That sounds like a smart decision! Just wanted to add one more thing to consider - if you do decide to delay starting benefits, make sure you factor in the delayed retirement credits you'll earn. For each month you delay claiming benefits past your full retirement age (up until age 70), your benefit increases by about 0.67% per month, which adds up to 8% per year. So depending on how close you are to your FRA, delaying might actually work out better financially in the long run, even without the earnings limit complications. Good luck with your semi-retirement planning!

Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this exact scenario last year. I was 63 and planned to work part-time while collecting benefits. The monthly limit in the first year is absolutely enforced - learned that the hard way! One thing that might help with your planning: SSA has a really useful online tool called the "Retirement Earnings Test Calculator" that lets you plug in your specific earning pattern and see exactly how it would affect your benefits. It's buried pretty deep on their website, but if you search for "earnings test calculator" it should come up. Also, don't forget that if you're married, your spouse's benefits could also be affected by your earnings if they're claiming spousal benefits. Something to factor into your decision-making process. The delayed retirement credits that Ava mentioned are definitely worth considering too - that 8% annual increase is guaranteed and better than most investment returns these days!

Just wanted to add one more thing that helped me when I applied - create your MySocialSecurity account online BEFORE you actually apply for benefits. This way you can familiarize yourself with the interface and also monitor your application status after you submit it. I created mine about 6 months before applying and it made the whole process much smoother. You can also use it to double-check your earnings history and benefit estimates before you commit to a start date. The account setup takes a few days to verify, so don't wait until the last minute!

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - make sure you have all your documents ready before you apply! SSA will need your birth certificate, W-2s or tax returns, and bank account info for direct deposit. I applied online but then had to mail in documents which delayed my processing by almost 2 months. If you have everything uploaded or ready to mail when you submit your application, it'll go much smoother. Also keep copies of everything you send them - I learned that the hard way when they "lost" my birth certificate the first time!

I called my local SSA office today after getting advice here, and they confirmed that for an April 2025 start date, I should apply in January 2025. They also mentioned that since I'm turning 67 in May (my FRA), taking benefits just one month early in April will only reduce my monthly amount by less than 1%. I've decided to go ahead with that plan. Thanks everyone for your helpful advice!

Great to hear you got official confirmation from SSA! Just wanted to add for anyone else reading this thread - make sure you have all your documents ready before you apply in January. You'll need your birth certificate, Social Security card, W-2 forms or tax returns from the previous year, and bank account information for direct deposit. Having everything organized beforehand will make the online application process much smoother. Good luck with your retirement!

Just wanted to share my experience as someone who went through this exact situation two years ago. My ex-husband was also on SSDI when I applied for ex-spouse benefits at 62. The process took about 6 weeks from application to first payment, and you're right that his SSDI counts the same as retirement benefits for your calculation. One thing I wish someone had told me - even though you can't contact your ex directly, SSA can tell you during your appointment approximately what your benefit would be before you commit to filing. They won't tell you his exact amount, but they can give you a good estimate of what you'd receive. This helped me decide whether to file immediately or wait. Also, definitely try visiting your local SSA office in person if the phones aren't working. I had much better luck just walking in with all my documents. They were able to answer all my questions and process my application the same day. Good luck with your decision!

I'm new to this community but wanted to chime in since I'm dealing with a very similar situation. My ex-husband is also on SSDI and I'm trying to figure out the best timing for filing. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful - especially learning about the difference between his PIA and what he actually receives, and that the reduction for filing at 62 is permanent. One thing I'm curious about that I haven't seen mentioned - does anyone know if there are any differences in how quickly ex-spouse benefits based on SSDI get processed versus regular retirement benefits? I've heard disability cases can sometimes take longer to verify, but I'm not sure if that applies to derivative benefits like ex-spouse claims. Also, for those who have gone through this process, did you need to provide any medical documentation about your ex's disability, or does SSA already have all that information in their system? I want to make sure I'm prepared with the right paperwork when I apply.

btw the COLA is rumored to be around 2.5% this year. not great but better than nothing!!

One important clarification: The COLA being announced this week will be effective for payments received in January 2025. Since Social Security pays benefits in the month following the month for which they are due, your February 2025 payment (which is for January 2025) will indeed include the COLA increase. You should receive a notice called "Your New Benefit Amount" in December that will show: 1. Your current benefit amount 2. The new benefit amount after COLA 3. The date the new amount takes effect This is sent automatically to all beneficiaries - no need to request it.