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NONE of you are mentioning the MASSIVE changes coming to Social Security!!!! The trust fund is going to be DEPLETED by 2034 and then what????? Taking it early might be the ONLY way to get anything before they change all the rules and CUT BENEFITS for everyone!!! Wake UP people!!!!
I understand the concern, but it's important to clarify that even if the trust fund is depleted, Social Security would still pay about 78-80% of promised benefits from ongoing payroll taxes. Congress has always acted before major benefit cuts occurred in the past, and there are many reform proposals being discussed. While the system certainly faces challenges, making claiming decisions based on fear of complete program collapse is generally not recommended by financial planning experts.
@original poster - did you ever get this resolved? I'm curious what you decided to do since I'm facing a similar decision next year. My financial advisor actually suggested the same strategy you're considering.
Yes! After weighing everyone's input and meeting with my financial advisor, I decided to go ahead with taking benefits at 62. The key factors in my decision were: 1) the relatively small difference between early and FRA benefits in my specific case, 2) learning that survivor benefits wouldn't be affected if my husband waits until his FRA, and 3) realizing I'd still get a partial spousal bump when my husband files even though I took my own benefits early. I'll be filing next month when I turn 62! Fingers crossed it works out.
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THIS WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO CONFUSE PEOPLE!!! I spent 40+ years paying into Social Security and when I tried to understand these earnings rules, I got 3 different answers from 3 different SSA reps!!! One told me exactly what you heard - only earnings after filing count in first year. Then another told me it ALL counts but they give grace for some months. Then a third one gave me some complex formula. NO ONE KNOWS WHAT THEY'RE DOING THERE!!! Document EVERYTHING when you talk to them. Get names and direct numbers if possible. The left hand doesn't know what the right is doing.
I'm definitely seeing why people get so frustrated. I'm generally good with financial matters but these rules are so poorly explained on their website. I'll make sure to document everything once I actually get through to someone. Thanks for the warning!
To summarize what everyone has said and clarify any confusion: 1. In your FIRST year of retirement, SSA applies the Monthly Earnings Test: - They only count earnings in months AFTER you start receiving benefits - For 2025, you can't earn more than $1,860 in any month after claiming - If you earn $0 after claiming, you'll have no benefit reduction 2. Starting January 2026, the Annual Earnings Test applies: - They look at your total annual income - For 2026, you'll likely be subject to the $22,320 annual limit until you reach FRA 3. At Full Retirement Age: - The earnings test disappears completely - You can earn unlimited income with no benefit reduction Make absolutely sure when applying that you specify your retirement date so they apply the Monthly Earnings Test correctly.
This is the clearest explanation I've seen! Thank you for breaking it down step by step. I'm going to print this out to reference when I actually apply. One last question - when I apply online, is there a specific field or section where I indicate my retirement date? Or should I just add it in the comments/remarks section?
In the online application, there's a section specifically about your work and earnings. They'll ask if you're still working, when you plan to stop, and your estimated earnings. Make sure to complete that section carefully and accurately. If you're worried, you can also add a note in the remarks section emphasizing your retirement date and that you'll have zero earnings after that date.
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Just a quick update - I used Claimyr again yesterday to reach SSA about a different issue and got through in about 30 minutes instead of the 3+ hours I was expecting. The rep confirmed that you don't absolutely need your ex's SSN to start the process, though it can speed things up. They can look him up by name, DOB, and last known address if needed.
That's a relief! I don't think I'd be able to get his SSN at this point. I appreciate you following up with that information.
To summarize your options: 1. You can apply for ex-spousal benefits at 62, but you'll only get about 32.5% of his full benefit amount, and only the difference between that and your current SSDI if it's higher. 2. You could wait until your Full Retirement Age (67) when you'd be eligible for 50% of his full benefit amount, potentially resulting in a higher payment. 3. Your Medicare will not be affected either way. The best approach depends on your financial needs now versus potentially getting more later. If you need additional income immediately, applying at 62 makes sense. If you can wait, doing so might be financially advantageous in the long run. When you do apply, be prepared with your marriage certificate, divorce decree, and as much information about your ex as possible (even without his SSN).
Thank you for laying out all my options so clearly! After reading everyone's advice, I think I'm going to call SSA (using that Claimyr service to avoid the wait times) and find out exactly how much extra I might get if I apply at 62 versus waiting until 67. If it's only a small difference, I'll probably wait, but if it's substantial, getting that extra money now would really help with my medical expenses.
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Another thing to keep in mind - those zeros might not be as bad as you think. If your early career earnings were low (like mine were when I was waiting tables in the 80s), those years might not contribute much to your calculation anyway. The indexing they do tends to favor your later higher-earning years. So 4 zeros instead of 4 years of low earnings might only make a small difference.
So wait does that mean I should keep working??? I'm so confused about all this!!! My first 10 years I only made like $15k-$20k per year but now I make about $75k. Should I work longer to improve my SS???
One clarification on the 35 years: it's not just any 35 years - the SSA indexes your earnings for inflation and then takes the highest 35 years. So your $20,000 salary from 1990 might count as $45,000+ in today's dollars when they do the calculation. This is why it sometimes makes sense to work longer even past 35 years - if your current earnings are significantly higher than your early career earnings (even after indexing), you can replace lower-earning years with higher-earning years and increase your benefit amount.
Thank you for explaining this. Is there a way to see which of my years are counting as my highest 35 after indexing? I'm wondering if working a few more years would replace some of my lower-earning years rather than just filling in zeros.
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another thing to think about - how long have u been married? if its not 10 years yet and ur heading for divorce u might want to wait till u hit 10 years before finalizing anything
We've been married for 23 years, so thankfully that's not an issue. But that's a really good point for others in similar situations who might be close to that 10-year mark!
