Based on what you've shared about your income ($65,000) and age (turning 60), here's my recommendation: 1. Since you're substantially over the earnings limit, most or all of your survivor benefits would be withheld until you reach FRA or reduce your work hours. 2. You might consider waiting to apply until either: - You're closer to retirement or reducing hours, OR - You reach FRA when the earnings test no longer applies 3. If you decide to apply anyway, January would be slightly better than December for tax purposes, but the earnings test impact would be far more significant than any tax difference. 4. Remember that the reduction for taking survivor benefits early is permanent, but if your own retirement benefit at 70 would be higher than your survivor benefit at FRA, there might still be a strategy in taking reduced survivor benefits for a period and then switching.

I'm so glad you found this thread before making your decision! I went through something similar when my spouse passed two years ago. The earnings test is definitely the biggest factor most people don't know about upfront. One thing that helped me was scheduling a consultation with SSA just to understand all my options without actually filing yet. They can run the numbers for you based on your specific situation - your current earnings, your deceased spouse's work record, and your own projected retirement benefit. Also consider that even though the reduction for taking survivor benefits early is permanent, if your own retirement benefit would be significantly higher, you could potentially use survivor benefits as a "bridge" later when you do reduce your work hours, then switch to your own record at 70 when it reaches maximum value. But with your income level, that strategy might not work until you're closer to retirement anyway. The grief support group you mentioned might have other members who've navigated this - it really helps to talk to people who've been through the whole process!

Just to summarize everything for others who might have similar questions: Your pension absolutely does NOT count toward the Social Security earnings limit - only wages and self-employment income count. At $16,000/year from part-time work, you're well under the 2025 limit of $22,680. However, do keep in mind a few things: 1) Your pension WILL count toward determining if your SS benefits are taxable (up to 85% can be taxed), 2) Check if WEP/GPO applies to your state pension as that could reduce your SS benefit amount, and 3) Consider the tax withholding options when you apply. Sounds like you're in good shape to start collecting in June!

Great question! I'm approaching 65 myself and had similar concerns. Just wanted to add that it's worth double-checking with SSA about your specific state pension to make sure WEP doesn't apply. Some state employees paid into Social Security for part of their career and some didn't, which affects whether WEP reduces your benefits. You can use the WEP calculator on the SSA website to get an estimate. Also, since you mentioned your FRA is 66 and 10 months, you might want to run the numbers on waiting vs. taking benefits early - the monthly reduction for taking at 65 instead of FRA could be significant over your lifetime. But sounds like you've got the earnings limit part figured out thanks to everyone's great advice!

NO ONE IS MENTIONING THE EARNINGS TEST!!! If you claim at 62 and decide to go back to work before your Full Retirement Age, SSA will TAKE BACK $1 of benefits for every $2 you earn above the annual limit (about $22,320 in 2025). So don't assume you can just go back to work part-time without consequences if your savings run short!

One thing that might help you feel more confident about this decision is to calculate your break-even point. Since you're planning to claim at 62 instead of waiting until your Full Retirement Age (probably 67), you'll get about 70% of your full benefit. But you'll receive those payments for 5 extra years. For many people, it takes until around age 78-80 to "break even" - meaning the total lifetime benefits become equal whether you claim at 62 or wait until FRA. If you live past that break-even age, waiting would have been better financially. If you don't, claiming early was the right choice. Given that you're planning to stop working at 57 anyway, you'll need income during those gap years before claiming. Make sure you've calculated whether your savings can realistically support 5 years of expenses plus healthcare costs (which can be significant if you're not eligible for Medicare yet). Sometimes people focus so much on the Social Security calculation that they underestimate the cost of bridging to 62.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - $15K for over 2 years is absolutely unacceptable! This thread has become an incredible resource with so many strategies I never knew existed. Based on everyone's experiences, I'd definitely start with the Inspector General complaint at oig.ssa.gov since multiple people got quick results that way. The fact that SSA has already acknowledged the debt in writing should make this a strong case. I'd also recommend the multi-pronged approach others suggested: contact both senators (not just House rep), visit your field office first thing in the morning to request "critical payment" processing from a Technical Expert, and look into your state's SSA liaison office. The key seems to be stopping the polite approach and being firm with specific 30-day deadlines. After reading through all these suggestions, it's shocking how many escalation options exist that regular SSA customer service never mentions. You've been far too patient already - time to create some urgency and get what you're legally owed!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this frustrating situation! Reading through all the excellent advice in this thread, it's clear you now have multiple powerful strategies to try that should finally get results after 23 months of bureaucratic delays. The Inspector General complaint at oig.ssa.gov seems to be the most consistently successful approach based on what others have shared - definitely start there since you have written acknowledgment of the debt. I'd also recommend the multi-pronged strategy: contact both your senators, visit your field office early morning to request "critical payment" processing from a Technical Expert, and look into your state's SSA liaison office. What really struck me is how many specialized options exist (MIS reviews, critical payment processing, state liaisons) that regular SSA customer service apparently never mentions. After 2+ years of polite patience getting nowhere, it's definitely time to be firm with specific 30-day deadlines and consequences. The combination of Inspector General pressure + congressional inquiries + specialized SSA processing requests should create enough urgency to finally break through their system. You've been far too patient already - $15K is substantial money that you're legally entitled to! Please keep us updated on which approaches work best. This thread has become such a valuable resource for anyone facing similar SSA payment delays.

I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now! Just got my approval letter last week and was confused about the same things. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful - especially about using the SSN on line 4 and waiting for my spouse's approval before submitting his form. One thing I wanted to add that I learned from my local SSA office - they actually prefer if you call ahead to make an appointment for forms like the W-4V rather than just walking in. The wait times are much shorter with an appointment, and they can block out enough time to make sure everything is filled out correctly. My local office books appointments about 2-3 weeks out, so it's worth calling soon if you want to go the in-person route. Also, totally agree with everyone about having those name change documents ready just in case. My husband had a similar childhood name change and we're taking the same approach - have the papers ready but not worrying about it unless they specifically ask.

Just wanted to chime in as someone who recently navigated this whole process! For the W-4V form, definitely use your SSN on line 4 - that's exactly what they're looking for. One thing I'd recommend is double-checking what withholding percentage you want before you submit. I initially chose 10% thinking it would be plenty, but after talking to my tax preparer, we realized I needed to bump it up to 12% because of other retirement income. It's much easier to get it right the first time than to submit a new form later to change it. Also, regarding the appointment scheduling that someone mentioned - this varies by office! My local SSA office doesn't take appointments for routine paperwork like W-4V forms, so definitely call your specific office to ask about their policies. Some handle these as walk-ins only, others do appointments. Your husband's name change situation sounds very routine - as long as his SSN records are current with his legal name, you should be fine. SSA deals with childhood name changes all the time. Good luck with everything!