One more important thing - when dealing with the Congressional office, make sure you're explicit about what you need. Many times they just send a generic inquiry to SSA. Instead, request that your Congressional case worker specifically ask for: 1. A review by the Office of Central Operations (not just your local field office) 2. A complete PEBES computation history showing how your DRCs were applied 3. An explanation of why the DRCs weren't incorporated as expected Congressional inquiries get special handling, but they're only as effective as the specifics included in the request. And it sounds like your previous Congressional inquiries may have just been routed back to the same local office that couldn't help you originally.

I'm dealing with a very similar issue right now! Filed at 67 (my FRA was 66) and my delayed retirement credits seem to be completely missing from my benefit calculation. Like you, I've been getting the runaround for months. What's really helpful from reading these responses is learning about the specific terminology to use. I had no idea about PEBES queries or AACT reports - I've just been asking generic questions about "my calculation" which probably explains why I keep getting transferred around. One thing that might help both of us - I found out you can also request a "Master Beneficiary Record" (MBR) printout which shows your complete benefit history and all adjustments. This is another specific technical term that might get you to the right person with system access. The fact that they told you "calculations aren't available because they come from an algorithm" is absolutely ridiculous. These are mathematical formulas that have been used for decades - there's nothing mysterious about them! Keep pushing and don't let them dismiss you with that nonsense.

Welcome to the community, Emma! I'm glad you found this information helpful. Just wanted to add one more thing to consider - since you're planning to wait until 70, make sure you sign up for Medicare at 65 even though you won't be taking Social Security yet. Medicare enrollment is separate from Social Security benefits, and you could face penalties if you delay Medicare without qualifying employer coverage. Also, consider doing annual reviews of your Social Security statement to make sure your earnings are being recorded correctly, especially in these final high-earning years before retirement. Any errors now could affect your benefit calculation later. You can check this easily through your MySocialSecurity account. Best of luck with your retirement planning! It sounds like you're making a smart financial decision by waiting to maximize your benefits.

I just want to echo what others have said about the Medicare enrollment - it's so important! I made the mistake of thinking I could delay Medicare along with Social Security and ended up with a penalty that I'm still paying. Even if you have employer coverage, you'll want to understand the rules about creditable coverage and whether your plan qualifies. One resource that really helped me was the Medicare.gov website - they have a tool called "Get Ready for Medicare" that walks you through the timing. Since you're planning to work until 65 and then wait until 70 for Social Security, you'll definitely want to map out your Medicare strategy separately. Also, since you mentioned having trouble getting through to SSA on the phone, you might try visiting your local Social Security office if phone wait times are too long. Sometimes it's easier to get specific benefit estimates and scenarios explained in person, especially for complex situations like yours with the ex-spousal benefit comparison.

Just wanted to add one more consideration that might help with your decision - since you're working for county government, check if your pension has any coordination with Social Security benefits. Some government pensions can affect your Social Security benefits due to the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) or Government Pension Offset (GPO). The GPO specifically can reduce survivor benefits by 2/3 of your government pension amount, which could significantly impact your strategy. If you're subject to GPO, it might make more sense to maximize your own retirement benefit instead of relying on survivor benefits. Definitely mention this when you call SSA - they need to factor in your government employment when calculating your benefits. This could completely change which option is best for you!

I went through something similar when my ex-husband passed two years ago. I was 64 and still working part-time. One thing that really helped me was creating a spreadsheet to compare different scenarios with actual dollar amounts. Here's what I wish someone had told me upfront: get your benefits estimates IN WRITING from SSA, not just verbal estimates over the phone. The representatives sometimes give conflicting info, but the written estimates are more reliable for planning. Also, since you mentioned your ex had much higher earnings, make sure to ask SSA about his actual benefit amount at the time of death vs. what his benefit would have been at his FRA. Sometimes the survivor benefit calculation can be different than you'd expect, especially if he died before claiming. The earnings test is definitely a pain, but remember that if you do decide to claim early and have benefits withheld, you're essentially getting an interest-free loan from the government that gets paid back with the recalculation at FRA. Some people find that helpful for cash flow even if the math doesn't look great on paper initially.

I just went through this exact process a few months ago! For line 4 on the W-4V, your Social Security number is correct - that's the identification number they're looking for. Regarding timing with your husband's form, definitely wait until his benefits are approved. I made the mistake of trying to submit my spouse's W-4V before approval and they couldn't process it because there was no active benefit record to attach it to. For the name change issue, I wouldn't worry too much. My brother had a similar situation from childhood and SSA never requested additional documentation during his application process. If there were any red flags in their system, they would have mentioned it during the initial application. But it's smart to have those papers on hand just in case they do ask later. One tip - when you do go to submit your W-4V, bring a copy of your benefit award letter. It helps speed up the process since they can quickly verify your information. Good luck with everything!

I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now! Just got my approval letter last week and was confused about the same things. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful - especially about using the SSN on line 4 and waiting for my spouse's approval before submitting his form. One thing I wanted to add that I learned from my local SSA office - they actually prefer if you call ahead to make an appointment for forms like the W-4V rather than just walking in. The wait times are much shorter with an appointment, and they can block out enough time to make sure everything is filled out correctly. My local office books appointments about 2-3 weeks out, so it's worth calling soon if you want to go the in-person route. Also, totally agree with everyone about having those name change documents ready just in case. My husband had a similar childhood name change and we're taking the same approach - have the papers ready but not worrying about it unless they specifically ask.

Your strategy is sound, and it's great that you're planning ahead! One thing I'd add to the excellent advice already given: consider requesting a formal benefit estimate in writing from SSA that specifically outlines your survivor benefit options. When you visit the local office (as Katherine suggested), ask them to document not just your current benefit amounts, but also what your survivor benefit would be at different claiming ages. Also, since you mentioned your husband is 74 and already collecting, make sure you both understand how his benefit amount could change if he decides to suspend and restart at a later age (though this becomes less advantageous the older he gets). This probably won't affect your strategy, but it's worth confirming. One last thought: have you considered consulting with a fee-only financial planner who specializes in Social Security strategies? Even a one-time consultation could help validate your calculations and potentially identify any scenarios you haven't considered. The peace of mind might be worth the cost given the complexity of your situation.

Yes, there are financial planners who specialize specifically in Social Security optimization! Look for advisors who hold certifications like RSSA (Registered Social Security Analyst) or NSSA (National Social Security Advisor). The National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts has a directory on their website where you can search by location. You can also check the XY Planning Network or NAPFA (National Association of Personal Financial Advisors) websites - both have search filters that let you find fee-only planners who specialize in Social Security strategies. A good Social Security specialist should be able to run scenarios using software that models different claiming strategies and can factor in variables like your part-time income, tax implications, and life expectancy assumptions. They typically charge anywhere from $300-800 for a comprehensive Social Security analysis. One thing to ask any planner you're considering: make sure they're up to date on the current rules around survivor benefits and deemed filing exceptions, since these rules have changed several times over the past decade and some advisors may not be current on all the nuances.