btw u should apply like 3 months before u want benefits to start cuz processing takes forever these days!!!

One additional consideration: If you're planning to work while receiving benefits and you haven't reached your Full Retirement Age, be aware of the earnings limit ($21,240 in 2025). If you earn over that amount, $1 in benefits will be withheld for every $2 you earn above the limit. This might influence your decision about when to start benefits if you're continuing to work.

Update: I showed my husband all your comments and the SSA link about delayed retirement credits. He was surprised but still skeptical. We logged into his my Social Security account together and looked at his projected benefit amounts at different ages. Seeing the actual dollar difference ($475 more per month if he waits until 70!) finally convinced him. He's now planning to use some of our savings to bridge the gap between 68-70 and wait to claim his Social Security. Thank you everyone for your help explaining this! And special thanks to the person who mentioned the survivor benefit aspect - that was something we hadn't considered at all.

Congratulations on getting through to your husband! That $475/month difference is huge - you're absolutely right to have pushed for this understanding. Just wanted to add one more thing that might be helpful for others reading this thread: if you're using savings to bridge the gap between retirement and claiming SS, make sure you're withdrawing from the right accounts tax-wise. For example, if you have traditional 401k/IRA money, those years before claiming Social Security might be a great time for Roth conversions since your income will be lower. A financial advisor can help optimize which accounts to tap during that 68-70 bridge period. The tax savings could be substantial and make the delayed claiming strategy even more beneficial!

my cousins wife went thru this and she said you gotta keep ALL the letters ssa sends you cuz they might ask for them later when they do the switch!! also check your mySocialSecurity account online every week to see if anythings changed

I went through this exact process about 18 months ago. Here's what I learned: while SSA *should* automatically check for spousal benefit eligibility when your husband files, it doesn't always happen smoothly. My recommendation is to be proactive: call SSA about 2-3 weeks BEFORE your husband files in October to put them on notice about your situation. Ask them to make a note in your file that you'll be eligible for spousal benefits once your husband's claim is processed. Then, after your husband files, give it about 6-8 weeks and call again to confirm the switch happened. Check your mySocialSecurity account online regularly during this time - that's often where you'll see changes first. One thing I wish I'd known: when you call, ask specifically for a "spousal benefit evaluation" rather than just saying you want to "switch benefits." Using their terminology helps ensure you get connected to someone who knows what you're talking about. The good news is that even if there are delays, you'll get retroactive payments back to when your husband first filed. But being proactive will save you stress and potentially months of waiting!

I went through this exact transition about 3 years ago and it was definitely a financial shock. Like others have said, your SSDI will convert to retirement benefits at the same dollar amount - there's no increase to compensate for lost LTD income. One thing I wish someone had told me earlier: start applying for assistance programs BEFORE your LTD actually ends, not after. Some programs have waiting periods or take time to process applications. I applied for SNAP and energy assistance about 2 months before my LTD stopped and it helped smooth the transition. Also, keep detailed records of your current expenses and the benefits you'll be losing (not just the monthly payment but things like prescription coverage, dental, etc.). Having that written down makes it easier when you're talking to benefits counselors about what programs might help fill the gaps. The first year was the hardest for me, but I did eventually find a new routine and budget that worked. You're being smart by planning ahead!

I'm really sorry to hear about the financial challenges you're facing with this transition. As a newcomer to this community, I'm learning so much from reading everyone's experiences and advice. One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet is checking if your state has a "Medicare Savings Program" (MSP) - it's different from the Extra Help program others mentioned. MSP can help pay your Medicare Part B premiums, deductibles, and co-payments if your income falls below certain thresholds after your LTD ends. Every state runs this program, but they sometimes have different names for it. Also, since you mentioned multiple cancer battles, you might want to look into whether there are any cancer-specific financial assistance organizations in your area. Groups like CancerCare and the American Cancer Society sometimes have emergency financial assistance programs that can help with things like insurance premiums, transportation to medical appointments, or utility bills during transitions like this. The community here has given you such comprehensive advice - it's clear that while this transition is challenging, there are people who understand what you're going through and resources available to help. Wishing you all the best as you navigate this!

hey does anyone know if theres a maximum amount of FICA tax you have to pay each year? i thought i heard theres a cap or something

As someone who recently went through this exact situation, I can confirm what others have said - FICA taxes are mandatory as long as you're working, regardless of age. I hit my FRA at 66 and 8 months and kept working until 69, and every single paycheck had those deductions. It's frustrating at first, but I found it helpful to think of it as an investment rather than a tax loss. Those extra high-earning years at the end of my career significantly boosted my monthly benefit calculation. When I finally claimed, my benefit was about $380 higher per month than it would have been if I had stopped working at FRA. Over the course of retirement, that more than makes up for the FICA taxes I paid during those extra working years. Your HR department really should get their facts straight on this - it's causing unnecessary confusion for employees planning their retirement.