Thank you everyone for the helpful responses. I'm going to reconsider my retirement timing based on this information. Seems like I have three options: 1. Keep working but limit my earnings to stay under the annual threshold 2. Wait until FRA to start collecting any benefits 3. Do a clean retirement mid-2025 and rely on the monthly earnings test I need to talk with my financial advisor about which makes the most sense for our situation. I really appreciate all the information and personal experiences shared here.

One thing to keep in mind as you're considering your options - if you do decide to go with option 3 (clean retirement mid-2025), make sure you have documentation showing your actual retirement date. I've seen cases where people thought they had a clean break but SSA questioned whether they truly "retired" based on things like keeping business licenses active or maintaining professional relationships that could lead to future work. Also, when you talk to your financial advisor, ask them to run the numbers on how the temporary benefit reduction compares to the permanent increase you'll get by waiting until FRA. Sometimes the math works out better to take the hit now, especially with a family depending on the benefits, but every situation is different. Good luck with your decision - it's great that you're researching this thoroughly before making the leap!

Connor, you're making a smart move by considering the survivor benefit angle - that's often the biggest factor people overlook in this decision. Since you mentioned your wife is 61 and would likely outlive you, delaying your benefits (even just to FRA instead of claiming now at 63) could significantly increase her lifetime financial security. Here's something else to consider: at 63, you're still 3.5 years away from your FRA of 66 and 6 months. If you claim now, you'd face a roughly 25% permanent reduction in benefits. But if you can bridge the gap until FRA with other income sources, you'd avoid that early filing penalty while not having to wait all the way until 70. Also, don't forget about the earnings test if you're still working - if you claim before FRA and earn more than about $22,320 annually, they'll withhold $1 for every $2 you earn above that limit. That money gets added back to your benefit later, but it's another complication to factor in. The middle ground approach of claiming at FRA sounds reasonable given your family history concerns while still maximizing the survivor benefit for your wife. You might want to use SSA's online calculator to see the exact dollar differences between your options.

As someone who went through this exact decision process two years ago, I want to add another perspective on the life expectancy vs. breakeven calculation. You're absolutely right to question whether the breakeven point relates to SSA's life expectancy data - it doesn't directly, but there's an important connection you should know about. The SSA's actuarial assumptions built into the delayed retirement credit system were designed decades ago when life expectancies were shorter. What this means is that if you have reason to believe you'll live longer than the "average" person from those older tables (better healthcare, higher education, good genes on one side of the family), the 8% annual increase for delaying becomes even more valuable. But here's what really struck me about your situation: you mentioned your wife is younger and would likely outlive you. Have you looked into the "claim and invest" strategy? Some people in your position claim at FRA, then invest the difference between what they would have received versus what they'll eventually get at 70. If you're disciplined about investing that money, you might come out ahead even if you don't live to the traditional breakeven age. One more thought - at 63 with some health concerns, consider getting a more comprehensive health evaluation. Sometimes blood pressure issues can be early indicators of other cardiovascular risks that might influence your longevity projections. Knowledge is power in this decision!

I'm going through something very similar right now! Started collecting at 62 in February 2025 and also still working part-time. The monthly reporting for this first year has actually been working out well for me since my income varies quite a bit month to month. One thing I discovered that might help you - when you do switch to annual reporting next year, you can still contact SSA mid-year to update your earnings estimate if your situation changes significantly. I called them when I picked up some extra freelance work and they were able to adjust my projections without any issues. Since you're in accounting, you probably already have good record-keeping habits, but I'd suggest tracking not just your monthly earnings for SSA reporting, but also noting which months are your highest and lowest earning periods. This will make your 2026 annual estimate much more accurate when the time comes. The transition from monthly to annual reporting definitely feels like less paperwork, but as others have mentioned, being conservative with your annual estimate is key. Good luck with the rest of your first year reporting!

As someone who just went through this transition myself, I can confirm what others have said - the first year is monthly reporting, then it switches to annual. I started collecting in January 2024 at age 64 and had to do monthly reporting all of last year. One thing that really helped me with the seasonal income issue (I do tax prep work too!) was keeping a simple spreadsheet tracking my monthly earnings alongside the SSA forms. When it came time to estimate my 2025 annual earnings, I could see the clear pattern of my busy season vs. slow months. The annual reporting is definitely easier from a paperwork standpoint, but like everyone's mentioned, be conservative with your estimate. I slightly overestimated my 2025 earnings and would rather get a small refund than deal with an overpayment situation. Also, don't stress too much about the transition - SSA will send you clear instructions when it's time to switch to annual reporting. They're pretty good about walking you through the process, even if getting them on the phone can be challenging sometimes!

