

Connect with Eric Blake:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Navigating Life After Loss – Part 2: Financial & Legal Aspects (Ep. 68)

By The Simply Retirement Podcast | September 3, 2025

In Part 2 of our Navigating Life After Loss series, I share compassionate, practical advice for the critical first weeks after losing a spouse. I walk through the legal, financial, and everyday matters that can feel overwhelming, offering clear action steps to bring order during a difficult time. From meeting with an estate attorney and understanding probate versus living trusts to retitling property, updating beneficiary designations, and addressing debts, we help you focus on what matters most.

You’ll also learn how to protect against fraud, safeguard your privacy, and manage your loved one’s digital and social media presence. This conversation is about more than tasks; it’s about helping you prepare, prioritize, and protect your well-being while working through one of life’s hardest chapters.

Key takeaways:

Why meeting with an estate planning attorney early can prevent costly delays and probate complications
The importance of retitling property, vehicles, and accounts in your name to avoid future issues
How Social Security payments and survivor benefits work, including timelines and required forms
Steps for handling debts, protecting against fraud, and safeguarding your spouse’s digital footprint
When a living trust may be worth considering for privacy, efficiency, and avoiding probate
And more!

Resources:

Connect with Eric Blake:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Social Security Planning After Divorce: Crucial Rules and Mistakes to Avoid (Ep. 63)

By The Simply Retirement Podcast | July 30, 2025

Divorce is difficult enough without letting confusion over Social Security take a toll on your future income.

In this episode, I explain the essential Social Security strategies every divorced woman should know, from the ten-year rule to remarriage traps. I highlight true stories of women who faced preventable financial setbacks and how proper planning could have saved them thousands.

This episode discusses:

The importance of understanding the 10-year marriage rule for eligibility on an ex-spouse’s Social Security record
How the timing of claiming benefits, including the impact of claiming early, can affect your lifetime income
The effects of remarriage, before and after age 60, on eligibility for both spousal and survivor benefits
The distinction between ex-spousal and survivor benefits, including how and when you can switch between them
Why consulting a financial advisor or certified divorce financial analyst can help you avoid costly mistakes and make the most of your options

Resources:

Connect with Eric Blake:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

Q&A: Social Security Secrets, Widow’s Penalty Warnings, and Working in Retirement (Ep. 49)

By The Simply Retirement Podcast | April 23, 2025

What should you know before claiming Social Security benefits?

Do you know the ins and outs of applying for benefits or how working affects your payments? Are you confused about common-law marriage eligibility?

In this episode, I answer listener questions about Social Security benefits, from clarifying the differences between spousal and survivor benefits to explaining the impact of working while receiving benefits and the new identity verification requirements. I also address specific scenarios, including those involving teacher pensions and common-law marriages, to provide clear guidance and help listeners make informed decisions about their retirement.

Tune in as we discuss:

Social Security identity verification changes and how to navigate them
Survivor and spousal benefits—understanding your options
How taxes impact surviving spouses and the widow’s penalty
Insights into working in retirement and making informed choices
And more!

Resources:

Get Your FREE Simply Retirement Roadmap
Get your Social Security inquiries answered by calling (800) 772-1213
SSA Press Release: Social Security Strengthens Identity Proofing
Requirements and Expedites Direct Deposit Changes to One Day
Social Security: My Social Security Account
Login.gov
ID.ME

Connect with Eric Blake:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More

The Essentials of Social Security: An Insider’s Insights to Help You Plan with Confidence (Ep. 32)

By The Simply Retirement Podcast | October 2, 2024

Are you leaving money on the table with your Social Security benefits?

Join host Eric Blake as he engages with Nolan Russell, a former Social Security Administration employee and author of “The Essentials of Social Security: Insider Insights to Help You Plan with Confidence.” Nolan shares his 25 years of experience, shedding light on the complexities of Social Security and offering practical advice to help you make informed decisions.

Key Highlights:

Understanding Social Security: Discover why Social Security is a crucial yet often undervalued source of retirement income that adjusts for inflation
Challenges in Information Accuracy: Learn about the difficulties in obtaining accurate information from the Social Security Administration and strategies to overcome them
Nolan’s Background: Gain insight into Nolan’s extensive experience with the SSA and his motivation for writing his book to help people better understand their benefits
SSA Staffing Challenges: Understand the impact of staffing issues at the SSA on the availability and accuracy of information
Effective Preparation: Get tips on how to prepare for interactions with Social Security representatives by having a clear vision of your retirement goals and neccessary information ready
Missed Entitlements: Learn about the common issue of missed entitlements and how to ensure you receive all the benefits you’re eligible for
And much more!

Listen in for actionable advice on optimizing your Social Security benefits and navigating the complexities of retirement planning with confidence.

Resources:

Connect with Eric Blake:

Connect with Nolan Russell:

About our Guest:

Nolan Russell is a former Social Security employee with more than 25 years of experience. He began his career in a Field Office as a Claims Representative and, later, as a Technical Expert. Then, he worked in a Regional Office as a Regional Program Analyst and Medicare Coordinator, providing program expertise on a regional and national level in the agency. Thereafter, he served as a Teleservice Center Manager, overseeing service on Social Security’s 800 number phone network. His last assignment was managing a small, rural Field Office in Colorado where he was responsible for maintaining service to several mountain communities. Regardless of his position, Nolan has a passion for using his knowledge and experience to help people be successful when working with Social Security.

Nolan has been married to his wonderful bride over 32 years, has four grown children and no grandchildren (yet). He is an avid DIYer, always looking for ways to fix just about anything.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS | More