Just to add some perspective here - claiming at 64 instead of 66+4mo (OP's FRA) means approximately a 13-14% permanent reduction in benefits. While that's significant, sometimes life circumstances make early claiming necessary, as was the case here. The good news is that working now won't change the existing benefit amount, but might lead to slightly higher benefits after the annual recalculation if this year's earnings are higher than one of the 35 years used in the original calculation.

As someone who recently navigated a similar situation, I wanted to add a few practical tips for your transition back to work: 1. **Set up quarterly tax payments** - Since you'll likely owe taxes on your SS benefits now, consider making estimated quarterly payments to avoid a big bill at year-end. Your accountant neighbor might be able to help with this! 2. **Keep detailed records** - Even though there's no earnings limit after FRA, I still track everything for my own peace of mind and tax purposes. 3. **Consider the timing** - Since you're starting mid-year, your 2025 income will be prorated. This might keep you well below any Medicare premium thresholds even with future raises. 4. **Health insurance coordination** - Make sure you understand how any employer health benefits might coordinate with Medicare if your new employer offers coverage. Congratulations on finding a position that works with your caregiving situation! It's wonderful that you can get back into the workforce while still being available for your husband. Best of luck with the new job!

I just wanted to thank everyone for the helpful advice. I called SSA this morning (finally got through after trying for 2 hours) and got confirmation that it's definitely WEP affecting my benefits. The agent walked me through my earnings record and confirmed I have 22 years of substantial earnings under Social Security. The good news: working just 3 more years would reduce my WEP penalty by about $300/month! That makes a huge difference, so I'm now planning to work until 2028 instead of retiring in 2025. Not ideal, but better than trying to live on significantly reduced benefits for the rest of my life. For anyone else in this situation - definitely call and ask for a detailed WEP calculation and how additional working years would change it. The differences can be substantial!

I'm so glad you were able to get through to SSA and get clarity on your situation! Your experience really highlights how important it is for people to understand WEP before making retirement plans. Just to add to what others have shared - you might also want to check if your state has any supplemental programs or if your teacher's pension system offers any additional benefits that could help offset the WEP reduction. Some states have created programs specifically to help public employees who are affected by WEP/GPO. Also, when you're planning those additional 3 years of work, consider whether maximizing your earnings during those years (if possible) could provide any additional benefit beyond just meeting the substantial earnings threshold. Every little bit helps when you're dealing with WEP reductions. Thanks for sharing your update - it's really helpful for others who might be facing the same shock you experienced!

I know this isn't directly related to your question, but have you looked into whether that Nevada government job might make you eligible for Medicare Part B premium reduction through the Medicare Savings Program? Some state/local government retirees qualify for help with Medicare costs even with small pensions.

Just want to add that when you contact SSA about your pension, ask them to put a note in your file about when you reported it and what documentation you provided. I've seen cases where people reported their pensions properly but there was no record of it in the system later, which caused problems. Getting a receipt or confirmation number when you report it can save you headaches down the road. Also, since you mentioned the Medicare supplemental coverage from your county job is valuable, that's probably worth keeping even with the GPO reduction. Those government health plans often have better coverage than what you'd pay for privately, so the math might still work in your favor overall.

I'm in a similar situation as you, Abby! I'm 64 and started taking my benefits at 62, getting about $1,200/month. My husband is 66 and just filed for his benefits last month. I had to specifically apply for the spousal benefit - it definitely wasn't automatic like I thought it would be. The process was actually pretty straightforward once I got through to someone at SSA (took a few tries though). They calculated my spousal benefit based on his PIA minus what I'm already getting, then reduced it because I filed early. I ended up getting an extra $89/month, which isn't huge but every little bit helps! One tip: when you call, have your Social Security statements handy for both you and your husband. They asked for specific numbers from our earnings records to verify the calculations. Good luck!

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm also navigating spousal benefits and had no idea about the deemed filing rule that Sadie mentioned. One thing I'm wondering about - if your husband is still working while collecting Social Security, does that affect your spousal benefit calculation at all? I know there are earnings limits that can reduce his benefits if he's under FRA, but I'm not sure if that impacts the spousal portion. Also, for those who've actually gone through the application process - did SSA require any documentation beyond the marriage certificate? My husband and I have been married for 15 years but I want to make sure I have everything ready before I call. The horror stories about wait times are making me want to be super prepared!

one more thing - make sure u have ur marriage certificate! they made us bring original or certified copy, no photocopies allowed. was a whole extra trip to county office to get it

Welcome to the community! I just wanted to add that it might be worth contacting your local congressional representative's office as well. They often have staff who specialize in Social Security issues and can sometimes get faster responses from SSA than calling directly. My neighbor used this approach when she had issues with her disability claim and got much better service. They can also help clarify any confusing information you might receive. Given how many people will be affected by the GPO repeal, having an advocate might be really helpful in navigating the process once applications open in 2025.