I went through this exact situation about 18 months ago! Took early retirement at 62 due to severe rheumatoid arthritis, then applied for disability benefits about 4 months later when I realized I could get the full amount. Here's what I learned that might help you: **Medical documentation is crucial** - Make sure your doctors are documenting not just your diagnoses, but specifically how these conditions limit your ability to work. For example, how long you can sit/stand, your grip strength limitations, cognitive issues from pain/fatigue, etc. This is called your "residual functional capacity." **The anesthesia complication is actually important** - That should be documented as it shows surgery isn't a reasonable treatment option for you. SSA sometimes expects you to pursue all reasonable treatments. **Timeline matters** - You mentioned you've been on early retirement for 6 months. Since SSA only gives backpay for 12 months prior to application, and you can't get disability benefits for periods you were already receiving retirement, your potential backpay would likely start from when you first filed for early retirement (if you can prove you were disabled then). **About attorneys** - I initially applied without one and got approved, but it took 11 months. Having all your medical ducks in a row from the start really helped. If you have comprehensive medical records and your doctors support your disability claim, you might not need an attorney for the initial application. The process was stressful but worth it - I now receive about $980 more per month than I was getting with the early retirement reduction. Don't let anyone discourage you from applying!

I'm in a very similar situation and this thread has been incredibly informative! I'm 63 and took early retirement 8 months ago due to degenerative disc disease and chronic pain, but I'm now realizing I might be able to get disability benefits to remove that early retirement penalty. A few things I wanted to add based on my research: **Work while waiting** - You can continue part-time work during the application process as long as you stay under the SGA limit ($1,530/month for 2025). However, SSA will look at your work activity as evidence of your capabilities, so document everything about how difficult those work days are for you. **Medical evidence timeline** - Make sure you have recent medical evidence (within the last year) that supports your disability claim. Even if you have years of documentation, they'll want to see current status of your conditions. **Functional limitations** - From what I've learned, SSA cares more about what you CAN'T do than what conditions you have. So when you see your doctors, make sure they're documenting things like: difficulty lifting/carrying, problems with prolonged sitting or standing, concentration issues, attendance problems due to flare-ups, etc. **Pain management records** - Keep detailed records of all treatments you've tried and failed. This shows you've made good faith efforts to manage your conditions. The fact that you have multiple conditions (osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, PTSD) that can be evaluated together really strengthens your case. I'm planning to apply next month after reading everyone's experiences here. Good luck to both of us!

I'm in a similar situation - currently on SSDI and approaching my FRA in a few years. This thread has been incredibly helpful! One thing I wanted to add that I learned from my case worker: when you apply for the ex-spouse benefit, make sure to ask specifically about "auxiliary benefits" - sometimes the SSA representatives don't automatically check for all the different types of benefits you might qualify for. Also, if your ex-spouse hasn't filed for their retirement benefits yet but is over 62, you can still potentially get benefits on their record as long as you've been divorced for at least 2 years. @Victoria Scott - have you considered reaching out to your local Area Agency on Aging? Even though you're not quite at their typical age range, they sometimes have benefits counselors who specialize in Social Security transitions and can help you navigate all these moving pieces with the LTD ending and potential ex-spouse benefits. They might know about local resources that could help bridge the gap when your LTD stops. The automatic conversion at 67 really is seamless though - that's one less thing to worry about!

One more thing to keep in mind - when you're getting close to 67 and your LTD is ending, make sure you understand exactly when your LTD payments stop versus when your SSDI converts to retirement. Some LTD policies end on your 67th birthday, while SSDI converts to retirement benefits in the month you reach full retirement age. If there's any gap, you'll want to plan for that financially. Also, regarding the ex-spouse benefit calculation - remember that if you do qualify for additional money based on your ex's record, you'll receive the higher of either your own benefit OR the spousal benefit, not both added together. So if your own benefit is $1,890 and the spousal benefit would be $1,950, you'd get $1,950 total, not $3,840. One last tip: when you go to apply for the ex-spouse benefit, bring copies of everything rather than originals if possible. SSA can make copies right there, but you'll feel better knowing your important documents are safe at home. Good luck with everything!