One last thing to consider: If your ex-spouse hasn't filed for their benefits yet, you can still receive divorced spouse benefits based on their record as long as you've been divorced for at least 2 years and they're eligible for benefits (even if not claiming yet). This is called the two-year divorce rule or 'independently entitled divorced spouse' benefits. Just another factor to consider in your planning.

One thing I'd like to add from my experience working with SSA benefits: Don't forget that divorced spouse benefits are based on your ex's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), not what they're actually receiving if they filed early or late. So even if your ex filed at 62 and gets a reduced benefit, your divorced spouse benefit would still be calculated from their full retirement age amount. This is actually favorable for you! Also, just to confirm what others have said - you'll definitely need to call after filing online to make sure they calculate both options. The online system just doesn't have that comparison feature built in unfortunately.

I just want to warn everyone that SS doesn't always explain all ur options!! My mom found out YEARS after my dad died that she could have gotten more by switching between benefits. No one told her! Make them run ALL the calculations and get everything in writing!!!!

This is such valuable information everyone is sharing! As someone new to navigating survivor benefits, I'm learning so much from reading about your experiences. One thing I'd add - I've heard that it's really important to apply for survivor benefits in person at a local SSA office rather than online, especially for complex situations like switching strategies. The online system apparently doesn't handle the nuances well, and you need an experienced representative who can walk through all the scenarios with you. Also, @Zadie Patel, you might want to consider getting a written benefit estimate for both scenarios before making your final decision. That way you have documentation of what SSA calculated and can refer back to it if there are any issues later. The stories about people missing out on thousands because they weren't told about all their options are really concerning. It seems like you really have to advocate for yourself and ask specifically about switching strategies.

Thank you all so much for the helpful responses! This is much more complicated than I thought, but I understand better now. I'm going to run some calculations to see whether taking my small benefit early is worth the permanent reduction to my eventual spousal benefit. Since we have some savings, I might be able to wait until my FRA. I'll definitely try to speak with SSA directly to get exact numbers for my situation before making a final decision.

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - you might want to consider whether you qualify for any other benefits while waiting. If your income is low enough, you could potentially qualify for programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or utility assistance during those years between 62 and your FRA. Sometimes these benefits can help bridge the gap financially, making it more feasible to wait for the higher Social Security payments. Also, don't forget that if you do take your benefit early at 62, you'll be subject to the earnings test if you're still working. In 2024, you can only earn up to $22,320 without having benefits reduced. Just another factor to consider in your planning! Good luck with your decision - it sounds like you're being very thoughtful about weighing all the options.

The original poster has outlined the correct approach in their last comment. To summarize this thread with accurate information: 1. Due to the deemed filing rules for those born after 1954, you can't file a restricted application to claim ex-spouse benefits first, then switch to your own later. 2. When you apply for benefits, SSA will calculate both your own retirement benefit and your ex-spouse benefit (50% of their PIA), and pay you the higher of the two amounts. 3. If you claim any benefits before your full retirement age (67), they will be permanently reduced. 4. Working while collecting benefits before FRA will subject you to the earnings test, which may temporarily reduce your benefits. 5. The mathematically optimal strategy (if you can afford it) is usually to wait until 70 to claim the higher of the two benefits, especially if you expect to live beyond approximately age 82.

One more thing to keep in mind - since your ex is on SSDI, his disability benefits will automatically convert to retirement benefits when he reaches his full retirement age (probably 66 or 67 depending on his birth year). The amount stays the same, but this conversion might affect how SSA calculates your potential ex-spouse benefit. When you call them, make sure to mention that he's currently receiving disability benefits rather than retirement benefits. Also, just to be extra clear - you don't need to be in contact with your ex or get his permission. SSA has all the records they need to determine your eligibility and benefit amounts. Good luck with your decision!

I just got off the phone with SS after a 2 hour wait! They confirmed what you all said - my limit is about $62,160 (they gave me the exact number) from Jan 1 to May 23. After that, no limit at all. But the rep warned me that if I earn too much in those early months, I might have to pay back some benefits. I'm going to try to stay under the limit to be safe. BTW they also told me to report my expected earnings for 2025 in advance using the SSA website, which I didn't know was possible!

Just wanted to add one more thing that might be helpful for your planning - when you do reach FRA in May, you'll also become eligible for delayed retirement credits if you decide to delay claiming further increases to your benefit. Since you're already receiving benefits, this doesn't apply to you, but it's worth knowing that the earnings test elimination at FRA is permanent. Also, regarding work scheduling - since you know your exact limit now ($62,160 through May 23), you might want to calculate backwards from that number to figure out your safe hourly/weekly earnings rate for those first 4+ months. That way you can give your boss a clear answer about the additional hours without risking going over the threshold. Good luck with your work planning for 2025!