have u checked ur mysocialsecurity acct online? sometimes u can see benefit estimates there

I work as a customer service representative for SSA (though I can't provide official advice here). From my experience, when agents quote survivor benefit amounts over the phone, they SHOULD be giving you the reduced amount based on the age you mentioned. However, mistakes do happen, and some agents might quote the full retirement age amount by accident. Given that you're 61 and mentioned wanting to claim at that age, the $1,768 is most likely already reduced by about 28.5%. But I'd definitely recommend calling back and asking them to clarify exactly what that figure represents. One tip: when you call, ask to speak with a Claims Specialist rather than just any representative. They tend to be more knowledgeable about benefit calculations and can walk you through the math. Also, if possible, try calling right when they open (8am local time) - you'll usually get through faster. Don't feel bad about calling multiple times to confirm this - it's a huge financial decision and you have every right to understand exactly what you'll be receiving.

I'm also approaching 70 and have been researching this exact question! From what I've learned through the SSA website and talking to others, you definitely want to apply for July as your benefit start month. The system doesn't prorate benefits - you get the full month even if your birthday is mid-month. One thing I discovered is that you can actually apply online up to 4 months in advance, which helps avoid the phone wait times you've experienced. The online application at ssa.gov/retire2/apply.htm walks you through selecting your "month of election" - just choose July and you'll be all set. I applied about 3 months before my birthday and it was much less stressful than trying to call. Also, just to echo what others have said - your first payment will arrive in August for July's benefits, but it will be the full monthly amount calculated at your age 70 rate. Don't second-guess yourself by waiting until August 1st as your start date - you'd lose an entire month of benefits that way. Hope this helps and congratulations on reaching 70!

I just wanted to add another perspective as someone who works in benefits counseling. The advice you've received here is spot-on - definitely apply for July as your benefit start month. What I often tell my clients is to think of it this way: Social Security doesn't care what day of the month you turn 70, only what month. Since you become eligible for maximum benefits in July (the month you turn 70), that's when your entitlement begins, and you receive the full month's payment. One additional tip that might help ease your application anxiety: when you apply online, you'll see a question about your "desired month of entitlement" or "month you want benefits to begin." This is where you select July 2024. The system will automatically calculate your payment amount based on your age 70 rate for that entire month. Also, since you mentioned trouble reaching SSA by phone, I'd strongly recommend applying online if possible. The online retirement application is actually quite user-friendly and you can save your progress if you need to gather documents. You can find it directly at ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/apply.html. Best of luck with your application!

btw dont forget that even though you're tracking the earnings limit, the SSA still takes taxes out based on your combined income. i forgot about that and had a surprise tax bill lol

Just wanted to add one more important tip from my experience - keep really detailed records of your monthly earnings throughout 2025! Even though you only need to worry about the annual limit, having month-by-month documentation will save you a huge headache if SSA ever questions your reported earnings. I use a simple spreadsheet with dates, sources, and amounts. Also, if you do end up going over the annual limit, the benefits they withhold get added back to your future payments once you reach FRA, so it's not completely lost money - just delayed. Good luck with your consulting work!

DONT forget to ask about survivors benefits for YOU after she passes!!! My neighbor got widower benefits after his wife died from cancer and it really helped him!!! The SSA doesn't always tell you everything you're eligible for unless you ASK SPECIFICALLY!!!

I'm so sorry to hear about your wife's diagnosis. This is such a difficult situation, and you're being incredibly thoughtful to research all the options during this challenging time. Based on what others have shared here, it sounds like SSDI could provide meaningful financial advantages - potentially $200+ more per month if she's below her full retirement age. With pancreatic cancer being on the Compassionate Allowance list, the approval process should be much faster than typical disability cases. One practical tip: when gathering medical documentation, make sure her oncologist's records explicitly state "pancreatic cancer" and include the terminal prognosis. Sometimes medical records use technical terms or codes that might not trigger the automated Compassionate Allowance screening as quickly. Also, consider having someone help you with the application process if possible - whether it's a family member, friend, or even a disability advocate. During such an emotionally draining time, having support with paperwork can be invaluable. Whatever you decide, you're clearly doing everything you can to ensure your wife is taken care of. That speaks volumes about your character during what must be an incredibly painful time.

One important thing everyone's missing: if you do claim early and lose some benefits to the earnings test, Social Security will recalculate your benefit when you reach FRA to give you credit for the months they withheld benefits. This partially offsets the reduction for claiming early. For example, if you claimed 6 months early but lost 2 months to the earnings test, at FRA they would recalculate your benefit as if you'd only claimed 4 months early. It doesn't make you whole, but it helps.

Smart decision to wait until July! You've gotten excellent advice here. Just to summarize the key points that helped you decide: 1) Since 2025 is your FRA year, you'd be subject to the higher earnings limit (~$60K+ for 2025) with the 1-for-3 reduction, so your $28K earnings wouldn't trigger any benefit withholding anyway, 2) But you'd still face the permanent 3.3% reduction for claiming 6 months early, and 3) Waiting those extra 6 months until your FRA means you get your full benefit amount with no earnings restrictions ever again. The math clearly favors waiting in your situation, especially if you expect to live into your 80s or beyond. Good luck with your retirement planning!