Just want to add one more consideration that hasn't been mentioned - make sure you're also thinking about Medicare implications. Since you're still working part-time with decent earnings, you might want to verify whether your employer health insurance is still primary over Medicare when you turn 65, or if you need to enroll in Medicare Part B right away to avoid penalties. I've seen people get so focused on optimizing their Social Security that they accidentally create Medicare enrollment issues. The coordination between work benefits, Social Security timing, and Medicare can get tricky, especially when you're in that in-between zone of working but also collecting benefits. Just something to add to your research list when you're getting that official calculation from SSA!

Based on all the great advice here, it sounds like you're in a pretty good position actually! Since you're earning $35K and over the earnings limit, the automatic earnings test adjustment at FRA might work out better for you than voluntary suspension anyway. One thing I'd add - when you do get that official calculation from SSA, ask them to show you scenarios for both keeping your current work level versus picking up those extra hours Lucas suggested. Sometimes there are sweet spots in the earnings where working a bit more doesn't hurt your long-term benefit much but obviously helps your current cash flow. Also, if you do decide to call SSA, try calling right at 8am local time on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. I've had better luck getting through early in the week. The hold times are still brutal but slightly less so than Mondays or Fridays. Good luck with whatever you decide - sounds like you're asking all the right questions!

my neigbor tried getin her exs benefits and said they asked for his social security number... did u guys need to provide that?? my sister didnt mention that part

Just wanted to add that you can actually get an estimate of what your ex-spouse benefit would be without applying yet! If you create a my Social Security account online, you can see your own estimated benefits. Then you can call SSA (or use that Claimyr service someone mentioned to skip the wait) and ask them to give you an estimate of what 50% of your ex's benefit would be at your full retirement age. This way you can compare and plan ahead without committing to anything. I did this before I turned 62 and it really helped me decide on my timing!

wait ur turning 70 next month and havnet applied yet?? i thought u had to apply 3-4 months before? Will u still get all the back payments??

I'm a financial advisor and see this situation frequently with clients approaching 70. The SSA online system has a built-in "draft" feature that saves your application automatically as you complete each section. You can literally start the application, see the benefit estimate they provide, then close your browser and return later (up to 6 months) to complete it if you're satisfied with the amount. However, I always recommend my clients get the exact figure directly from SSA before applying. The online estimate can be off due to recent earnings not being posted, incorrect delayed retirement credit calculations, or missing COLA adjustments. Since you've waited until 70 to maximize your benefit, you deserve to know the precise amount you'll receive. Pro tip: Try calling SSA early in the morning (right at 7am local time) or late in the afternoon. The hold times are usually shorter than mid-day. If you can't get through, the local SSA office might be worth a visit for something this important.

This is such valuable information for anyone navigating Social Security planning! I'm 59 and considering a career change that could potentially increase my earnings significantly over the next few years. Reading about your situation and everyone's responses gives me hope that it's not "too late" to improve my SS benefits. The explanation about the 35-year calculation using your highest earning years regardless of when they occurred is particularly helpful. I had always assumed there was some kind of cutoff where later earnings didn't matter as much. It's encouraging to know that even at our age, career improvements can still have a meaningful impact on our retirement security. Best of luck with your new position - what an exciting opportunity at 62!

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm 58 and have been worried that my early career years with lower wages would permanently limit my Social Security benefits. Reading that the calculation uses your highest 35 years regardless of when they occurred is such a game-changer for my retirement planning. I've been considering staying in my current job a few extra years past my original retirement date, but wasn't sure if it would be worth it from a Social Security perspective. Now I understand that if I'm earning more now than I did in my 20s and 30s (which I definitely am), those additional working years could actually replace some of my lower-earning years in the calculation. The advice about checking your earnings record annually is something I'm definitely going to start doing. I had no idea there was only a 3-year window to correct errors - that seems like something everyone should know! Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences and knowledge. This community is such a valuable resource for navigating these complex retirement decisions.

I'm in a similar boat - turning 66 next year and trying to plan ahead! One thing I learned from my financial advisor is that you can also request a "benefit verification letter" through your mySocialSecurity account that shows your estimated monthly benefit. It's different from the regular statement and might give you a clearer picture. Also, if you're married, don't forget to factor in spousal benefits or survivor benefits in your planning - those calculations can be tricky and might affect your timing decision. The delayed retirement credits are definitely worth it if you can afford to wait!

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is that you can also schedule a phone appointment through your mySocialSecurity account instead of calling the general number. I did this last month and got a callback within 2 days instead of waiting on hold forever. The representative was able to give me my exact benefit calculation including all recent earnings and explained exactly how the delayed retirement credits were applied. She also walked me through the Medicare premium deductions so I knew my actual take-home amount. Much easier than trying to get through on the main phone line! The appointment scheduling feature is under "Contact Us" in your online account.