UPDATE: I just checked our MySocialSecurity accounts and both of us DO have the tax withholding option available online! It was under "Message Center" then "Benefits & Payments" and there was a section called "Tax Withholding." I was able to select 12% for both of us. The confirmation said it will take effect with next month's payment. Thank you all for your help!

My mom had to do this when she started receiving her widows benefits and they made it so complicated! I think the whole social security system is stuck in 1995. Make sure you check your first payment after this is supposed to take effect to make sure they actually started the withholding. My mom thought hers was all set up but then 3 months later realized they never actually started taking the taxes out!

Based on your family history and your generous benefit amount, I definitely agree that waiting makes sense in your situation. Just to be totally clear: there is absolutely no way for you to collect spousal benefits while delaying your own. Your only options are to file now for your own (getting a lower amount forever) or continuing to wait (and getting nothing in the meantime). One final consideration: if you're still working, your benefit could still be increasing slightly based on your continued earnings replacing lower earning years in your 35-year calculation. That's another small factor that favors waiting.

I just wanted to add that when you do file at 70, make sure to file 3-4 months BEFORE your 70th birthday. A lot of people don't realize that SSA doesn't automatically start sending checks when you hit 70 - you still need to apply, and benefits are only retroactive for 6 months max. I've seen too many people miss out on months of payments because they waited until after turning 70 to start the application process.

And don't forget if they DO reduce your benefit because of earnings, you'll get that money back later!!! My financial advisor explained that any benefits withheld from earnings test aren't actually lost - SSA recalculates and increases your monthly amount once you reach FRA to account for those months they withheld benefits. Lots of people don't know this!!

Based on all the information shared, here's what applies to your specific situation: 1. With FRA in September 2025 and annual earnings of $85,000 (approximately $7,083/month): - January-August earnings: ~$56,667 - Special higher earnings limit for FRA year: ~$62,760 - Since $56,667 < $62,760, no benefit reduction would apply 2. Starting September 2025, unlimited earnings allowed with no impact on benefits. 3. You could safely begin benefits at any point in 2025 without reduction due to earnings. Ideally, you should verify these numbers with SSA directly as the 2025 earnings limit isn't officially announced yet (I'm using estimates based on typical COLA increases).

I have a similar question... I'm turning 62 next month but planning to wait until 67 to file. If I stop working at 64, will the years between 64-67 count as zeros in my calculation? Or do they only count the years up until I stop working?

Thank you all for the helpful information! It's great to know this happens automatically. It sounds like the timing of the recalculation is around October/November for the previous year's earnings, with payment increases taking effect in January. And I'm relieved there's no age cutoff! I think in my case the increases might be meaningful since I'll be replacing some very low earning years from when I first started working. I'll make sure to keep track of my benefit amounts each January to see if they increase.

what about Medicare? does taking SS affect your Medicare premiums at all? just wondering since they're related somehow

After reading through your responses, I can offer some more tailored advice. Since you're divorced with no survivor benefit concerns, in decent but not exceptional health, and experiencing some financial pressure on your savings, claiming now at 68.5 seems reasonable in your specific situation. One final consideration: Have you factored in the cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs)? The 2024 COLA was 3.2%, and if we get similar increases in the future, starting with a higher base amount at age 70 would mean larger dollar increases each year, which compounds over time. However, this still may not overcome the immediate cash flow benefit and your specific longevity expectations. Sometimes the peace of mind from reduced financial stress now outweighs the potential long-term mathematical advantage.

Not only do you have to be 62 for the entire month to get benefits for that month, but Social Security benefits are paid in the month following the month for which they are due. So your July benefit would be paid in August. Regarding the application timing: The SSA allows you to apply up to 4 months before you want your benefits to begin. Since you want benefits as soon as possible (July 2025), you can apply as early as March 2025. I recommend applying online - it's much easier than trying to call or visit an office.

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! To summarize what I've learned: 1. Since my birthday is June 2, I'm not eligible for June benefits (only people born on the 1st get their birthday month) 2. My first eligible month is July 2025, which would be paid in August 2025 3. I can apply up to 4 months before, so March 2025 4. I need to watch my earnings since I'll be working part-time I appreciate all the help!

When I was on SSI a few years ago, I found the local SSA office gave completely different answers than what the written policies said. I would suggest: 1. Document everything in writing 2. Get the KBB "poor condition" value, not the standard value 3. Take pics of the vehicle's damage and get repair estimates 4. Consider doing the transfer when your relative is close to redetermination so there's less time for issues Also don't let them sign the old car over to you until the money is in their account and they've documented receipt. They should keep all the paperwork for at least 3 years. SSA loves to do lookbacks.

To address your follow-up question about legitimate spend-down purchases: Yes, winter clothes and uncovered medical expenses are perfectly acceptable. There are no restrictions on what they can purchase as long as: 1. They're not converting the cash to another countable resource (like stocks or a second vehicle) 2. They're not giving away the money (which could trigger another transfer penalty) 3. They get their countable resources under $2,000 by the last day of the month Keep receipts for everything. If they're ever questioned about what happened to the money, they'll need to show exactly how it was spent. Also, consider having them report the vehicle transaction to SSA when it happens, rather than waiting for them to discover it. Being proactive demonstrates good faith.

my neighbor was telling me you can give away your money or put it in someone elses name to qualify for ssi is that true

The SSI rules make NO SENSE sometimes!!! My friend's mom gets both Social Security ($890/month) and SSI (about $100/month) but when she moved in with her daughter to save money, they CUT her SSI because they counted the free rent as "in-kind support"!!! So she actually had LESS money by trying to reduce her expenses! The whole system penalizes people for having family help them out. It's SO FRUSTRATING!!!

my neighbor tried to get her husbands SS after he died and they told her she made too much money on her own to qualify for anything extra. so dont get your hopes up too high

Dont forget about the $255 death benefit too. Not much but its something.

She should proactively report the change to SSA when she starts working. You can do this by calling them or visiting a local office. While they will eventually find out through tax records, reporting in advance helps avoid overpayments that would need to be paid back. You can estimate her annual earnings and report that. If the estimate changes significantly during the year, you can update it. This way, any necessary adjustments to her benefits can be made gradually rather than facing a large unexpected overpayment notice later.

Has your wife checked her earnings record on the SSA website? It's good to verify that all her past work is properly credited before she adds new earnings. Sometimes there are errors, especially if she had name changes after marriage, etc. Make sure all her previous work is counting toward her future benefit.