Just wanted to add my perspective as someone who went through this decision process recently. I'm 69 and was in a very similar situation - teacher for 28 years, then worked in the private sector. I ultimately decided to wait until 70 and I'm filing next month. What really helped me was creating a spreadsheet to compare the lifetime benefits. Even though waiting means missing out on 2 years of payments, the combination of delayed retirement credits (8% per year) plus the reduced WEP penalty from the new reforms made waiting clearly worth it in my case. One thing to consider: if you're still working part-time in a SS-covered job, those earnings could potentially replace some of your lower-earning years in the benefit calculation, which would increase your Primary Insurance Amount before any WEP reduction is applied. Every little bit helps! The math gets complicated with all these moving pieces, but for most people in our situation (teacher pension + enough SS credits + born after 1954), waiting until 70 is still the optimal strategy even with the new reforms.

I'm in a very similar boat - retired teacher with a state pension, but also worked enough quarters to qualify for Social Security. I've been following the WEP/GPO reform developments closely since it affects so many of us educators. From everything I've read and the discussions with my financial advisor, the consensus seems clear: if you were born after January 1, 1954, you can't use the old "file and suspend" or "restricted application" strategies anymore. When you file, you're automatically filing for all benefits you're eligible for. However, the silver lining is that the WEP/GPO reforms will genuinely help us. The phased implementation starting in 2025 means less of our Social Security will be reduced due to our teacher pensions. Combined with your 23 years of substantial Social Security earnings (which already reduces your WEP penalty), waiting until 70 should maximize your benefit. I'd suggest using the SSA's online calculator and manually reducing the WEP penalty by about 10% to estimate your 2025 benefit, then factor in the delayed retirement credits. That should give you a clearer picture of whether the wait is worth it financially. Also, keep in mind that continuing to work part-time not only adds delayed credits but could potentially replace some lower-earning years in your benefit calculation, further reducing the WEP impact.

To wrap things up for the original poster: During your April 1st phone appointment, you'll go through the actual application process. At that time, you'll be asked when you want your benefits to begin. Specify June 2025 (your FRA month). Applying in April for June benefits is completely fine and won't reduce your benefit amount as long as you select the correct benefit start month. I recommend taking detailed notes during the call, including the name of the representative you speak with. After the application is submitted, you'll receive a confirmation letter - review it carefully to ensure the benefit start date is shown correctly as June 2025.

I'm a bit late to this conversation, but I wanted to share my experience since I went through something very similar last year. When I called SSA to schedule my appointment, the representative used the term "enrollment date" which made me panic thinking I had accidentally enrolled early! Turns out it was just the date they logged my call in their system. During my actual appointment, I made it crystal clear that I wanted my benefits to start in my FRA month, and everything worked out perfectly. The representative even repeated back to me "So you want benefits to begin in [FRA month], is that correct?" before finalizing anything. One tip: When you have your April appointment, ask them to send you a written confirmation showing your selected benefit start date. That way you have documentation if there are any questions later. Good luck!

I'm just wonder if it's even worth working part time with these stupid limits. After taxes and the SS reduction if you go over, seems like you barely keep anything. Anyone done the math on this? Seems like the system punishes people who want to work. I'm 63 and thinking about applying but don't want to deal with all this nonsense.

Here's a breakdown of the Social Security earnings limit rules for 2025 that apply to your situation: 1. Monthly earnings limit: $2,190 (for those under FRA) 2. Annual earnings limit: $26,280 (for those under FRA all year) 3. First year rule: During your first year receiving benefits, you can use the monthly test Since you're starting work in February after already receiving benefits, the monthly earnings test applies. For each month in 2025, you can earn up to $2,190 without affecting your benefits for that month, regardless of your total earnings for the year. Starting in 2026, only the annual limit will apply. If you exceed the annual limit, SSA withholds $1 in benefits for every $2 you earn above the limit. This continues until you reach your Full Retirement Age (FRA), when the earnings limit no longer applies and you can earn any amount without reduction in benefits.

Thank you all for the incredible advice! To summarize what I've learned: 1. Yes, my wife can claim her own $1,000 benefit now, and later switch to the spousal benefit 2. Important correction: The spousal benefit will be 50% of my Primary Insurance Amount (my FRA benefit), not 50% of my age-70 increased amount 3. When the time comes, she'll need to file form SSA-2 to apply for the spousal benefit 4. We should consider potential IRMAA impacts on Medicare premiums This community has been amazing. I feel much more confident in our plan now, with realistic expectations about the benefit amounts!

Great summary of your learnings! Just wanted to add one more consideration since you mentioned you're still working until 70 - make sure to check if your continued employment might affect any timing considerations. While the earnings test shouldn't impact your wife's benefits since she's past FRA, it's worth confirming that your work income won't create any complications when you do file at 70. Also, since you're planning this strategy 2+ years out, keep an eye on any potential policy changes (though major changes to Social Security typically have long phase-in periods). You've got a solid plan - just stay informed as you get closer to execution!

I went through this exact situation 3 years ago when my husband passed. I was 58, still working full-time making about $65k. Here's what I learned: The math on the earnings test is brutal at your income level. With the $22,300 limit, you'd have ($68,000 - $22,300) = $45,700 over the limit. They withhold $1 for every $2 over, so that's $22,850 withheld annually from your widow benefit. However, I still applied at 60 because: 1. I got to keep whatever wasn't withheld (about $200/month in my case) 2. When I hit FRA, my benefit increased significantly due to the recalculation 3. It locked in my eligibility and started the clock One thing nobody mentioned - if you're planning to retire or reduce your work hours before FRA, your benefit would jump up immediately since the earnings test is based on annual earnings. I cut back to part-time at 63 and suddenly got my full widow benefit. Also check if your husband had any pension that might affect your Social Security (GPO/WEP). That caught me off guard.

I'm so sorry for your loss. I went through something similar when my spouse passed two years ago. One thing that really helped me was creating a timeline of my options. Here's what I wish someone had told me: At your income level ($68k), you're looking at about $22,850 being withheld annually from widow benefits due to the earnings test. BUT - and this is important - you should still apply at 60 because: 1. You'll still receive some benefit (likely $150-300/month depending on your husband's benefit amount) 2. It starts your "credit clock" for the recalculation at FRA 3. You preserve your right to the full widow benefit amount One strategy to consider: if you have any flexibility with your work schedule, even temporarily reducing your income below the earnings limit (like taking unpaid leave or going part-time for part of the year) can make a huge difference in what you receive. Also, definitely run the numbers on your own retirement benefit vs. the widow benefit. At $68k annually, your own benefit might end up being higher, especially if your husband claimed early and had his benefit permanently reduced. The SSA website has a calculator that can help with this comparison. The key is keeping your options open - apply for widow benefits at 60, then reassess at FRA.