Thank you everyone for the thoughtful responses! Based on your advice, I'm leaning toward delaying until 70 while continuing to max out my 457(b) contributions and drawing from my brokerage accounts as needed. Given my family history of longevity and current good health, the guaranteed 24% increase seems worth waiting for. I'll schedule a meeting with my financial advisor to map out a year-by-year withdrawal strategy that minimizes taxes during this bridge period. Really appreciate all the insights!

Sounds like you've gotten some excellent advice here! As someone who works in retirement planning, I'd add one more consideration: review your projected monthly expenses during retirement to make sure you have adequate bridge funding for those 3 years between FRA and age 70. Since you're consulting part-time and have that $48K income, you might want to calculate whether continuing that work (even at a reduced level) plus 457(b) contributions plus brokerage withdrawals will comfortably cover your lifestyle. The peace of mind from having a solid cash flow plan during the delay period is just as important as the math behind the decision. Also consider setting up a spreadsheet to track how your "combined income" calculation will change once you start SS at 70 - it'll help with tax planning in those early retirement years.

As a newcomer here, I really appreciate seeing this helpful discussion! It's reassuring to know that so many community members are willing to share accurate information and help clarify confusing rumors. I'm also someone who relies on Social Security payments and timing is crucial for budgeting medical expenses and other necessities. It's good to see that Gabriel Freeman was able to get official confirmation from SSA that the November 2025 schedule remains unchanged. This kind of misinformation can cause unnecessary stress for seniors who depend on these payments. Thanks to everyone who took the time to provide factual responses!

As another newcomer to this community, I want to echo what others have said about how valuable it is to have members who take the time to verify information with official sources. I've been receiving Social Security for about two years now, and I've learned that rumors like this one can spread quickly, especially in community settings where people are genuinely trying to help each other. What I find particularly helpful about this discussion is seeing the different ways people approach getting accurate information - from checking the official SSA website to calling directly (even with the challenges of long wait times) to using services that can help connect you faster. It's a great reminder that when in doubt, always go to the official source rather than relying on secondhand information, no matter how well-intentioned it might be.

Thank you all for the really helpful information. I'm going to share all these insights with my brother-in-law so he can make an informed decision. It sounds like waiting those 14 months would be ideal if he can swing it financially, but I better understand the tradeoffs now. I appreciate everyone taking the time to explain!

I've been through a similar situation with my own family. One thing that might help is to calculate the actual dollar difference over time. If he takes $1,450/month now versus $1,750 at FRA, that's $300/month difference. But he'd also receive 14 months of payments ($20,300) that he wouldn't get if he waits. The breakeven point is usually around age 82-83. Given his wife's MS diagnosis, they might want to prioritize having more income available now for potential medical expenses and care needs. Sometimes the "optimal" financial decision on paper isn't the best decision for real-life circumstances.

One thing no one has mentioned: if your ONLY income is the $27,300 from SSDI, the calculation works like this: 1. Half of your SSDI ($13,650) is counted toward the threshold test 2. Since $13,650 is less than $25,000, technically NONE of your benefits would be taxable 3. However, the full calculation is more complex - your "combined income" includes half your benefits plus other income Either way, with the standard deduction, you'll likely owe nothing, but you should file to be in compliance. Use the free filing options available through IRS.gov.

I'm a newcomer here but wanted to chime in since I just went through this exact situation last month! I had $28,400 in SSDI last year and was terrified about taxes. Here's what I learned from my tax preparer: If SSDI is your ONLY income, your "provisional income" (which is what they use for the threshold test) is calculated as: half your SSDI + any other income + nontaxable interest. So for you, that would be $13,650 (half of $27,300) + $0 other income = $13,650 total. Since $13,650 is well below the $25,000 threshold, NONE of your SSDI should be taxable! But you should still file a return if you're required to (check the IRS filing requirements based on your age and filing status). I ended up not owing anything and actually got peace of mind from filing. The free tax software walked me right through it. Don't stress too much - you're likely in better shape than you think!

One thing nobody has mentioned: if your husband exceeds the annual earnings limit, SSA withholds benefits at the rate of $1 for every $2 earned above the limit. For 2025, the annual limit is approximately $22,320 (they adjust for inflation each year). Since he's earning $28,000 through May, that exceeds the annual limit by about $5,680, which would mean approximately $2,840 in benefits might be withheld. However, if he qualifies for the monthly earnings test in his first year of retirement, this won't apply as long as he earns under the monthly limit (about $1,860) in the months he's receiving benefits. Also worth noting: once he reaches FRA, they'll recalculate his benefits and give him credit for months they withheld benefits, potentially increasing his monthly amount going forward.

WHATEVER U DO, keep copies of EVERYTHING! my friend lost all his paperwork showing when he stopped working and SSA made him pay back like $9000!!! they claimed he was working all year when he wasnt!