This thread has been incredibly enlightening! I'm 67 and in a similar position - still working part-time as a librarian and wrestling with the same decision. What really resonates with me from everyone's stories is that this isn't just a mathematical equation, despite what all the online calculators would have you believe. The point about family longevity really strikes home. My family tends to live into their 90s, which would suggest waiting until 70 makes sense mathematically. But reading about @Freya Thomsen's experience with her wife getting sick at 73, and @CosmicCaptain's brother passing at 71, really drives home that we just don't know what the future holds. I've been particularly interested in the discussion about the psychological aspects of starting benefits while working. The idea that it could provide more confidence and freedom in work decisions is something I hadn't considered but makes total sense. At our age, having that financial cushion might allow us to be more selective about the work we take on or give us the courage to speak up about workplace issues. One thing I'm curious about - for those who started collecting while still working, did you notice any change in how coworkers or employers treated you? I worry sometimes about age discrimination, and I wonder if there's any risk in essentially announcing your retirement eligibility by starting SS benefits. Thanks @Javier Torres for such a thoughtful question and everyone for sharing such personal insights!

As someone who's been following this discussion closely, I'm really struck by how much this decision varies from person to person despite seeming like it should have a clear mathematical answer. I'm currently 64 and still have a few years before I need to make this choice, but reading through everyone's experiences has been incredibly valuable. What really stands out to me is the tension between the "guaranteed 8% return" argument and all the real-life factors that don't show up in the calculators - health uncertainties, quality of life considerations, the psychological benefits of having income security, and even workplace dynamics. The stories about family members who waited and passed away early are sobering reminders that we're all making decisions with incomplete information about our own futures. At the same time, the detailed tax and IRMAA discussions show how complex the actual financial picture can be beyond just the benefit amount. I think what I'm taking away from this thread is that while running the numbers is crucial (especially the after-tax calculations several people mentioned), there's real value in considering the non-financial aspects too. The peace of mind, the ability to enjoy money while healthy, and even the workplace confidence that comes with having another income stream - these seem like legitimate factors in the decision. Thanks to everyone for sharing such personal insights. This kind of real-world wisdom is exactly what those of us approaching these decisions need to hear alongside the official guidance and calculators.

This is all incredibly helpful! I had no idea about some of these details, especially the monthly grace year provision that Mikayla and Ella mentioned. That could really change my planning since I'm thinking about retiring mid-year anyway. Just to make sure I understand everything correctly: For 2025, the limit is $23,400 annually, but in my first year of claiming benefits I only need to stay under $1,950 per month for the months I'm actually receiving Social Security? And then it switches to the annual calculation after that first year? Also, does anyone know if there are good online calculators that can help figure out the breakeven point between claiming at 62 with reduced benefits vs waiting until full retirement age? I think Savannah made a really good point about doing those calculations before deciding.

Just wanted to add one more important consideration that might help with your decision - if you're planning to work at your daughter's bakery, make sure you understand the difference between being an employee vs. being self-employed. If you're officially an employee getting a W-2, then your earnings are straightforward for the SSA calculations. But if you're considered self-employed (getting a 1099 or working as a contractor), the earnings test gets more complicated because it's based on net self-employment income after business expenses. Also, since you mentioned needing the extra income, don't forget that even if some of your Social Security gets withheld due to the earnings test, you'll get credit for those withheld benefits when you reach full retirement age - so it's more like a temporary reduction rather than money you lose forever. This might factor into your decision about whether to claim at 62 or wait. The online calculators Santiago mentioned are definitely worth using, especially since your situation involves ongoing part-time work rather than just a simple retire-and-claim scenario.

Just wanted to add something important - make sure you're actually eligible for spousal benefits when you apply. If your husband hasn't filed for his own benefits yet, you can't claim spousal benefits on his record (unless he's doing a restricted application, which is only available to people born before 1954). Also, if you're taking spousal benefits before your FRA (Full Retirement Age), they'll be permanently reduced. At FRA, spousal benefits are 50% of your husband's PIA (Primary Insurance Amount).

