Thank you all for this helpful info! I think I'm going to run some actual numbers based on what you've shared. It seems like I have three choices: 1. File at 62, take the permanent reduction AND deal with earnings test reductions 2. Keep working but reduce hours to stay under that $22,320 limit 3. Just wait until my FRA to avoid all these complications I'm leaning toward option 3 now that I understand better. One more question though - when my husband files at 70, does that mean I need to file something with SSA right away to establish myself as eligible for spousal benefits later? Or can I just wait until I reach FRA and then apply?

I'd like to add one more consideration that might help with your decision. Since you mentioned your husband is delaying until 70 to maximize his benefits, you should know that his higher benefit amount will also increase your potential spousal benefit. Spousal benefits are calculated as a percentage of his Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), not his actual benefit amount with delayed retirement credits. However, there's a strategy some couples use called "claim and invest." If you claim spousal benefits at 62 (even with the reductions), you could potentially invest those payments for the 5 years until your FRA. Depending on market performance, this might offset some of the permanent reduction - though this comes with investment risk. Also, regarding your work situation: the earnings test only applies until you reach FRA. Once you hit 67, you can earn any amount without benefit reductions. And as Omar mentioned, any benefits withheld due to the earnings test aren't lost forever - they increase your future monthly payments. Given your numbers ($950 own benefit vs $1,500 spousal at FRA), waiting until FRA for spousal benefits probably makes the most financial sense unless you have an immediate need for the income.

I just joined this community after struggling with government websites for months, and wow - this thread is exactly what I needed to see! I've been putting off updating my contact info with SSA because I was dreading dealing with their website, but now I know I'm not crazy for expecting it to actually work properly. It's both frustrating and comforting to learn that these logout bugs have been affecting so many people for months. The detailed breakdown of solutions here is fantastic - from trying the mobile app to using services like Claimyr to skip hold times. I'm definitely bookmarking this thread for when I finally tackle my own account updates. Thanks to everyone who took the time to share their experiences and follow up with what actually worked. This kind of community knowledge-sharing makes dealing with bureaucratic tech issues so much less overwhelming!

As a newcomer to this community, I'm incredibly grateful to have found this thread! I've been putting off updating my email address with SSA for weeks because I kept running into the same logout error that everyone here has described. Reading through all these experiences has been so validating - I was starting to think I was doing something fundamentally wrong. The range of solutions shared here is impressive, from trying different browsers and timing strategies to using services like Claimyr to bypass the notorious hold times. It's particularly helpful to see Carmen's follow-up confirming that the agent assistance route actually worked. What strikes me most is how this community doesn't just identify problems but actively shares practical workarounds and real results. The tips about screenshotting error messages, using simpler passwords temporarily, and having backup verification methods ready are exactly the kind of detailed advice that can save hours of frustration. Thanks to everyone who has contributed to making this such a comprehensive resource for dealing with SSA's technical issues. This thread will definitely be my roadmap when I tackle my own account updates!

I went through a very similar situation when my husband passed away 5 years ago. The lack of clear information from SSA is unfortunately very common, but don't give up! Here's what finally worked for me: I made an in-person appointment at my local SSA office and brought a written list of specific questions. I asked them to print out my complete earnings record and my husband's earnings record, then requested they calculate both scenarios side by side. One thing that might help - when you call or visit, ask specifically for a "restricted application analysis" or "comparative benefit analysis." Sometimes using their technical terms gets you transferred to someone who actually knows how to run these calculations. Also, your SSA.gov account should show your estimated retirement benefits at different ages, but unfortunately it won't show survivor benefit estimates. You'll need to get those numbers directly from them. The good news is that once you have the actual numbers, the decision becomes much clearer. In my case, taking my reduced retirement first and switching to survivor benefits at my FRA was the right choice, but everyone's situation is different based on their respective work histories.

I'm so sorry for your loss and I completely understand your frustration with getting clear information from SSA. This is actually a really common problem that many widows and widowers face. One thing that might help is to request what's called a "PEBES" (Personal Earnings and Benefit Estimate Statement) for both you and your late husband during your appointment. This will show the actual dollar amounts for different claiming scenarios. Also, since your husband passed at 54 before claiming benefits, his survivor benefit would be based on what he would have received at his full retirement age (or what he was receiving if he had been collecting disability). This is different from spousal benefits and often provides more value. Your strategy of taking your own benefit first then switching could definitely make sense depending on the numbers. The key is getting someone at SSA who can run the actual calculations using their ANYPIA system. Don't be afraid to ask for a supervisor or technical specialist if the first person you speak with can't provide specific dollar amounts. You deserve to have all the information you need to make this important decision!

I'm glad I found this thread! I'm in a similar situation but with a twist - my husband is also considering filing for his own retirement benefits early while staying on SSDI. Does anyone know if him switching from SSDI to regular retirement benefits would affect my potential widow benefits? I assume my widow benefit would be based on whatever he's receiving at the time he passes away, whether that's SSDI or retirement benefits. But I want to make sure before we make any decisions about his filing strategy.

This is such a great discussion! I work as a benefits counselor at a local senior center and see so much confusion about this exact issue. The key thing that many people don't realize is that Social Security treats your own retirement benefits and survivor benefits as completely separate calculations. One additional tip I'd add: if you're planning to take your own benefits at 65 but think you might be eligible for higher widow benefits later, you can actually apply for both types of benefits when the time comes and SSA will automatically pay you whichever is higher. This is called "deemed filing" - you don't have to choose one or the other permanently. Also, for anyone reading this thread, I always recommend getting a written estimate from SSA showing your projected widow benefits at different ages. They can provide this even while your spouse is still alive. Having it in writing helps avoid the confusion that comes from verbal explanations that might vary between representatives. The documentation advice from Dylan is spot on - I always tell clients to request written confirmation of any benefit calculations or policy explanations they receive.

WATCH OUT for taxes!!!! Many people don't realize that up to 85% of your SS benefits can be taxable depending on your other income. Make sure you understand how this works or you might get a nasty surprise next April!!

Jessica, based on everything you've shared, it sounds like filing now makes sense for your situation. You're already retired, comfortable with the reduced benefit amount, and currently drawing from savings to supplement your pension. The key factors working in your favor: 1) You have that 12-month withdrawal option as a safety net if you change your mind, 2) You're not planning to return to work so no earnings test concerns, and 3) You'd rather have the guaranteed income now than worry about potential future changes. Just make sure to factor in the tax implications that Bethany mentioned - with your $1,400 pension plus $2,275 in SS, you'll likely have some portion of your benefits taxed. But honestly, given that you're already dipping into retirement savings, getting that SS income flowing seems like the right call. Best of luck with whatever you decide!