To add some clarity on the specific 2025 limits (these change annually with COLA adjustments): - If you're under FRA for the entire year: $22,320 annual limit - In the year you reach FRA: $59,520 limit, but only counting earnings before the month you reach FRA - Month of FRA and beyond: No earnings limit For every $2 you earn over the limit if you're under FRA all year, $1 is withheld from benefits. In the year you reach FRA, it's $1 withheld for every $3 over the limit. Since you reach FRA in July 2025, you can earn up to $59,520 from January-June with no impact. Any amount over that would reduce benefits by $1 for every $3 of excess earnings. From July onward, earn as much as you want with no reduction.

also dont forget about TAXES on SS! even if you dont hit the earnings limts you might have to pay taxes on like 85% of your benefits if your total income is high enough!! thats a whole OTHER thing to worry about!!

The WHOLE SYSTEM is designed to confuse us!!! Different rules for withdrawal vs suspension, deadlines we don't know about, and impossible to get answers!!! Why make it so COMPLICATED???

Based on what you've shared, it sounds like you likely did properly withdraw your application. The fact that you remember submitting the SSA-521 form and repaying benefits is very encouraging. When you apply at your FRA, your benefit should be calculated as if you never claimed early at all. One suggestion: when you apply again, be sure to mention your previous withdrawal in the remarks section of the application. This helps ensure the claims specialist handling your case looks for that information in your record. While their system should show the withdrawal, it never hurts to flag it explicitly.

My husband is 8 years older than me too! I took my SS at 65 and 4 months (my FRA is 66+6mo) because we did the math and it made sense for us as a couple. No regrets! The peace of mind from having that extra income now was worth more than waiting.

One more thing to consider: if you're planning to make any large purchases or have home repairs coming up, having that extra income now could help you avoid tapping into savings. That's a non-mathematical factor, but still important for many retirees. Based on everything you've shared, it sounds like claiming now aligns with your situation. Just make sure to coordinate with your husband on a plan for when one of you passes - the household will go from two SS benefits to one at that point, so having a financial cushion is important.

Just to give you some real numbers to help you decide: If your FRA benefit is $2,950 and you wait until 70, it would grow to approximately $3,864 per month (about 31% more). That's an extra $914/month for life, plus larger COLAs since they're percentage-based. If your husband claims at FRA, he gets his full $2,250. If you claimed a spousal benefit, it would be at most about $1,125 (50% of his). So by waiting to 70, you're giving up 4 years of $1,125/month spousal benefits (about $54,000 total), but gaining $914/month for life compared to your FRA amount. You'd recover that $54,000 in about 59 months (less than 5 years) after age 70. If you live past 75, waiting to 70 comes out ahead.

my sister tried doing the thing where she only filed for spousal and they AUTOMATICALLY filed her for her own benefits too even though she told them not to. she was so mad! but the SSA person said the law changed and they had no choice. this was in 2020.

wait i'm confused is this about SSI or regular social security? cuz the rules are different right?

One more important point: If you do exceed the earnings limit, SSA doesn't necessarily reduce each month's benefit by the same amount. They typically withhold benefits completely for some months rather than reducing each payment. For example, if they determine you need to repay $5,000, and your monthly benefit is $2,500, they might withhold 2 full months of benefits. They'll notify you before they do this. Also, remember that any benefits withheld due to excess earnings aren't truly "lost" - once you reach FRA, SSA recalculates your benefit amount to give you credit for those months when benefits were withheld.

Make sure u check that your employer is actually reporting all ur earnings correctly too. My husband had issues where his overtime wasnt showing up in his SS record even tho it was on his W2. Had to get it corrected. Check your SS statement every year!

sorry if this is dumb question but how much difference does it really make in your monthly SS payment if you earn more for a few years right before retirement? like is it worth working all that overtime just for a small boost in SS?

Good choice to wait! Regarding the earnings test - once your wife reaches her FRA, there is NO earnings limit that would affect her benefits. She can earn any amount without reduction.However, before reaching FRA, in 2025 she would be subject to the earnings limit (approximately $22,560 for 2025 based on current projections), and would lose $1 in benefits for every $2 earned above that limit.Since you mentioned she'll be at her FRA when you file next year, she's in the clear - no earnings test will apply to her at that point.

Perfect, thank you! That's exactly what I needed to know. It's so helpful to have clear explanations from people who understand these complex rules.

I think everyone is overthinking this. Its just a seasonal job way under SGA. Report it and dont worry.

Did anyone mention EXTENDED PERIOD OF ELIGIBILITY??? After the 9 TWP months there's 36 MORE months where benefits can restart without a new application if earnings drop below SGA!!! The SSA website is SO CONFUSING about this!!!

Thank you all so much for the helpful advice! I'm going to apply for SSI right away to get the disability determination process started, even though I know we'll be denied based on our current finances. I'll make sure to specifically ask about the vehicle exception and the Disabled Adult Child benefits too. I've started gathering all his medical records going back several years. His main conditions are autism (level 2), epilepsy, and a rare genetic disorder that affects his mobility. I'm hoping that with good documentation, the medical determination part will go smoothly. I really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences. It makes me feel less alone in navigating this complicated system.

Just to add some information that may be helpful - make sure when you apply that you also ask about CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) or your state's equivalent if you don't already have this coverage. Even if you're denied SSI due to financial reasons, your child might still qualify for some health coverage programs based on his disabilities. Also, don't forget to look into state-specific disability programs. Many states have supplemental programs beyond what SSA offers. Your local Developmental Disabilities Administration or Community Services Board might have resources regardless of SSI eligibility. Lastly, document EVERYTHING about how his disabilities impact daily living - not just medical appointments, but things like: needs help with dressing, cannot be left unsupervised, requires assistance with meals, has difficulty following multi-step instructions, etc. These functional limitations are just as important as the medical diagnoses for SSA's disability determination.

Sorry about your situation. Just wondering tho - are you sure he's really terminal? My uncle was told he had 6 months to live with pancreatic cancer but that was 5 years ago and he's still going strong after some experimental treatment. Maybe get a second opinion?

After reading all the comments, I think there's some confusion about the timing. You don't need to apply for anything right now while your ex is still living. Survivor benefits only come into play after he passes away. At that point, if you're 60 or older, you can apply for divorced spouse survivor benefits. In the meantime, focus on understanding your options so you can make the best choice when the time comes. The SSA has a "Survivors Planner" section on their website that explains all of this in detail. Just to reiterate - both you and his current wife can potentially receive full survivor benefits based on his record. They are not split or reduced because there are multiple eligible survivors.