One important clarification on totalization that hasn't been mentioned: the agreement doesn't mean those German earnings will show up on his SSA earnings record the way US wages would. Instead, SSA will calculate something called a "theoretical benefit" as if all combined work periods were under US Social Security, then prorate it based on the percentage of work performed in the US. This means that after all your paperwork is processed, his earnings record might still show zeros for those years, but SSA will have internal documentation about the German covered employment that will increase his benefit calculation when he applies for retirement benefits. The most important document is the German equivalent of our Social Security statement showing covered earnings and contributions to their system.

Just wanted to add my experience as someone who went through this process with my husband's UK earnings about 3 years ago. The most frustrating part was that different SSA employees gave us completely different information each time we called or visited. One told us we didn't need any special forms, another said totalization doesn't affect benefit amounts at all, and a third said we needed to contact the UK first. What finally worked was finding an SSA employee who specialized in international cases. They explained that not all offices handle totalization agreements regularly, so it's worth asking specifically for someone with international experience when you make your appointment. Also, bring every single piece of documentation you have from Germany - even if they say they don't need it all, having extra paperwork available saved us from multiple trips. The good news is once it's properly processed, the benefit increase can be significant depending on his German earnings during those years. Good luck with the process!

good luck whatever u decide! its hard finding the balance between health and money

As someone who navigated a similar situation, I'd strongly recommend contacting a WIPA counselor before making any decisions. They can run personalized scenarios based on your specific benefits and earnings projections. One thing to consider that hasn't been mentioned - if you do start working and find you can't sustain it, there's something called "Unsuccessful Work Attempt" (UWA) provisions that can protect you if you have to stop working due to your disability within 6 months. Given your unpredictable condition, this could be relevant. Also, since you're so close to FRA, you might want to calculate whether the potential earnings during TWP months plus any reduced benefits during EPE would actually exceed just waiting 14 months. Sometimes the math doesn't work out as well as it initially appears, especially when you factor in taxes and potential impacts on other benefits.

I've been getting Social Security disability for about 8 years now, and I've noticed they seem to send them out in batches based on your Social Security number. People with numbers ending in certain digits get theirs first. My husband and I almost always get ours about 10 days apart even though we're at the same address. Maybe your SSN just puts you in a later batch this year?

I work at a tax preparation office and can confirm that the SSA typically mails out 1099s throughout January, with the deadline being January 31st. What many people don't realize is that the forms are often available online several days before they arrive by mail. If you're having trouble with the SSA website, try calling their main number (1-800-772-1213) early in the morning - wait times are usually shorter between 8-9 AM. Also, if you use a tax preparer, they can often help you access your online account or work with estimated numbers while you wait for the physical form to arrive.

Just to summarize what's been covered for clarity: 1. If you wait until 70 to claim and then pass away, your wife would receive your full benefit amount including delayed retirement credits as her survivor benefit (assuming she's at her FRA when claiming survivor benefits) 2. This is often the optimal strategy for married couples with disparate benefit amounts 3. If she claims survivor benefits before her FRA, they will be reduced 4. She has flexibility to claim her own benefit and survivor benefit at different times 5. COLA increases that accumulate while you delay will also be included in the survivor benefit Based on what you've shared, your strategy of delaying to 70 seems very sound, especially given your family longevity history and the significant difference between your and your wife's benefit amounts.

This is such a great discussion! I'm in a similar situation and have been wrestling with the same decision. One additional consideration I'd add is to make sure you and your wife both understand the "deemed filing" rules that might apply if she claims benefits before her FRA while you're still alive. If she files for her own retirement benefit before reaching her FRA and you're already collecting, she would be required to also file for spousal benefits at the same time (if eligible), and both would be permanently reduced. This could affect the timing strategy some couples use. Also, have you considered using the Social Security calculators on ssa.gov to run different scenarios? They can help you see the break-even points for different claiming strategies. Given your family's longevity and the significant benefit difference, delaying to 70 really does seem like the smart move for maximizing lifetime household benefits.

Based on what you've shared, here's my recommendation: 1. Request your Social Security statement through your my Social Security account to see exactly what your benefit amounts would be at different ages. 2. Calculate your ex-spousal benefit (approximately 50% of your ex's FRA benefit amount, reduced if you claim early). 3. Compare this to your own benefit at 62 vs. FRA. 4. Consider your health outlook and financial needs. In most cases where you're the higher earner, your own benefit will exceed the ex-spousal benefit, but you need the actual numbers to make an informed decision. Given your health concerns, don't automatically assume waiting until FRA is best - run the numbers for your specific situation.

Welcome to the community! I'm dealing with a somewhat similar situation and wanted to share what I've learned through my own research. One thing that might be worth exploring is whether your health conditions could potentially qualify you for a disability freeze on your Social Security earnings record, even if you don't qualify for SSDI benefits. This wouldn't give you immediate benefits, but it could prevent those non-working years from dragging down your future benefit calculation. Also, since you mentioned you're 62 now (not 60 as in your title), you do have the option to file for your own reduced benefits immediately if your financial situation requires it. The key is getting those exact benefit estimates from SSA so you can make an informed decision based on your specific circumstances rather than general rules. Good luck with everything!