Based on all the information and corrections, here's a summary of your optimal strategy: 1. Apply now but specify January 2025 as your benefit start month 2. Make sure to apply for both your retirement benefit and the spousal benefit simultaneously 3. Your March-May earnings ($10,500) are well below the pre-FRA limit, so no benefits will be withheld 4. The permanent reduction for starting 5 months early is minimal ($52/month) compared to receiving 5 extra months of payments 5. After June 2025 (your FRA), you can earn unlimited amounts without affecting your benefits Taking benefits in January 2025 appears to be the mathematically optimal choice in your specific situation.

Congratulations on doing your homework before making this decision! As a newcomer to this community, I've been reading through all the helpful responses here. One thing I'd add that might be worth considering - when you apply online, make sure to print or save copies of everything you submit. I've heard from friends that having documentation can be really helpful if any questions come up later about your application or benefit calculations. Also, after you submit your application, you should receive a confirmation letter from SSA within a few weeks confirming your benefit amounts and start date. Good luck with your application!

I just wanted to chime in as someone who's been through this process twice now. The October AERO adjustment is definitely real and automatic, but I'd recommend being patient while also staying informed. In my experience, the adjustment happened right on schedule in October, and I received both the letter explaining the change and the retroactive payment within about 3 weeks of each other. The retroactive payment came as a direct deposit (same method as my regular benefits) and was clearly labeled as "RETRO" on my bank statement. One tip - if you have a my Social Security account online, you can actually see your updated payment history there before you get the official letter, which helped ease my anxiety about whether it was really happening!

I'm new to Social Security benefits and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm in a similar situation - just started receiving benefits this year and have earnings from 2023 that should improve my calculation. Reading everyone's experiences with the AERO process has really put my mind at ease. It sounds like the October timing is pretty standard, though I'm definitely going to follow the advice about calling to check on it if I don't see changes by November. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - it's so valuable to hear from people who've actually been through this process!

Don't forget about Medicare!!!! You should sign up for that at 65 even if you delay SS benefits!!!! I messed this up and am paying higher premiums forever as a penalty!!!

Another factor to consider is inflation protection. Social Security benefits get annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), so that higher monthly amount from delaying to 70 will compound over time. If you're in good health and have family longevity, the math usually favors waiting. I delayed from 67 to 70 and my monthly benefit went from about $2,800 to $3,500. Three years later with COLA increases, I'm now getting $3,847/month. The extra $1,000+ monthly really adds up!

As a newcomer to this community, I'm really struck by how supportive everyone has been with such detailed, practical advice! Carmen, your situation highlights one of Social Security's most impactful but lesser-known rules. From what you've shared about your late husband's 30-year construction management career compared to your part-time work history and your boyfriend's SSDI, the financial difference could indeed be substantial. What really stands out to me is how many people have shared the commitment ceremony idea - it seems like such an elegant solution that lets you have your celebration now while preserving potentially six figures in lifetime benefits. The fact that multiple people have shared real success stories (like the mother-in-law who saved $800/month by waiting) really reinforces that this strategy works in practice, not just on paper. I'd echo the advice about getting those SSA benefit estimates as soon as possible. Having concrete numbers will make this decision much clearer for both you and your boyfriend. The Claimyr service someone mentioned sounds like it could save you a lot of frustration trying to reach SSA directly. You're being so smart to research this thoroughly before making such a major decision. Best of luck - I have a feeling you'll find a solution that works for both your heart and your wallet!

As a newcomer to this community, I'm incredibly impressed by the depth of knowledge and genuine care everyone has shown in helping Carmen navigate this complex situation! Reading through all these responses has been such an education on Social Security survivor benefits - I had no idea how critical the age 60 remarriage rule was. Carmen, from everything shared here, it really seems like the stars are aligning to suggest waiting until 60 would be the financially wise choice. Your late husband's 30-year construction management career versus your boyfriend's SSDI situation likely means a substantial monthly difference that could add up to hundreds of thousands over your lifetime. The commitment ceremony idea that multiple people have suggested is absolutely brilliant - you get to celebrate your love and commitment now while protecting your financial future. It's the best of both worlds! And hearing real success stories like the mother-in-law who saved $800/month by waiting really drives home that this strategy works in practice. I'd definitely encourage getting those SSA benefit estimates as soon as possible (the Claimyr service sounds promising for actually getting through to them). Once you have concrete numbers, this decision will probably feel much clearer for both you and your understanding boyfriend. Wishing you all the best as you navigate this important decision! This community is clearly here to support you whatever you choose.

One thing to keep in mind is that the timing of when you see any increases can vary. The SSA typically processes these recalculations between October and December of the following year after they receive your W-2 data. So if you work in 2025, you might not see any adjustment until late 2026 or early 2027. Also, they'll send you a letter if your benefit amount changes, so you'll know when it happens. The key is that your $22k needs to be higher than one of your lowest 35 years of indexed earnings to make a difference in your benefit calculation.

Just to add another perspective - I'm in a similar situation and started benefits at 64 last year while continuing to work part-time. One thing I learned is that even small increases can compound over time since they become part of your permanent benefit amount and also affect your annual COLA adjustments. So that $15-27 increase others mentioned might not sound like much, but it grows each year with cost of living adjustments. Also, if you're married, it could eventually impact spousal benefits too. Definitely worth staying under that earnings limit and letting the system work in your favor!