One last thing to consider: since you're 68 and already past your Full Retirement Age, when you do eventually qualify for spousal benefits, you won't face any reductions for early filing on your end. You'll be eligible for the maximum spousal benefit (up to 50% of your husband's Primary Insurance Amount). However, since it sounds like your own benefit is already established, you'll only receive the difference if the spousal amount is higher. I'd recommend scheduling an appointment with SSA when your husband gets closer to 62 to review all your options at that time.

I just wanted to add one more perspective as someone who worked in Social Security disability advocacy for years. While everyone here is correct about the basic rules, I'd strongly suggest you consider consulting with a Social Security attorney or certified representative before making any major decisions about divorce vs. staying married. The financial implications can be complex - for example, if your husband has a much higher earnings record, staying married might eventually give you better survivor benefits if he passes away first (you'd get 100% of his benefit instead of the 50% spousal rate). An attorney can run the numbers on both scenarios and help you make the most financially beneficial choice for your specific situation. Many offer free consultations for Social Security matters.

Thank you all for the incredibly helpful responses. I clearly need to reconsider my plan. The points about survivor benefits for my wife and the tax implications of our combined income are especially eye-opening. It sounds like with our money market interest, we'd definitely be in the 85% taxable range for SS benefits. I'm going to sit down and run some more detailed calculations on the long-term impact of waiting vs. taking benefits early. And thanks to whoever mentioned Claimyr - I've been trying to reach SSA for weeks with no luck, so I'll check that out too.

Great discussion here! As someone who went through this exact decision process last year, I wanted to add a few practical considerations that might help: 1. **Tax planning opportunity**: Since your wife is the higher earner and delaying until 70, you might actually benefit from taking SS at 63 if you can manage the tax burden strategically. Consider doing Roth conversions during the gap years before her benefits kick in - you'll have lower combined income during that window. 2. **Sequence of returns risk**: Your brother-in-law's investment strategy assumes you can consistently beat that 8% guaranteed return from delaying benefits. But what if we hit a bear market right after you start taking benefits? You'd be selling investments at a loss to supplement the reduced SS payments. 3. **Medicare considerations**: Don't forget that you'll be eligible for Medicare at 65 regardless of when you take SS. Factor those premiums into your calculations. 4. **State taxes**: Depending on your state, SS benefits might be tax-free at the state level even if federally taxable. This could affect your overall tax strategy. The survivor benefit impact others mentioned is HUGE - if you pass first, your wife would be stuck with your reduced benefit amount for life. With her being the higher earner, this could significantly impact her financial security. Have you considered splitting the difference and waiting until your FRA at least? That eliminates the permanent reduction while still getting benefits earlier than 70.

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!