Not to derail the conversation, but there's also the emotional side of this decision. I delayed a marriage for benefit reasons and it put a strain on the relationship. Explaining to someone that you're calculating marriage timing based on benefit eligibility can be challenging. Just something to consider along with all the financial aspects.

Regarding the timing - you mentioned you're 58½ now, so you have about 18 months before reaching that age 60 threshold. It might be worth explaining the situation to your girlfriend if the relationship is serious. Many people understand the importance of financial planning, especially when significant benefits are at stake. Also remember that survivor benefits can be claimed as early as age 60 (with a reduction), or you can wait until your Full Retirement Age for the full amount. This is another factor to consider in your overall planning.

Anyone else notice how IMPOSSIBLE it is to get accurate info from SSA??? Every time I call I get different answers! One person says they'll take 10%, another says they'll take it all at once, another says I need to fill out forms... it's exhausting! I've had my SSDI on hold twice and both times it caused me so much stress I ended up in the ER!

To follow up on what others have said, you should submit Form SSA-634 (Request for Change in Overpayment Recovery Rate) if the standard 10% would cause you financial hardship. You'll need to provide your monthly income and expenses to justify a lower rate. When you talk to SSA, be sure to ask them to explain why your account shows "on hold" - sometimes this is just an automated status during processing, but other times it could indicate they need additional information from you before releasing your payment. Also, since your overpayment was from work income, ask if you qualify for an "unsuccessful work attempt" provision, which might actually reduce or eliminate the overpayment amount entirely if your work lasted less than 6 months and ended due to your disability.

i didnt know about that 2 year divorce rule! that woulda been good to know when i applied last year lol. my ex is younger than me and hasn't filed yet, i thought i had to wait for him to file first so i just took my own benefit. now i'm wondering if i should have checked on his...

Don't forget about the earnings test if you claim before your Full Retirement Age! If you're still working and earn above certain limits ($21,240 in 2025), they'll withhold $1 in benefits for every $2 you earn above that limit. Just something to consider if you're planning to work part-time after claiming.

My husband was a teacher for 20 years (no SS contributions) and then worked enough to get Social Security too. When he died, they cut my widow's benefit because of GPO, even though I never worked in a government job! It's so unfair they penalize us twice! First WEP reduces their benefit while alive, then GPO hits us after they're gone!

Thank you all for the helpful information! I spoke with SSA this morning (after trying for days) and learned that my situation is primarily affected by: 1) the early retirement reduction since I'm only 57, and 2) a modified WEP calculation because of my husband's mixed career. The agent confirmed there is a special WEP provision that limits the reduction for survivors, which might mean I'm eligible for an adjustment. They're sending me a detailed explanation of the calculation by mail and scheduled a follow-up with a Technical Expert. I'll update once I know more in case it helps anyone else navigating this complicated situation.

i think your disabled daughter should get priority for benefits. my cousin's kid has down syndrome and when he switched from SSI to DAC they told us he gets his benefit amount first before anyone else. something about disabled children getting protected status in the calculations? might be worth asking about that specifically.

To answer your specific question about what happens after your son graduates: The family maximum won't change - it stays tied to your PIA. But with one fewer beneficiary, the amount available will be redistributed. However, there's a special rule called the "pie shrinking rule" that might affect your situation. When a beneficiary stops receiving benefits, sometimes the total auxiliary amount available to remaining beneficiaries actually shrinks slightly rather than staying the same. Rather than trying to calculate this yourself, I strongly recommend requesting a written benefit estimate from SSA that shows what everyone's benefit will be after your son ages out. Make sure to specify that you need an estimate that accounts for the family maximum redistribution when your son turns 19. Ask for this in writing - that way if they calculate it incorrectly, you'll have documentation to support an appeal later.

One important thing to verify: make sure your Medicare Part B premium is correctly handled during this transition. Sometimes when switching benefit types, the system temporarily

Thank you for this tip! I would have never thought to check this. I do have Medicare premiums auto-deducted, so I'll keep an eye out for any issues during the switch.

Has anyone else noticed that their estimated benefit amount on the SSA website changes randomly? Mine went down by $200/month last year with NO explanation, then magically went back up three months later. I don't trust ANY of their calculations and I'm worried the same will happen to you when you finally apply at 70!

my uncle waited til 70 too and got the max amount so ur making a smart choice dont worry about the notification thing

I had this exact same problem last year - needed to know the new amount for budgeting but couldn't get through on the phone to ask anyone. I ended up using Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got connected to a real agent in about 15 minutes who told me my new amount before it showed online. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. Saved me hours of frustration with the busy signals and disconnects.

I just checked my mailbox today and got my COLA notice! So for anyone wondering, mine came on November 24th. The website still hasn't updated yet though. The increase was a bit less than I expected based on the announced percentage...guess that's because of Medicare premium increases?

I really wish the SSA would make this clearer! I remember spending hours on their website trying to figure this out when I sold some stocks. The earnings limit only applies to wages and self-employment income. Specifically, it's tied to what appears in boxes 1,3,5,7 of your W-2 form or your net profit from self-employment. Asset sales, pensions, annuities, investment income, interest, veterans or other government benefits don't count at all.

Thanks again everyone. I was losing sleep over this! One quick follow-up question - I might pick up some part-time work later this year that would put me slightly over the annual limit when combined with my current part-time job. If I do exceed the $22,320 limit, does Social Security take back ALL of my benefits, or just the portion above the limit?

To address your question about exceptions to the 9-month marriage rule: There are specific exceptions, but unfortunately, a natural death from heart attack typically wouldn't qualify. The main exceptions are: 1. Death was accidental 2. Death occurred in the line of duty as an active member of the uniformed services 3. You had a previous marriage to the same person that would satisfy the 9-month requirement 4. You were previously eligible for certain benefits on the deceased's record However, it's always worth discussing your specific case with SSA. Sometimes there are nuances to individual situations that might affect eligibility. This is definitely a conversation worth having directly with a Social Security representative.

my sister took widow benefits at 60 and the amount was pretty small just fyi. if u can wait till ur full retirement age u get alot more. but i guess it depends on ur financial situation if u need the money now or can wait