just be careful with the grace year thing. my uncle thought he had that but turns out he already used it the year before when he briefly went back to work. they don't tell you when you've used it up unless you specifically ask!!

Great to see you got confirmation from SSA! That grace year provision is such a lifesaver but you're right that it's not well-publicized. One thing to keep in mind - since you'll have those higher earning months in 2024, make sure to keep good records of your monthly earnings. Even though you're covered by the grace year, it's helpful to have documentation ready in case there are any questions later. Also, for 2025 planning - once those new limits are announced in October, you might want to calculate backwards from your June FRA date to see exactly how much you can safely earn in those first 5 months. Since you mentioned getting a wage bump and potential extra shifts, having that target number will help you maximize your earnings without any surprises. The fact that you'll have zero limits starting in June 2025 is going to be such a game changer for your work flexibility!

To summarize the correct information in this thread: 1. Yes, you can claim your own retirement benefits at your FRA, then later apply for the spousal benefit when your husband files. 2. The spousal benefit calculation is the greater of: your own benefit OR up to 50% of your husband's PIA (not his actual benefit amount). 3. If 50% of your husband's PIA is more than your own benefit, you'll receive your own benefit plus the difference (the "excess spousal benefit" or "top-up"). 4. Given your numbers ($1,850 for you, $2,800 PIA for him), you likely won't receive a spousal top-up since your benefit ($1,850) exceeds 50% of his PIA ($1,400). 5. When your husband files, contact SSA to verify if you qualify for any spousal adjustment. This isn't always automatic.

Just want to add one important point that hasn't been mentioned yet - if your husband passes away before you, having him delay his benefits until age 70 (if possible) could significantly increase your survivor benefit. As the surviving spouse, you'd be eligible for 100% of his benefit amount (including any delayed retirement credits he earned by waiting past his FRA). So even though you likely won't get a spousal top-up based on your numbers, the strategy of you taking your benefit at FRA while he delays his could still pay off in the long run through a higher potential survivor benefit. Something to factor into your decision!

my dad just goes over the limit anyway cuz he says the extra money from working more than makes up for the lost SS $$$. he says do the math for your situation.

One thing that helped me understand this better was realizing that SSA looks at your ANNUAL earnings, not monthly fluctuations. So if you have seasonal work like I do (landscaping), some months I might earn $3,000 and others only $500. What matters is staying under that $23,400 annual limit. I keep a running total throughout the year and adjust my hours in November/December if I'm getting close to the limit. Also, make sure you understand what counts as "earnings" - W-2 wages and self-employment income count, but things like rental income, dividends, or pension payments don't affect the earnings test at all.

Something else to consider: Since your brother-in-law is 64, if his SSDI application is still pending when he reaches full retirement age (which is likely 66 and some months for someone his age), the application essentially becomes moot. At FRA, he would automatically get his full retirement benefit regardless. So worst case, if his SSDI claim takes a very long time or is denied, he's only looking at 2+ years of reduced benefits if he switches to early retirement now. That said, the backpay from SSDI could still be substantial if he's approved, so waiting is generally the better financial choice if possible.

I'm going through a similar situation with my father right now, so I really feel for your brother-in-law. One thing that helped us was creating a detailed timeline of his work history and medical treatments to submit as additional evidence. Also, has he considered reaching out to a disability attorney? Many work on contingency (they only get paid if he wins), and they often know exactly what documentation SSA needs to see. Sometimes having professional representation can make a difference in how quickly cases are processed. In the meantime, you might want to help him look into local food banks, utility assistance programs, or other community resources to help stretch his savings while he waits. The waiting period is genuinely one of the hardest parts of this whole process.

DONT forget to ask about survivors benefits for YOU after she passes!!! My neighbor got widower benefits after his wife died from cancer and it really helped him!!! The SSA doesn't always tell you everything you're eligible for unless you ASK SPECIFICALLY!!!

I'm so sorry to hear about your wife's diagnosis. This is such a difficult situation, and you're being incredibly thoughtful to research all the options during this challenging time. Based on what others have shared here, it sounds like SSDI could provide meaningful financial advantages - potentially $200+ more per month if she's below her full retirement age. With pancreatic cancer being on the Compassionate Allowance list, the approval process should be much faster than typical disability cases. One practical tip: when gathering medical documentation, make sure her oncologist's records explicitly state "pancreatic cancer" and include the terminal prognosis. Sometimes medical records use technical terms or codes that might not trigger the automated Compassionate Allowance screening as quickly. Also, consider having someone help you with the application process if possible - whether it's a family member, friend, or even a disability advocate. During such an emotionally draining time, having support with paperwork can be invaluable. Whatever you decide, you're clearly doing everything you can to ensure your wife is taken care of. That speaks volumes about your character during what must be an incredibly painful time.