To clarify the technical aspects once and for all: The RIB-LIM rule (found in section RS 00615.020 of the SSA's Program Operations Manual System) states that when the worker files for reduced retirement benefits, the maximum amount payable to the spouse is limited to the higher of: 1. The difference between the family maximum benefit (FMB) and the worker's reduced benefit, or 2. The spouse's benefit before the RIB-LIM is applied This means that in SOME cases, the worker filing early can indirectly reduce what the spouse receives, even if the spouse waits until FRA. It depends on the specific benefit amounts and family maximum calculation for your case. So both sides of this debate are partially correct, which is why it's so confusing!

Thank you everyone for the informative responses! I think I understand now why there's so much confusion online about this topic - because the answer isn't simply yes or no, but depends on how various rules interact with our specific numbers. I'll definitely try to get an appointment with an SSA claims specialist who can look at our exact situation. If the phone lines continue to be impossible, I might try that Claimyr service someone mentioned. I'll update this thread once I get a definitive answer for our situation in case it helps others in the same boat. Really appreciate all the knowledge shared here!

One more important point: You mentioned you worked part-time most of your life. Don't forget to compare THREE possible benefit amounts: 1) Your own retirement benefit, 2) Survivor benefits from your first husband, and 3) Spousal benefits from your second husband (if you were married at least 10 years). You'll want to claim the highest benefit you're entitled to. And remember, you can switch between benefits in some situations - for example, claim reduced retirement on your own record at 64 and then switch to full survivor benefits at your FRA.

wait im still confused about something - does this mean if i remarry NOW (im 63) and then later get divorced, i could still get my deceased husbands benefits?? or is 60 still a cutoff age for the remarriage itself?

Since you're planning to continue working, one other consideration is how your additional earnings might increase your AIME (Average Indexed Monthly Earnings) and potentially your PIA (Primary Insurance Amount). If your recent working years are among your highest 35 earning years, they could replace lower-earning years in your calculation and slightly increase your benefit amount. Though the effect is typically small at this stage, it's worth understanding that your benefit amount isn't completely fixed and could see small adjustments based on continued earnings.

My neighbor did something similar but she put all her SS money in I bonds last year when the rates were really good!

congrats on the divorce lol! i've been on ssdi for 15 yrs and they never check my bank accounts ever. only ssi cares about that stuff. you're good to go!

Just to summarize the key points that have been discussed: 1. Your $700,000 from the home sale will NOT affect your SSDI benefits (no asset limits) 2. Investment income doesn't count as earned income for SSDI purposes 3. However, investment income could: - Potentially make part of your SSDI taxable - Potentially increase your Medicare premiums (IRMAA) if your income exceeds $103,000 4. Consider tax-advantaged investments like municipal bonds 5. Consult with financial advisors and elder law attorneys who understand Social Security With proper planning, you should be able to use this money to significantly improve your financial situation without jeopardizing your benefits.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! I had no idea the rules had changed so much. I'm thinking I'll probably wait until my FRA (67) to claim my own benefits since they're higher than what I'd get as a spouse anyway. I wish I could've used that restricted application strategy, but at least now I understand how it works. One last question - will my husband's benefit amount change at all when I file for my own benefits? Or are our benefits completely separate?

my cousin said she was able to do what ur talking about but she must have been born before that cutoff date everyone mentioned. the rules r so confusing!!

To answer your question about advance notice - yes, SSA will send you a letter if they're going to withhold benefits. They typically do this at the beginning of the year based on your estimated earnings. If your actual earnings end up different, they'll adjust the following year. You can update your estimate anytime during the year if your earnings change. Regarding taxes - up to 85% of your SS benefits may be taxable depending on your combined income. This is separate from the earnings test and happens regardless of your age. Many people are surprised by this additional impact of working while receiving SS.

my dad just goes over the limit anyway cuz he says the extra money from working more than makes up for the lost SS $$$. he says do the math for your situation.

Just to add to my earlier comment: many people don't realize there's a middle ground. You don't have to claim at either 62 or your full retirement age of 67. You can claim at any point in between. For instance, if you worked until 64 and then claimed, your reduction would only be about 20% instead of 30%. Or claim at 65 for roughly a 13.3% reduction. If your health is starting to make work difficult, but you're concerned about the lifetime reduction, this might be a good compromise. It also helps you avoid the worst of the earnings test issues if you plan to stop working completely at the time you claim.

One more consideration: have you looked into whether you might qualify for any needs-based assistance programs that could help bridge the gap until you reach your full retirement age? Things like SNAP benefits (food stamps), energy assistance programs, etc. might help you manage if you decide to stop working before claiming Social Security. Also, some states have additional supplemental programs for seniors with limited income. These resources could potentially help you delay claiming until at least 65 when Medicare kicks in, which would reduce your healthcare costs significantly compared to marketplace insurance before 65.

One additional point that hasn't been mentioned: if you're applying for the Lump Sum Death Payment (the one-time $255 payment), you'll need to do this at the same time as your survivor benefit application. It's not automatic, and many people don't realize they need to specifically request it. The marriage certificate is also required for this payment if you were living with your spouse at the time of death.

Thank you for mentioning this! I had heard about that payment but wasn't sure if I needed to apply separately. I'll definitely make sure to bring it up during my phone appointment.

One more thing to consider: make sure the 2023 earnings would actually increase your benefit. Social Security retirement benefits are based on your highest 35 years of earnings (adjusted for inflation). If 2023 was indeed your highest earning year, it would replace a lower earning year in your calculation. However, if you already have 35 years of relatively high earnings, the impact might be smaller than you expect. When you call, ask them to do a "What If" scenario calculation to show how much your benefit would increase with the 2023 earnings included. That way you'll know exactly what's at stake.

Just remembered another thing! When I finally got my recalculation done, they made me verify my identity again with all kinds of questions about my past addresses and loans and stuff. So be prepared for that when you call! And don't give up if the first person you talk to seems clueless - I swear half the people who work there don't know their own rules!!!

your FRA is not 67!! if your 63 now your FRA is probably 66 and 6 months or something close to that. everyone thats telling you 67 is wrong unless your younger than your saying. google "social security full retirement age chart" to see your exact FRA based on birth year.

Thank you everyone for the helpful replies! Based on your advice, I'm leaning toward waiting until my survivor benefit FRA (66 and 8 months) to avoid dealing with the earnings test complications. I'll definitely call SSA to get specific benefit estimates for my situation before making a final decision. It's frustrating how complicated they make this system, but I feel much better informed now. Will update once I make my decision!