One important correction to my earlier analysis after seeing your additional details: For those born after 1954 (which includes you), the rules changed significantly. You can no longer choose between your own benefit and an ex-spouse benefit - SSA will automatically give you whichever is higher when you apply. The strategy of taking one type first and switching later (called "restricted application") is no longer available. This makes your decision simpler in some ways - you just need to decide WHEN to file, not which benefit to take, since you'll automatically get the higher amount between your own benefit and the ex-spouse benefit.

As a newcomer to this community, I found this entire discussion incredibly enlightening! I'm in a somewhat similar situation (turning 63 next year, still working, also divorced after 15+ years of marriage) and had no idea these benefit matrices even existed. Reading through everyone's explanations has been more helpful than anything I've found online. The clarification about the rule changes for those born after 1954 is particularly important - I had been under the impression I could still do the "file and suspend" strategy I'd read about, but apparently that's no longer an option. @Mei Liu - your situation really mirrors mine, and seeing how methodically you worked through understanding your options gives me hope I can do the same. I think I need to request my own benefit matrix and start planning now rather than waiting until I'm closer to 62. Thank you to everyone who contributed their knowledge here. This is exactly the kind of practical, real-world advice that makes navigating Social Security so much less intimidating!

To follow up on the questions about RIB-LIM calculations: When your spouse claimed benefits early, the RIB-LIM formula may apply to your survivor benefits. Essentially, your survivor benefit will be limited to the higher of: 1. The benefit your spouse was receiving at death, or 2. 82.5% of your spouse's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) This can be confusing because some SSA representatives might quote you the full PIA amount, while others might be applying the RIB-LIM reduction. The award letter will show the final calculation method used. If you want to get a clearer picture before the letter arrives, I recommend asking specifically about whether the RIB-LIM rule applies in your case when you next speak with an SSA representative.

I went through a similar situation when I switched from my own retirement to my late husband's survivor benefits at FRA. You will definitely receive an award letter in the mail, though the timing can vary - mine arrived about 10 days before my first payment at the new amount. Given all the conflicting information you've received, I'd recommend doing two things: First, call SSA and specifically ask them to confirm your mailing address and whether the RIB-LIM rule applies to your case (since your wife claimed early). Second, when you do get that award letter, read it carefully and don't hesitate to call if the amount seems wrong. One thing that helped me was keeping a written record of every conversation I had with SSA representatives, including dates, times, and what they told me. It made it much easier to reference when I had questions about my final award letter. The good news is that once you receive the letter, that's the official amount and you'll know exactly what to expect going forward. Hang in there - you're almost through this process!

just curious did anyybody here ever move BACK to their home country after getting us citizenship? wondering if benefits still work the same way? thinking about moving back to taiwan in future but worried about messing up retirement

I'm dealing with a similar situation but with my husband from the UK. One thing I learned that might help - Spain has a really helpful online portal called "Tu Seguridad Social" where your wife can check her contribution history and get estimates of her Spanish pension benefits. This helped us understand what my husband would receive from the UK before we started making decisions about timing. Also, since she's 63 now, she should know that Spain allows early retirement starting at age 63 (with reductions), so she has that flexibility if needed. The key thing we discovered is that taking foreign benefits early doesn't affect your ability to delay US Social Security until age 70 for delayed retirement credits. One more tip - when you do contact the Spanish consulate, ask specifically about the "convenio bilateral" (bilateral agreement) with the US. That's the Spanish term for the totalization agreement and they'll immediately know what you're dealing with.

To summarize what others have said: 1) At FRA, you can earn unlimited income without affecting your SS benefit amount 2) Additional income may increase your Medicare premiums via IRMAA 3) Additional income may increase the taxation of your SS benefits 4) IRMAA is based on your tax return from 2 years prior (with exceptions for life-changing events) Beyond the financial implications, many retirees find part-time work beneficial for mental stimulation, social connection, and purpose. Just structure your income carefully with tax planning in mind.

One thing to consider that hasn't been mentioned yet - if you do take on consulting work, make sure you understand the difference between employee vs. independent contractor status for Social Security purposes. As an independent contractor, you'll need to pay self-employment tax on your earnings (15.3% on net self-employment income up to the Social Security wage base). However, there's actually a small benefit here - any additional Social Security taxes you pay will be credited to your earnings record, which could potentially increase your future Social Security benefit slightly through the automatic recomputation process. It's usually a minimal increase, but every bit helps! Also, if you're consulting in your previous field, consider whether you can structure the work to give you more control over the timing of payments - maybe invoice in December vs January to help manage which tax year the income hits.

Thanks everyone for the great info! So it sounds like the consensus is that my Social Security benefits don't count toward the earnings limit, just my work income (and gross, not net). That's exactly what I needed to know. I'll be careful to stay under the $22,300 limit with my part-time job. I appreciate all your help!

I'm new here but this is such helpful information! I'm turning 62 next month and was considering taking early retirement benefits while continuing to work part-time. Reading through all these responses really clarifies that my Social Security payments won't count against the earnings limit - only my work income will. I had been worried I'd have to choose between working and getting benefits, but now I see I can do both as long as I stay under the $22,300 gross earnings limit. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences!