Sounds like a solid plan! Just remember that if you're still working while collecting early retirement benefits, you'll be subject to the earnings test until you reach your FRA (around $21,240/year for 2025 as someone mentioned). Good luck with everything!

Great to see so many people sharing their experiences with this strategy! Just wanted to add one important point that hasn't been mentioned yet - make sure to keep detailed records of all your communications with SSA. Save copies of any forms you submit, write down the names of representatives you speak with, and keep notes with dates of phone calls or office visits. This documentation can be incredibly valuable if there are any issues or mix-ups later on. Also, consider requesting a benefit verification letter once your retirement benefits start - this confirms what type of benefit you're receiving and can help when you switch to survivor benefits at your FRA. The more documentation you have, the smoother the transition should be!

Did u get a letter in the mail?? Usually SS sends something explaining any payment changes. Maybe the letter is just delayed? I'd hold onto that money until you're sure what it's for.... SS has been known to make mistakes and then demand repayment with penalties!!

This is really helpful information! As someone new to Social Security benefits, I had no idea that they automatically recalculate your benefits if you keep working. I'm planning to start collecting at my FRA next year but was hoping to continue working part-time for a few more years. It's encouraging to know that those additional earnings could actually boost my monthly benefit rather than just being "wasted." Quick question - does this automatic recalculation happen regardless of how much you earn while collecting, or is there a minimum threshold your new earnings need to meet to trigger the review? I'm wondering if my planned part-time work would be substantial enough to make a difference.

One more thing to consider as you plan: Keep track of your own earnings. If you continue working, your own benefit may grow. You should request a Social Security statement annually to monitor both your potential retirement benefit AND your potential survivor benefit. This helps you optimize your claiming strategy as you approach age 60-62. Also, survivor benefits and retirement benefits have different rules. You can claim survivor benefits as early as 60 (or 50 if disabled), but your own retirement benefit can't be claimed until 62. This creates those strategic claiming opportunities others have mentioned.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Connor. You're asking really smart questions about planning ahead. Just wanted to add one more consideration that might be helpful as you think about your timeline: if you're still working and earning income, there's an earnings test that applies to survivor benefits claimed before your full retirement age. If you claim survivor benefits at 60 but are still working, you might have benefits reduced if you earn over the annual limit (around $22,320 for 2024). This is temporary though - any benefits withheld due to earnings get added back to your benefit amount once you reach full retirement age. This might factor into your decision about when to claim, especially if you plan to keep working. The good news is you have 8 years to plan this out and see how your financial situation evolves. Your kids will be 16 and 19 by then, so your expenses and needs may be quite different.

That's really helpful information. I was worried that me taking benefits early would permanently reduce what he might receive. It's a relief to know his benefit is based on my full retirement amount instead of my reduced benefit.

One more thing to keep in mind - when you go to your appointment next week, ask about the effective date for his DAC benefits. Since you've already filed for your retirement, his DAC benefits can potentially be backdated to the month after you became entitled to retirement benefits. This could mean he gets some retroactive payments! Also, don't be surprised if they need to do a redetermination of his disability status even though he's already on SSI - it's standard procedure, but since he's already been found disabled, it should go smoothly.

Just wanted to add one more tip from my experience - when you do get your appointment scheduled, ask the SSA representative to walk you through exactly how your benefit amount was calculated. They should be able to show you your ex's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) and confirm that you're getting the full 50% since you're filing at your FRA. I found it really helpful to understand the numbers, especially since there can be small variations based on cost-of-living adjustments and when your ex's earnings were recorded. Also, don't be surprised if your first payment takes a few extra weeks to arrive - mine was delayed because they had to verify some old employment records. Good luck with everything!

I'm going through something very similar! My divorce was finalized last year after 28 years of marriage, and I'm also about 2 years older than my ex. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea I could file at my FRA without waiting for him. I've been stressing about this for months thinking I'd have to wait until he turned 67. One question for those who have been through this process: did any of you run into issues with SSA initially telling you the wrong information? I'm worried about getting conflicting advice when I call. Also, has anyone tried the online application vs. in-person appointment? I'm wondering which route might be smoother. Thank you all for sharing your experiences - this community has been more helpful than any official resource I've found!