UPDATE: I just want to thank everyone for the helpful advice. I talked to my potential employer and negotiated a work schedule that will keep me under the $22,320 annual limit. I'll be tracking my earnings carefully, and I'm relieved to know the exact rules now. This community has been incredibly helpful!

Congratulations on working out a solution with your employer! That's really smart planning. Just wanted to add one more tip for anyone else in a similar situation - if you're close to the earnings limit, consider asking your employer about flexible scheduling or the option to temporarily reduce hours later in the year if needed. Many employers are understanding about Social Security restrictions, especially for part-time positions. It's much easier to stay under the limit proactively than to deal with overpayments later!

Based on everything I'm reading here, it sounds like you and your husband have a really strong case for being considered "permanently separated" by SSA standards. The 10-year separation with completely separate finances, addresses, and tax filings is exactly what they look for. I'd recommend having your husband gather all that documentation that Amara mentioned before he applies - lease agreements, utility bills, tax returns showing the long separation. Also, don't be discouraged if the first person he talks to at SSA gives conflicting information - it's unfortunately common. If he gets denied initially, the appeals process often works out better because they take more time to review all the evidence. Good luck to both of you!

Wow, this has been such a comprehensive discussion! As someone who's been through a similar situation with my sister's case, I want to emphasize one crucial point that really made a difference for us: timing and preparation. Before your husband applies, I'd strongly recommend calling SSA (maybe using that Claimyr service Dylan mentioned to avoid the hold times) and asking specifically about their current policies for "deemed spouse" situations with long-term separations. Sometimes local offices have slightly different interpretations, so getting clarity upfront can save months of back-and-forth. Also, consider having a brief consultation with a disability attorney or benefits specialist - many offer free consultations and can help identify any potential issues before you submit the application. Your case sounds incredibly strong with the 10-year separation and all the documentation, but having professional guidance can make the difference between a smooth approval and months of appeals. Best of luck to both of you - you've got this!

Thank you all for the helpful information! After reading everything, I think we'll still proceed with me filing at 65 and my wife filing for spousal benefits at 62. The reduced amount will still help our situation, and with my health concerns, waiting doesn't make sense for us. I've already enrolled in Medicare (did that last month), so we're all set there. I appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and knowledge - this has been really valuable for our planning!

One thing to keep in mind is that your wife's spousal benefit won't automatically start when you file - she needs to submit her own application. The SSA doesn't automatically enroll spouses, even if they're clearly eligible. Also, make sure she applies using Form SSA-2 (Application for Spouse's or Divorced Spouse's Benefits) rather than the regular retirement application. The process is pretty straightforward, but having all your documentation ready (marriage certificate, her birth certificate, your SSN) will help avoid delays. Since you're both filing early, it's smart that you've already done the math on what to expect. Good luck with everything!

Based on what others have said, here's a practical strategy to consider: 1. Check your earnings record on the MySocialSecurity website to see your 35-year history 2. Identify low-earning years that you could potentially replace 3. Try to maximize earnings up to the annual cap ($168,600 for 2025) 4. Consider working until 70 if health permits, to get that 8% annual increase after FRA 5. Use the SSA calculators to estimate how different earning levels would affect your benefit Remember that Social Security was designed as a safety net, not your sole retirement income. Ideally, you'll have other savings (401k, IRA, etc.) to supplement.

dont trust SS to be there when u retire!!! my dad says the whole system is going bankrupt by 2034 and we'll all get reduced benefits anyway so what does it matter

To directly answer your original question: Your PIA of $2,245 is the basic benefit amount before ANY deductions (Medicare or taxes). Whether that's exactly what you'll receive depends on when you claim relative to your FRA. Then Medicare premiums and any tax withholding you've requested will be subtracted before the payment hits your bank account.

One thing that might help with planning - you can create a my Social Security account online at ssa.gov to see your benefit estimate at different claiming ages. It shows your PIA at full retirement age, plus what you'd get if you claim early (reduced) or late (with delayed retirement credits up to age 70). This can help you see exactly how much you'd receive before Medicare deductions at different claiming strategies. I found this tool super helpful when I was planning my retirement timeline!