why would anyone delay taking ss after fra anyway? just curious cuz i'm taking mine the minute i can get it lol

Just wanted to update - I called the SSA this morning using that Claimyr service I mentioned, got right through to an agent who confirmed that the husband should absolutely receive those 6 months of retroactive benefits! She said it happens all the time that people don't know to ask, and that's why it's so important to have all your questions ready before you apply. Hope this helps!

this doesnt make any sense to me. if he died 36 years ago how would they even know what his ss would be now?? he never worked all those years to pay into the system?? can someone explain how they figure that out

I just want to thank everyone for their helpful responses. I had no idea I might still be eligible for survivor benefits after all these years! I've scheduled an appointment with my local SSA office for next week and will bring all the documents suggested. I'm trying not to get my hopes up too high since my husband was so young when he died and didn't have a long work history, but even a small increase would be helpful with my medical bills. I'll update once I find out what they say. I appreciate all of you taking the time to respond to my situation!

My neighbor works at SSA and says AVOID end of month and beginning of month at all costs!! This is when people are calling/visiting about missing checks or payment issues. Mid-month is MUCH quieter regardless of which office you pick.

i think they changed the rules about ex-spouse benefits my uncle tried to claim on his ex-wife's record and they told him something different than what the website says

wait i'm confused...does taking SS at 62 and then going back to work mess up your medicare too?? thats what my neighbor told me

Thanks everyone for all the detailed responses! This has been incredibly helpful. Based on what I've learned, I think my best option is to just delay applying until I'm truly ready to stop working. The withdrawal option sounds too restrictive and financially problematic with having to repay all benefits. And I wasn't fully considering the significant permanent reduction for claiming at 62 vs waiting. Great point about the earnings test too - I'd likely exceed that limit with my consulting work anyway, so I'd be giving back a chunk of what I receive. This forum has saved me from making what could have been a costly mistake!

Make sure u fill out the form PERFECTLY!!!! My friend had hers rejected cuz she didn't include her phone # and had to start over!!!

One last thing to consider - if you withdraw now, you'll need to reapply for Medicare separately when you turn 65 if you're not already on it. The automatic enrollment only happens when you're receiving Social Security benefits. Also, once you withdraw, you should wait until your FRA to reapply unless your financial situation changes. If you reapply before FRA, you'll still get a reduced benefit (though not as reduced as starting at 62).

Call your congressional representative!!! Seriously!! These WEP/GPO laws are UNFAIR and they need to hear from more affected people. My husband and I both lost thousands because of these penalties and it's THEFT of benefits we should receive!!

While contacting your representative is always an option, it's important to understand that WEP and GPO have been controversial but established parts of Social Security policy since the 1980s. Several repeal bills have been introduced over the years, but they face significant hurdles due to the potential cost to the Social Security Trust Fund. In the meantime, it's best to work within the current rules to maximize benefits under the existing system.

One more thing that's important - if your medical condition has changed at all since your last review, be prepared for them to possibly request medical records too. These work reviews sometimes trigger medical reviews, especially if it's been close to that 3-year mark since your initial approval or last review. Make sure your doctors are up to date with documenting your ongoing conditions.

Thank you everyone for the helpful advice! I've filled out the form, explained my volunteer work in the remarks section, and I'm mailing it certified tomorrow morning. I'll update this thread after I hear back from SSA. Fingers crossed this is just routine and my benefits continue without any issues.

One more thing to consider - if you're currently receiving health insurance through an employer or your spouse's employer, make sure you understand how starting Social Security might affect that coverage. Sometimes there are rules about Medicare coordination once you begin receiving Social Security benefits, even if you're not 65 yet. Just something to look into before finalizing your application.

Oh that's a good point. I'm on my husband's insurance through his employer (he's 64 and still working). I'll have to check with his HR department about this. Thanks for bringing it up!

she says in person is usually faster if u can get an appointment. online stuff sits in queues for weeks sometimes

Good to know, thank you! I'll try to get an in-person appointment then.

dont forget this changes when u hit full retirement age...my husband just turned 67 and now he can make as much as he wants with no limit AT ALL. counting down the years til I get there too!!!

DO I NEED TO TELL THEM if I'm going to be under the limit? Like if I'm only earning $18k from my job, do I still need to report that to SSA or only if I might go over?