Here's a summary of your options: 1. File for your own retirement at 62 (approximately 30% reduction) 2. Wait until your husband is eligible (62) AND files for his benefits, then file for spousal benefits 3. Consider divorce if appropriate (after 10 years of marriage) which could allow you to claim on his record once he's 62 even if he hasn't filed 4. Wait until your Full Retirement Age to avoid reductions If you expect to receive spousal benefits eventually, consider whether the extra money from filing early on your own record will offset the permanent reduction to both benefits. This calculation depends on your life expectancy and financial needs. For specific estimates, you'll need to know: - Your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) at Full Retirement Age - Your husband's approximate PIA - Your exact birth date to determine your FRA and reduction percentages
This is so helpful - thank you for laying out all my options clearly. I think I need to find out what my husband's PIA would be to make an informed decision. I'll try to get through to SSA for specific numbers. Based on everyone's advice, I'm leaning toward taking my own benefit now at 62 since I could really use the income, and then possibly switching to spousal later if it makes financial sense, even with the reduction.
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I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier when I had an issue with missing SSDI payments. It actually works - got through to a real person at SSA in about 90 minutes instead of the usual 3+ hours of hold time. They don't solve your problem for you, they just get SSA to call you back, but it saved me a ton of frustration.
Thanks for sharing your experience! I think I'll give it a try on Monday if I can't get through on my own. I'm really curious about what this payment could be.
Have u checked ur mySSA account online??? Might show what the payment is for right on there!!! My payments always show up there with descriptions!
I actually don't have an online account set up yet! That's a good point though - I'll create one this weekend and see if it provides any information. Thanks for the suggestion!
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im 66 and my husband is 70 can i do this too
It depends on your birth date. Were you born before January 2, 1954? If yes, then you can file a restricted application for spousal benefits only (assuming your husband is already receiving his benefits). If you were born January 2, 1954 or later, then you cannot use this strategy - you'd be subject to deemed filing rules.
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just wondering, what kinda disabilities do u have? some get approved faster than others
I have stage 3 chronic kidney disease, severe rheumatoid arthritis that affects my hands and knees (can't type or stand for long periods), and major depression with anxiety. I've included all my medical records and specialist reports with my application.
One important point that hasn't been mentioned: if your SSDI is approved, you'll likely receive back pay from your application date (or 5 months after your disability onset date, whichever is later). This could be a significant lump sum that would put you over the SSI resource limit again. You should ask your attorney about setting up a PASS (Plan to Achieve Self-Support) account or an ABLE account if you qualify, which are special accounts that don't count toward your SSI resource limit. This can help you manage any back pay without losing eligibility for other benefits. Also, make sure your dire need status is documented regularly. If your financial situation is worsening, have your attorney submit updated information to potentially expedite your case.
I had no idea about PASS or ABLE accounts! This is really valuable information. I'll definitely ask my attorney about this tomorrow. Thank you so much for taking the time to explain all this.
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This is actually a great question about Social Security benefits coordination. To clarify a few points: - Marriage length requirements are indeed 9 months for survivor benefits and 1 year for spousal benefits (with some exceptions) - When planning, remember that survivor benefits can be claimed as early as age 60 (or 50 if disabled), while spousal benefits start at 62 - If your future wife takes ANY benefit early (before her Full Retirement Age), it will be permanently reduced - The most valuable strategy would likely be for her to wait until her Full Retirement Age to maximize whatever benefits she's eligible for I'd recommend scheduling an appointment with SSA to discuss your specific situation, as these rules have nuances based on both your earnings histories.
Thank you for the detailed explanation! We'll definitely schedule an appointment with SSA. One thing I'm still not clear on - if she claims her own retirement early at 62, would that permanently reduce what she could later get as a widow on my record? Or are widow's benefits completely separate from retirement benefits?
That's an excellent follow-up question. Claiming her own retirement benefits early would NOT affect potential future survivor benefits on your record. Survivor benefits are indeed calculated separately from retirement benefits. So if she claimed her own retirement at 62 (reduced), and you passed away years later, she could still get the full survivor benefit based on your record (assuming she's at her Full Retirement Age when claiming survivor benefits). This is one of the few situations where benefits are truly independent of each other. The reduction for early filing only applies to the specific benefit being claimed early.
That's a huge relief to know! Thanks so much for explaining this. We've been worried that her taking early retirement would permanently reduce everything. I'll still try to connect with SSA directly, but this gives us a much better starting point for planning.
Sean Doyle
THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS RIGGED!!!! They got rid of file and suspend, they eliminated restricted application, they tax our benefits, and they STILL haven't fixed the WEP/GPO problems!!! When will Congress stop treating seniors like ATM machines????
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Zara Rashid
•While there are certainly issues with how Social Security has evolved, the changes to file and suspend and restricted application were actually intended to eliminate strategies that primarily benefited higher-income households. Most people who could afford to delay benefits were higher earners. That said, I do agree that more transparency and consistency in the rules would help everyone.
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Diego Vargas
Thank you all for the helpful information. I'm disappointed but at least now I understand my options better. I think I'll wait until 70 to maximize my benefit since I can afford to do so at this point. It's frustrating that the rules changed and eliminated this strategy, but I appreciate everyone taking the time to explain it so clearly!
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Zara Rashid
•That's a good decision if you can afford it. Every year you wait after your FRA adds approximately 8% to your lifetime benefit amount, and that increase is permanent and includes future COLAs. At current life expectancies for women your age, waiting until 70 tends to pay off in the long run.
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