I'm so glad to see this thread - it really highlights how confusing the Social Security system can be! As someone who's navigated similar benefit coordination issues, I wanted to add that it's also worth asking SSA about any potential earnings limits if you're still working while receiving widow benefits before your full retirement age. The annual earnings test can reduce benefits if you earn over certain thresholds ($23,400 for 2024), but this wouldn't affect your daughter's SSDI payments at all. Just another factor to consider in your decision-making process. Also, make sure to ask about Medicare eligibility timing when you speak with them - sometimes there are coordination benefits there too that people don't realize they can take advantage of.

This is such a helpful thread! I'm in a similar situation but my disabled son is only 22 and gets childhood disability benefits. Reading through all these responses has really helped me understand that different types of Social Security benefits have their own rules and calculations. I especially appreciate everyone mentioning the importance of getting agent names and asking for documentation in your file - I've had the same experience with getting different answers from different representatives. It's so frustrating when you're trying to do the right thing for your family! One thing I'd add is that if you do decide to apply, consider asking SSA about retroactive benefits too. Sometimes there can be back payments available depending on when you became eligible versus when you actually apply. Just another detail to explore when you speak with them. Good luck with your decision - it sounds like you're being very thoughtful about protecting your daughter's benefits while also taking care of your own needs.

You're understanding the situation correctly now. To summarize where things stand for you: 1. Your SS retirement benefit will be calculated using only your retail job earnings where you paid SS taxes 2. The benefit will now use the regular formula (no WEP reduction) 3. For spousal benefits: If 2/3 of your teacher pension ($3,200 × 2/3 = $2,133) exceeds 50% of your husband's benefit ($950 × 0.5 = $475), then yes, the GPO would eliminate any spousal benefits When you apply in March 2025, I recommend bringing documentation of both your covered and non-covered work to your appointment, as some SSA representatives are still getting familiar with how to properly implement the WEP elimination correctly.

There's no specific form to request regarding WEP elimination. The change in law should be automatically applied to your benefit calculation. However, it's always good to specifically mention to the representative that you understand the Windfall Elimination Provision has been eliminated and you want to make sure your benefit is calculated using the standard formula. If you create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov, you can check your earnings record to ensure all your covered employment (the retail job) is properly recorded before your appointment. This can prevent delays in processing your application.

Just wanted to add one more reassuring data point - I'm currently 69 and collecting survivor benefits while working part-time at a local library. I earn about $35,000 a year and there's absolutely no reduction in my benefits. The freedom after FRA is real! Also, regarding your career change plans - I made a similar transition from high-stress work (banking) to something more peaceful at age 68. The mental health benefits have been incredible. Garden centers and bookstores sound lovely! You've got so many great options once you hit FRA next year.

I'm so glad to see this question being asked! As someone who recently went through this same confusion, I want to emphasize what everyone else has confirmed - there is absolutely NO earnings limit after Full Retirement Age for survivor benefits. I was in a similar boat last year, worried about transitioning from my stressful career while on survivor benefits. The SSA representatives I spoke with were very clear: once you hit FRA, you can earn any amount without affecting your survivor benefits. The only consideration is potential taxation of those benefits if your combined income exceeds certain thresholds, but that's completely separate from benefit reduction. Your plan to transition to something less stressful like a garden center or bookstore sounds wonderful. I made a similar change and the peace of mind has been incredible. You're so close to that FRA date in June 2026 - hang in there! The financial freedom that comes with no earnings restrictions will give you so many more options for your next chapter.

Looking at your numbers more carefully, there's something important to consider for your long-term planning: If you wait until your FRA (66+8mo), your own benefit would be $1,750. The full 50% spousal benefit based on your husband's $2,900 PIA would be $1,450. Since your own benefit at FRA ($1,750) is greater than the spousal benefit ($1,450), you would not receive a spousal top-up even at FRA. However, your husband's benefit will be significantly reduced by claiming at 63 (about 22.5% reduction). You both might want to reconsider your filing strategy if your financial situation allows waiting longer.

You're absolutely right to rethink your approach! Based on what others have explained here, it sounds like you have a relatively strong work record that eliminates any spousal benefit advantage. One thing to consider is the break-even analysis - at what age would the higher monthly payments from waiting offset the years of missed payments from filing early? For many people, this break-even point is around age 78-80. Also, don't forget about the earnings test if either of you plans to work after claiming. If you're under FRA and earn more than $22,320 (2024 limit), Social Security will withhold $1 for every $2 you earn above that limit. Have you looked into filing strategies like "file and suspend" or considered whether one of you might benefit from delaying until age 70 for the delayed retirement credits? Sometimes a mixed approach works better than both spouses filing at the same time.

Just wanted to share my recent experience since I see some conflicting advice here. My husband applied exactly 3 months before his intended start date and everything went smoothly. The online application really is the way to go - much faster than trying to get an appointment at the local office. One tip that helped us: create a my Social Security account first if you don't already have one. It makes the application process smoother and you can check the status afterward. Also, don't forget that once he starts receiving benefits, he'll get a 1099-SSA for tax purposes, so keep that in mind for next year's taxes. The payment schedule based on birth date is exactly right - since your husband was born on the 25th, expect payments on the 4th Wednesday of each month. Good luck with everything!

I went through this exact situation with my mother last year and wanted to share what we learned. First, definitely apply online - it's much more efficient than the office visits. Since your husband reaches FRA on March 25th, his first full month of eligibility would be April, so his first payment would arrive in May on the 4th Wednesday (since he was born on the 25th). One thing I'd strongly recommend is setting up the my Social Security account before you start the application - it makes everything smoother and you can track the status. Also, since his employer insurance ends when he retires, make sure to indicate this during the application so they can coordinate his Medicare Part B enrollment properly. The 3-month advance application window is generally recommended, but since you're cutting it close in November, I'd suggest applying as soon as possible. Don't panic though - they do allow some retroactive benefits if you're past FRA. Just make sure to call and confirm they received your application after submitting it online. Good luck!