Based on everything in this thread, here's my recommendation: 1. Take your unemployment benefits immediately after separation 2. Don't file for SS until at least your FRA (66+4mo) if you can afford to wait 3. Ensure your severance is properly structured as a lump sum for past service 4. Consider waiting until 70 for SS if financially feasible - that's a 76% higher monthly payment than filing at 64 5. Speak with a tax professional about managing the tax implications Having an exact calculation of your benefit amounts at different ages is crucial for this decision. Get your Social Security statement online at my.ssa.gov or contact SSA directly.

One more thing to consider - if you're eligible for maximum unemployment benefits in Illinois, that's currently $484/week (about $25k annually). Combined with your $38k severance, you'd have roughly $63k to work with for the year. Since you mentioned your wife is already collecting SS, make sure you understand whether she's receiving benefits based on her own work record or spousal benefits. If she's getting spousal benefits based on your (not-yet-filed) record, there could be some complications. Also, don't overlook COBRA for health insurance during this transition period. You'll need coverage until Medicare kicks in at 65, and losing employer coverage is a qualifying event. The premiums might be steep, but it's often better than marketplace plans for comprehensive coverage. Good luck with your decision - sounds like you're being very thoughtful about planning this transition!

I spoke with an SSA representative last month about this exact issue. For clarity, here's what they explained to me: 1. If you're receiving Social Security retirement before your Full Retirement Age (FRA), the earnings limit applies. 2. For self-employed people, SSA looks at two things: - Annual earnings (must be under $22,320 for 2025) - Whether you're performing "substantial services" in your business 3. "Substantial services" is determined by: - Working more than 45 hours/month in your business, OR - Working between 15-45 hours in a highly skilled occupation or managing a sizable business 4. If you're just an independent contractor without your own established business, they focus more on the earnings test than the hours test. Based on your description, I think you're probably okay since you're just doing contract work for other companies rather than running your own business. But definitely contact SSA to confirm your specific situation.

I went through something similar when I first started collecting benefits at 62. The key thing to understand is that if you're truly just an independent contractor (receiving 1099s but not running your own business with employees, inventory, or significant business investment), the 45-hour monthly limit typically doesn't apply to you the same way it does to someone who owns and operates their own business. However, during your first year of benefits (the "grace year"), there can be a monthly earnings test where you can't earn more than 1/12th of the annual limit in any given month. After your grace year, only the annual limit matters. Since you mentioned you stayed well under the annual earnings limit and you're doing contract work for other companies rather than running your own business, you're probably in good shape. But I'd definitely recommend calling SSA to get a definitive answer for your specific situation. When you call, be very clear that you're an independent contractor working for other companies, not a business owner. The whole system is confusing and the rules vary depending on your exact work arrangement, so getting official guidance is always the safest bet.

In my experience the SSA makes so many mistakes!!! When my husband died, they told me I wasn't eligible for anything because I was only 48. Then years later my friend told me I should have been getting benefits for our teenage son who was still in high school! By then it was too late to claim the back payments we missed out on. I'd recommend reading everything you can and maybe even talk to a financial advisor who specializes in social security before making any decisions. Don't just rely on what one SSA rep tells you.

I'm really sorry for your loss, Connor. This is such a stressful situation to navigate while you're still grieving. Based on what others have shared here, it sounds like you do have some good options ahead of you. Since you're 53 now, you have about 7 years to really understand your choices and plan strategically. One thing I'd suggest is creating a my Social Security account online at ssa.gov if you haven't already. You can view your own earnings record there and get benefit estimates. For your husband's record, you'll need to contact them directly, but at least you can start getting familiar with your own projected benefits. Also, since you mentioned earning a decent salary, definitely factor in what Yara mentioned about the earnings limit if you're planning to keep working after 60. That could really impact whether it makes sense to claim survivor benefits right at 60 or wait until you're closer to retirement. The good news is you have time to research and plan. Don't feel pressured to figure it all out right now - just start gathering information so you can make the best decision for your situation when the time comes.

When I got my approval letter last year, it took exactly 24 days from the date on the letter until I saw my first payment. I actually ended up calling SSA twice during that waiting period because I was worried something had gone wrong. If you need to call them, try early morning right when they open - around 7-8am depending on your time zone. Cuts down the wait time substantially.

Congratulations on your approval! I went through this exact same anxiety last year. My approval letter said benefits would start in March with payments around the 3rd, but my first actual deposit didn't arrive until March 28th. The key thing to understand is that "benefits begin February 2025" is your official entitlement date - it's when SSA considers you eligible to start receiving payments, but the actual processing and deposit takes additional time. I'd recommend setting up direct deposit if you haven't already (speeds things up) and checking your MySocialSecurity account regularly for payment status updates. The waiting is nerve-wracking after such a long approval process, but the money will come! Also keep an eye out for your backpay - mine came about a week before my first regular monthly payment.

I'm in a similar boat - 64 and trying to figure out the best strategy before I hit FRA. From what I've gathered reading through these responses, it sounds like the online application will process whatever you choose, but it won't actively advise you on the optimal strategy. @Zoe Papadakis - based on the numbers you shared ($1,640 own benefit vs your husband's $2,800), your spousal benefit would indeed be around $1,400, so your own benefit is clearly higher. The real question seems to be whether you should file now at FRA or delay until 70 for the 8% annual increases. One thing that hasn't been mentioned - if you're still working, make sure you understand how the earnings test works even at FRA. And if you have any ex-spouses you were married to for 10+ years, that could open up additional options an agent would know about. I'm leaning toward trying to get through to an agent myself after reading all this. The peace of mind seems worth the effort, especially when we're talking about decisions that affect the rest of our lives.

I went through this exact situation last year and ended up doing both - I applied online initially but then called the SSA customer service line repeatedly until I got through (took about 2 weeks of trying). The agent was able to review my online application before it was processed and caught an issue I hadn't considered. In your case, with your own benefit at $1,640 vs. the spousal benefit around $1,400 (50% of your husband's PIA), your own benefit is definitely higher. However, the agent helped me understand the timing implications better. Since you're at FRA now, you could start collecting immediately, or you could delay and earn delayed retirement credits of 8% per year until age 70. The online system will let you choose either option, but it won't run scenarios for you like "if you wait until 70, you'd get $2,050/month, but you'd miss out on 4 years of payments totaling about $78,720." An agent can help you think through your health, other income sources, and family longevity to make that decision. My advice: try the online application to see all the questions they ask, but don't submit it yet. That way you'll be better prepared when you do get through to an agent. The application stays in draft form for 30 days, so you have time to get professional guidance before finalizing.