When a widow(er) contacts us to inquire about delaying their widow(er) benefits, we
must inform the claimant of the month that their widow(er)’s benefits will be at the
maximum amount payable. Although we provide this information, the claimant must still
choose their MOEL.
The normal retroactivity rules apply when the RIB LIM is involved. For more information
on retroactivity and RIB LIM, see GN 00204.030D.
We consider if RIB LIM applies when we review the form SSA-4111 (Certificate of Election
of Reduced Widow(er)'s and Surviving Divorced Spouse’s Benefits) submitted by a claimant.
For more information on the SSA-4111, see RS 00207.025. If the claimant did not select the month that maximizes their benefits, we contact
them to explain the MOEL benefit options.