Just curious - have you looked into spousal benefits at all? My aunt did something where she took a spousal benefit based on her husband's record first, then switched to her own later? Not sure if that still works with the new rules though

Thank you all for the helpful responses! I've learned so much here. I think we need to really look at several things: 1) How much of my benefit would be lost to taxes given our joint income, 2) The permanent reduction for claiming early, 3) The Medicare premium increases mentioned, and 4) That break-even analysis comparing taking benefits now versus waiting. I'll try connecting with SSA using that Claimyr service to get specific numbers for our situation. We might also consult with a financial advisor who specializes in retirement planning. This is much more complicated than I initially thought!

my neighbor works at ssa and says they hate when people come without appointments cuz it messes up there schedule but they HAVE to take ur forms if u hand them to a person. so maybe just go and be nice but insist they take it?

Update on this topic: SSA just implemented a new national policy for W-4V forms specifically. As of May 2025, all field offices are required to accept tax withholding forms via: 1. Secure drop boxes (no appointment needed) 2. Mail 3. Fax 4. Online submission through my Social Security accounts (new feature) The online option is the fastest with processing in about 10 days. Drop box and mail take 3-4 weeks. If you haven't set up your my Social Security account, I highly recommend it for this and future needs.

Not to hijack your thread but this reminds me of when I tried to apply for spousal benefits a few years ago. I went around in circles with THREE different reps who all said different things! One told me I couldn't apply at 62, another said I could but would get less, and the third one said something completely different about restricted applications that I didn't even understand. It's crazy how even THEY don't understand their own rules sometimes!

This is a good reminder for everyone dealing with complex SS situations: the POMS (Program Operations Manual System) is the actual rulebook SSA employees use, and it's available online. For family maximum calculations with disabled adult children, you'd want to look at sections RS 00615 and DI 10115. Having the exact POMS reference can be incredibly helpful when speaking with representatives who might not be familiar with unusual situations. You can say "According to POMS section X, this is how the calculation should work..." For the original poster: The Birmingham Processing Center handling your case is actually a good thing. They have specialists who work on complicated family maximum calculations all day, every day.

this stuff is so confusing lol...i just know they adjusted mine after i worked part time but it was like 9 bucks more. i didnt even know it was happening until i got the letter. i bet the longer u wait to claim the less these extra earnings matter right? cuz by then your 35 years are probably already your highest anyway

my neighbor said she got almost $50 more a month after her recalculation but i think she was still paying into social security for a pretty good job she had. my understanding is once they do the recalculation they will pay u the difference for the months that already passed that year. so if they adjust in october, they'll pay u the difference for jan-sept all at once

One thing nobody's mentioned - you can claim at 62 but immediately suspend benefits if you change your mind within 12 months (though you'd have to pay back what you received). It's like a trial run if you're really on the fence. Just another option to consider.

Thank you all for the thoughtful responses! I'm seeing that personal circumstances really do matter more than the pure math. I'm leaning toward taking it at 62 since my part-time work will stay under the earnings limit, and my health concerns make me question if I'll hit that break-even point in my 80s. Plus, I'd rather enjoy the money while I'm young enough to use it for travel. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences - this has been super helpful!

quick question - how old is your fiance? if he's close to 60, he might want to start planning for his own retirement benefits anyway. the appointment could be useful for that.

Since your fiancé is 58, here's what he should specifically ask at his appointment: 1. Request his Social Security Statement showing his estimated retirement benefits at different claiming ages (62, FRA, and 70) 2. Ask how additional work years might increase his benefit amount 3. Discuss whether his part-time job will add enough earnings to increase his future benefit 4. Inquire about potential spousal benefits when you two marry (if you're planning to) 5. Understand how the WEP (Windfall Elimination Provision) might affect him if he ever worked in jobs not covered by Social Security Regarding his 15-year-old son: The child may be eligible for benefits on your fiancé's record when he claims retirement benefits. Children can receive up to 50% of the parent's PIA (Primary Insurance Amount) until age 18 (or 19 if still in high school).

To clarify some confusion in this thread: The 24-month Medicare waiting period begins with your first month of SSDI entitlement (which comes after the 5-month SSDI waiting period). For example: - Established onset date: June 1, 2024 - 5-month SSDI waiting period: June-October 2024 - First SSDI entitlement month: November 2024 - 24-month Medicare waiting period: November 2024-October 2026 - Medicare begins: November 1, 2026 Also important: During the waiting period, your husband may qualify for Medicaid depending on your household income and state, or for subsidized Marketplace coverage. The SSDI income might make him eligible for better options than COBRA.

wait i thought medicare was only for people over 65???

One more consideration: If you're planning to stop working before your FRA, you might recalculate. Let's say you decide to stop working in August 2025, a few months after turning 66. You could apply for survivor benefits then, and the earnings test would only apply to the months in 2025 before you reach FRA. The SSA would use a monthly earnings test calculation rather than annual for the year you retire mid-year. This might make taking survivors before your exact FRA worthwhile, depending on exactly when you stop working.

Thank you all for such thoughtful responses! Based on everyone's advice, I think waiting until FRA makes the most sense in my situation since I don't need the extra income now and it avoids the complications with the earnings test. I'll use my SSA appointment to confirm the exact date of my FRA for survivor benefits and get more details about making the switch to my own benefits at 70. Really appreciate all the insights!

Social Security representative here. Let me clarify: Under the Social Security Protection Act, we recognize the date of first contact as a protective filing date. Since you contacted us in December 2024 about survivor benefits, that date would be protected. However, because the GPO/WEP repeal doesn't take effect until January 1, 2025, your benefits could only begin with January 2025, not earlier. During your February appointment, mention your December contact date and ask that it be documented as your protective filing date. This ensures you won't lose benefits for January and February. For survivor benefits, we can pay up to 6 months retroactive benefits, but not prior to the January effective date of the GPO repeal in your case.

my aunt got widow benefits and she said they backpay from when u first become eligible not from when u apply so you should get money back to when u turned 60 maybe?

I tried doing it online but got confused about some questions and ended up calling. Was on hold forever. Wish I'd known about that Claimyr thing the other person mentioned.

Social Security Administration recommends applying three months before you want benefits to begin. In your case, that would be January 2025 for April 2025 benefits. The online application at ssa.gov is the most efficient method and can be completed in about 30-45 minutes if you have all your information ready. If you have a complex situation (multiple marriages, foreign work, etc.), then calling or visiting might be better. The local office wait times vary by location, but most now require appointments which can be scheduled by calling the national number (1-800-772-1213). Be aware that your first payment for April would arrive in May, as Social Security pays benefits in the month following the month for which they are due.