I just want to thank everyone for all the helpful information! I had no idea about so many of these rules. I'm going to create my Social Security account online today to check my own benefit amount, then I'll call and make an appointment to discuss my options before making any decisions. I'm thinking I might wait until closer to my full retirement age now that I understand the reduction for early filing. Really appreciate all the guidance!

Smart decision to take your time and research all your options! One more thing to consider - you might want to ask SSA about "deemed filing" rules when you meet with them. If you're eligible for both your own retirement benefit and divorced spouse benefits, there are some complex rules about how they handle the application that can affect your strategy. Also, keep in mind that even if your own benefit ends up being higher now, your ex's benefit might grow more over time if he continues working, so the comparison could change. Good luck with everything - you're asking all the right questions!

Update us on what happens! I'm curious how SSA handles these identity discrepancy cases. Good luck!

I'm really sorry you're going through this difficult situation. As someone who works in immigration law, I see identity discrepancy cases fairly regularly, and you're definitely not alone in this. A few additional points to consider: 1. **Timing**: There's generally no strict deadline for filing survivor benefits, but you can only receive retroactive payments for up to 6 months before your application date, so don't delay too long. 2. **Documentation strategy**: When you go in person, organize your documents chronologically - marriage certificate (1982), any documents showing his identity changes, divorce decree, death certificate. This helps the claims specialist follow the timeline. 3. **Earnings record**: The SSA will need to verify which Social Security number and identity was used for his work history. If he worked under the assumed identity for many years, that's likely the record they'll use for benefit calculations. 4. **Your protection**: Since you were legally married under the identity he used at that time, your marriage is valid regardless of his original name discrepancy. You had no way of knowing about the identity issue. Don't let anyone make you feel like you did something wrong. Focus on getting that in-person appointment - phone representatives often can't handle complex cases like this effectively. Bring a friend or family member for support if needed.

Anybody know if you can change the withholding percentage later if you need to? Like if I start with 10% but realize I need more taken out?

For what it's worth, I'd recommend calculating roughly what you'll owe before picking your withholding percentage. You can use the IRS worksheet in Publication 915 to estimate how much of your SS benefits will be taxable based on your total income. That way you're not over-withholding and giving the government an interest-free loan all year. I made that mistake my first year - had them withhold 22% when I only needed about 8% based on my actual tax situation.

Thank you all for the helpful information. I didn't realize how complicated this would be! So if I understand correctly: 1. If we both claim at 62 and my husband passes away before his FRA (which is 67), I'd get the larger of either 82.5% of his PIA or what he was actually receiving at 62 2. If he passes after his FRA, I'd just get what he was actually receiving 3. My own claiming decision creates separate reductions if I'm not at my FRA when applying for survivor benefits Based on this, should we reconsider our plan? Maybe he should wait longer even if I claim early? I really appreciate all the guidance.

This is such a helpful discussion! I'm in a similar situation but haven't made any decisions yet. One thing I'm wondering about - if AstroAce's husband delays claiming but she takes benefits at 62, what happens to her own retirement benefit when she eventually switches to survivor benefits? Does she lose her own benefit completely, or does SSA somehow combine them? Also, are there any tax implications to consider when switching from your own retirement benefit to survivor benefits? I know Social Security can be taxable depending on your total income, but I'm not sure if the type of benefit matters.

I just remembered something else! Make sure u check if your state taxes Social Security! Some states do and some don't. That made a BIG difference in my retirement budget!!

Great question and I'm glad you're planning ahead! As others have confirmed, your pension and 401k/IRA withdrawals won't count toward the earnings test during those two years before your FRA. One additional thing to consider: if you do decide to claim at 65, make sure you understand how the monthly earnings test works. The annual limit everyone mentions gets divided by 12, so if you have any part-time work, you need to stay under about $1,833 per month (based on the ~$22,000 annual limit). They look at it month-by-month in your first year of claiming, not just the annual total. Also, don't forget that once you hit your FRA at 67, any benefits that were withheld due to the earnings test will be gradually added back to increase your monthly payment for life. So even if you did go over the limit occasionally, it's not permanently lost money. With your pension and retirement savings, you seem well-positioned for retirement at 65 if that's what you decide!