Great question! I went through a similar situation last year. Your previous marriage shouldn't create any major roadblocks, but I'd recommend gathering all your documentation now to avoid delays. Here's what I needed: - Current marriage certificate (certified copy) - Divorce decree from previous marriage - Birth certificate - Social Security cards for both you and your husband The SSA representative told me they need the divorce decree to verify your previous marriage was legally terminated before your current one began. It's just standard procedure for anyone with prior marriages. One thing that helped me - I called ahead and asked exactly which documents to bring. This saved me a second trip. Also, some local SSA offices are much less busy than others, so it might be worth calling a few locations to see which has the shortest wait times. Since you're planning ahead, you're already in great shape! Most complications happen when people wait until the last minute and can't find their paperwork.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Jacob. This is definitely one of the most difficult aspects of Social Security's survivor benefit rules. As others have mentioned, you're correct that remarrying before age 60 would end your eligibility for survivor benefits from your deceased wife. I know it feels frustrating to have your personal life decisions tied to government benefits, but the financial impact is significant enough that it's worth carefully considering your timing. At $2,250/month, you'd be giving up over $50,000 if you marry before turning 60. That said, I've seen couples in your situation handle this in different ways - some choose to have commitment ceremonies, domestic partnerships, or simply live together until the survivor reaches 60. Others decide the emotional and personal benefits of marriage outweigh the financial cost. There's no universally "right" answer. My suggestion would be to sit down with your partner and have an open conversation about the numbers and your options. Make sure they understand this isn't about your commitment to them, but about making a practical financial decision that affects both of your futures together. A good partner will want to help you make the choice that's best for your shared long-term security. Whatever you decide, definitely confirm the details with SSA directly before making any final decisions.

I'm a financial planner who has helped many clients navigate this exact situation. The age 60 rule for survivor benefits is unfortunately very rigid - there are no exceptions for "financial hardship" or other circumstances if you're a surviving spouse without minor/disabled children. Since you're 58 now, you're looking at potentially giving up around $54,000 over the next two years if you marry before 60. That's a substantial amount that could significantly impact your retirement security. I'd recommend doing a comprehensive financial analysis that includes: 1) Your current survivor benefit vs. what your own retirement benefit would be at different claiming ages, 2) Your partner's financial situation and ability to help offset the lost income, 3) Other sources of retirement income you both have. Many of my clients in similar situations have opted for commitment ceremonies or domestic partnerships while waiting. It allows them to make their commitment public and official in every way except legally. Some states also have domestic partner registrations that provide many of the same legal protections as marriage without affecting federal benefits. The key is having transparent conversations with your partner about the long-term financial impact on both of your retirements. This decision will affect your household income for decades to come.

Reading through this thread as someone new to Social Security rules, I'm struck by how much conflicting information there is even among people who seem knowledgeable! It really highlights how complex the system is. @Philip Cowan, I think your decision to go with an in-person appointment is wise - it seems like getting consistent information over the phone is nearly impossible based on everyone's experiences here. One thing I noticed from the discussion is that several people mentioned the 2015 rule changes, but there seems to be disagreement about exactly what those changes affected. When you go to your appointment, it might be worth asking the representative to walk you through the specific current rules for child benefits versus spousal benefits, since those seem to be treated differently. Also, I'd suggest bringing a calculator or asking them to help you run the numbers on both scenarios - claiming now so your son can get benefits versus waiting until 70. The financial comparison over your lifetime might help make the decision clearer. Good luck with your appointment, and I really hope you'll share what you learn since this seems to be a situation many parents face!

As someone new to this community and Social Security benefits in general, I've been following this discussion with great interest since I'm likely to face similar decisions in the future. The range of experiences and advice shared here really illustrates how challenging it can be to get clear, consistent information about these important benefits. @Philip Cowan, I admire how thoughtfully you're approaching this decision - trying to balance maximizing your own retirement security while ensuring your son gets the support he's entitled to. That's exactly the kind of careful planning more people should be doing. What strikes me most from reading through everyone's responses is how much the rules seem to have changed over the years, particularly around 2015, and how even SSA representatives sometimes provide conflicting guidance. It makes me wonder if there should be clearer, more accessible resources for families navigating these situations. I'm really hoping your in-person appointment goes well and that you're able to get definitive answers. If you're comfortable sharing what you learn, I think it would be incredibly valuable for other parents who might find themselves in similar circumstances. The fact that this thread has generated so much discussion shows how common and confusing these situations can be. Best of luck with your appointment - looking forward to hearing how it goes!