According to what I was told, they're processing in 10-digit groups, starting with 00-09, then 10-19, etc. So ends in 64 would be in the 7th batch (60-69). They're currently working on the 40-49 group, moving through about one group every 3-4 days. So your batch should be processed in about two weeks if you don't call in.

could you replace my ss 2025 year end benefit

Since you'll be working until June 2025 and your FRA isn't until August 2025, here's what I recommend: 1. Continue working as planned until June 2025 2. Wait until August 2025 when you reach your exact FRA of 66 and 6 months 3. At that point, apply for your retirement benefits 4. During the application, indicate you were married for over 10 years and provide your ex's information 5. SSA will automatically calculate both benefits and pay you the higher amount This approach simplifies everything, avoids the earnings test complications, and ensures you get the highest possible benefit. Your continued work through June 2025 will likely increase your own primary insurance amount (PIA), possibly making the ex-spouse benefit irrelevant.

Just wanted to add one more consideration that might be helpful - since you're planning to work until June 2025 and your FRA is August 2025, you might want to check if those extra months of high earnings ($75k annually) will significantly boost your own Social Security benefit calculation. Social Security uses your highest 35 years of indexed earnings, so if you're still in your peak earning years, those final months could potentially push out some lower-earning years from earlier in your career. You can create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov to see your earnings history and get benefit estimates. Also, don't forget that once you do apply in August 2025, your benefits will be retroactive to your FRA date, so you won't lose any money by waiting those extra couple months. The plan Austin outlined really does seem like the cleanest approach for your situation!

I went through this exact same confusion when I applied for Social Security last year! The good news is that you're asking the right questions before submitting your application. For your specific situation with a June 28th birthday, you'll want to select July as your start month. The rule is that you must be 65 for the entire month to be eligible for benefits that month, so since you don't turn 65 until the 28th, June wouldn't qualify. But honestly, after reading through all these responses, I think the more important question is whether you should be taking Social Security at 65 at all. I initially had the same plan, but when I learned that my Full Retirement Age was actually 67 (not 65), and that taking benefits early would mean a permanent 13% reduction, I decided to hold off. Here's what really helped me: I used the Social Security retirement estimator on SSA.gov to see the actual dollar differences. For me, waiting from 65 to 67 meant an extra $280 per month for life - that's over $3,300 more per year! The key insight I wish I'd known earlier is that Medicare and Social Security are completely separate. You can (and should) enroll in Medicare at 65 to avoid penalties, but you can delay Social Security until your FRA or even age 70 for maximum benefits. Take some time to run your numbers through that estimator tool - it might change your whole retirement strategy like it did mine!

I'm a Social Security claims specialist and I see this exact confusion every day! For your June 28th birthday, you absolutely need to select July as your start month. The rule is simple: you must be eligible age for the ENTIRE month to receive benefits for that month. But here's what's really important - please reconsider taking benefits at 65 at all. Since you were likely born in 1960 or later, your Full Retirement Age is 67, not 65. Taking benefits at 65 means accepting a permanent 13.33% reduction for your entire lifetime. On a $2000 monthly benefit, that's $267 less EVERY month forever. Here's what I always tell clients: Medicare and Social Security are completely separate programs. You SHOULD enroll in Medicare at 65 (during your Initial Enrollment Period from March-September) to avoid late penalties, but you can delay Social Security until 67 or even 70 for maximum benefits. Before you submit that application, please use the retirement estimator at ssa.gov - it will show you exactly how much you'll lose by taking benefits early. Many people are shocked when they see the actual dollar impact. You might find that waiting just 2 more years could mean thousands more per year for the rest of your life. Also, pro tip: if you do apply and change your mind within 12 months, you can withdraw your application (but you'd have to repay any benefits received). Better to get it right from the start though!

As an update to my previous comment - when you call Medicare, make sure you specifically request a refund for any duplicate payments. They processed my refund as a paper check rather than direct deposit, so watch your mail carefully after you make the request. And just to prepare you, the hold times when calling can be really long. I waited almost an hour when I called, so try to call early in the day if possible.

This is such a helpful thread! I'm about to go through the same transition in a few months when I start my Social Security benefits. Reading everyone's experiences, it sounds like the key takeaways are: 1) Call Medicare proactively to stop bank withdrawals, 2) Keep detailed records of all payments and conversations, 3) Be prepared for long hold times, and 4) Watch for paper refund checks in the mail. It's ridiculous that this coordination issue is so common - you'd think after all these years they'd have a better system in place. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences, especially the detailed steps from Diego and Anastasia!

guys wait what about delaying past FRA?? nobody mentioned that yet. doesnt your benefit grow 8% per year until 70? maybe OP should consider waiting even longer than just til november??

As someone who's been working in benefits counseling for years, I want to emphasize something that might not be obvious: the decision isn't just about the math - it's about your overall financial strategy. Since you're still working part-time and earning $24K annually, you have some flexibility. Here's what I'd consider: 1. **Cash flow needs**: Do you actually need the Social Security income right now, or can you live comfortably on your work income plus any other savings/investments? 2. **Health factors**: If you're in excellent health with family longevity, waiting could pay off significantly. If you have health concerns, getting benefits sooner might make sense. 3. **Tax implications**: Your work income plus Social Security might push you into higher tax brackets or make more of your benefits taxable. 4. **Spouse considerations**: If you're married, your filing decision affects not just you but potentially your spouse's survivor benefits. Given that you're only 10 months away from your FRA, and the reduction is permanent, I'd lean toward waiting unless you have a compelling reason to file now. That 5.6% reduction compounds over potentially decades of payments. Have you run the numbers on your total expected lifetime benefits under both scenarios?