I'm a newer member here but wanted to share that I went through something very similar last year. The inconsistency in information from SSA reps is unfortunately common, but the advice from others here is spot on - your survivor FRA is what matters for the earnings test, not your regular retirement FRA. One thing that helped me was writing down the specific POMS section numbers and publication references that others have mentioned here before my appointment. I also brought a printed copy of my questions so I wouldn't forget anything during what can be a stressful conversation. Since you're self-employed, make sure you have your Schedule SE handy when you apply - they'll want to see your net earnings calculation. And definitely emphasize when you call that this is specifically for SURVIVOR benefits, not retirement benefits. That seemed to route me to more knowledgeable representatives. Good luck with your application this summer! The community here has been incredibly helpful for navigating these complex situations.

As someone who's been navigating Social Security for a while, I can confirm what others have said - the earnings test for survivor benefits definitely uses your survivor FRA, not your regular retirement FRA. You're absolutely right to be frustrated about getting conflicting information from different reps! Since your survivor FRA is December 2025, you'll have the higher earnings limit ($62,000 for 2025) for the entire year. The key thing to remember is that once you reach that survivor FRA in December, there's no earnings limit at all going forward. I'd suggest when you call to schedule your appointment, ask to speak with someone who specializes in survivor benefits specifically. Sometimes the general reps aren't as familiar with the nuances between retirement and survivor benefit rules. Also, consider visiting your local SSA office in person if possible - I've found the face-to-face interactions sometimes yield more knowledgeable representatives. Make sure to bring copies of all the documentation others mentioned, and don't hesitate to ask them to put their explanation in writing or add notes to your file. That way if you need to call back, there's a record of what was discussed. The whole system can be frustrating, but you're asking the right questions and this community is great for getting accurate information!

KEEP FIGHTING!!! Don't let them get away with this! When this happened to me I had to call my congressperson's office to get help when SSA was dragging their feet. The congressional inquiry lit a fire under them and suddenly they were VERY responsive. Don't be afraid to escalate if you're not getting answers.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this - what a stressful situation! Based on what others have shared here, it definitely sounds like an administrative error during your conversion. One thing I'd suggest is also requesting a "benefit verification letter" from your mySocialSecurity account if you can access it - this sometimes shows more detail about how they calculated your current payment amount and might give you clues about what went wrong. Also, if you do end up needing to escalate to your congressperson, having documentation of multiple failed attempts to reach SSA by phone will strengthen your case. I really hope you get this resolved quickly - that's a huge difference in your monthly income and you shouldn't have to stress about this when the conversion was supposed to be seamless!

FRIENDLY WARNING from someone who's been there: SSA is TERRIBLE at implementing these earnings limit reductions correctly!!! They messed up my benefits THREE TIMES, sending me overpayment notices for money I didn't actually owe. Keep DETAILED records of everything - your monthly income, your communications with SSA, EVERYTHING. And when they inevitably mess up your benefits calculation, be prepared to spend HOURS on the phone getting it fixed. The system is broken and understaffed.

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm in a similar boat - 62 and considering survivor benefits while still working part-time. The monthly vs annual earnings test distinction for the first year is something I had NO idea about. One question for those who've been through this - do they count gross earnings or net earnings toward the $23,400/$1,950 limits? And does this include things like tips or just W-2 wages? I work at a restaurant and get both hourly pay and tips, so I want to make sure I'm tracking the right numbers. Also, has anyone had success using the SSA's online earnings reporting tool, or is it better to call? Based on what I'm reading here about their phone system, I'm not optimistic about either option!

Everyone's talking about the website but my grandson helped me call the Social Security number (1-800-772-1213) and they mailed me a statement that showed all my options. Took about 2 weeks to get it. Shows what I'd get at 62, 67, and 70. I'm going with 67 since my health isn't great and I need the money. Don't believe what the financial advisors say about always waiting - sometimes taking it earlier makes sense!

Hi Miguel! I went through this exact same process about 6 months ago when I was planning my retirement. The my Social Security account on ssa.gov really is the gold standard - it shows your actual earnings history and gives you personalized estimates based on your real work record. For the identity verification issues others mentioned, I had better luck doing it during off-peak hours (like mid-afternoon on a weekday). The system seems less overloaded then. You'll need your Social Security card, a photo ID, and be able to answer questions about your credit history or past addresses. Since you mentioned working consistently since 22 with about 6 years off, you likely have close to 30+ years of earnings, which puts you in a decent position. The calculator will show you exactly how those gap years affected your benefit calculation. And regarding your brother-in-law's estimate of $2,500 - that's not unrealistic depending on your earnings history. The national average is lower, but if you had steady middle-class income for most of your career, you could definitely be in that range at full retirement age (67 for you). One tip: if you do decide to work a few more years, even part-time income can help replace some of those zero-earning years from the 90s in your calculation!

I'm 64 and claimed at 62, and honestly it's been one of the best decisions I've made. My monthly benefit is about $1,580 instead of the $2,300 I would have gotten at FRA, but having that steady income has completely changed my retirement planning stress levels. What really convinced me was watching my father-in-law agonize over the decision for years, constantly running calculations and worrying about "optimal timing." He finally claimed at 66 but spent so much mental energy on the decision that he couldn't enjoy his early retirement years. Meanwhile, I've been collecting for two years now and have used that guaranteed income to reduce my 401k withdrawals during market downturns. The other thing that worked in my favor - I was able to negotiate a part-time arrangement with my old employer specifically because I had SS coming in. Without that financial pressure, I could take a 20-hour/week consulting role that keeps me engaged but gives me tons more flexibility. The earnings limit hasn't been an issue since I keep it around $18k annually. Yes, I'm "leaving money on the table" in theory, but in reality I've gained peace of mind, financial flexibility, and two extra years of guaranteed income. Sometimes the emotional and practical benefits outweigh the pure mathematics. With your health concerns and solid savings, it sounds like you're thinking about this the right way.

I claimed at 62 last year and it was definitely the right call for my situation. My monthly benefit is $1,695 instead of the $2,450 I would have gotten at FRA, but I've already received over $20,000 that I wouldn't have had otherwise. What really helped me decide was looking at it from a risk management perspective rather than just the break-even math. Yes, if I live to 85+ I'll theoretically lose money, but I've eliminated several major risks: market crashes affecting my 401k withdrawals, potential changes to Social Security, and most importantly, the risk of not being healthy enough to enjoy the money later. I've been able to pay off my mortgage early with the extra cash flow, which eliminated a monthly expense and gave me even more financial breathing room. That psychological benefit of being debt-free has been huge for my peace of mind. One practical tip: I opened a separate savings account just for my SS payments and treat it as "bonus" money for travel and experiences. My regular retirement accounts cover my basic expenses, so the SS feels like found money that I can spend guilt-free on enjoying life. Given your health concerns and solid savings cushion, I think claiming early makes a lot of sense. The bird in the hand really is worth more than two in the bush when you're talking about your health and happiness in your 60s.