As someone who's been through this process, I'd say the estimates are generally pretty reliable if your earnings record is accurate. I claimed at FRA about 6 months ago and my actual benefit was within $15 of what the statement showed. The key is definitely reviewing your earnings history carefully - I caught a missing year from when I changed jobs and got that corrected before filing. Since you're planning to work until April 2025, your estimate should be quite accurate. Just remember to apply about 3 months before you want payments to start to avoid any delays!

I'm in a similar situation - turning 67 next year and have been reviewing my SSA statements. One thing I learned from my financial advisor is that the estimates don't include future Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs), so your actual first payment might be slightly higher than what's shown on your current statement if there's a COLA increase for 2025. Also, make sure to factor in Medicare Part B premiums which will be automatically deducted from your Social Security payment unless you're still covered by employer insurance. The Medicare premium can be around $175/month, so don't forget to account for that in your budgeting. Overall though, if your earnings record is accurate, you should be able to trust the estimate pretty closely.

One other thing to be aware of: Your January 15th payment date suggests you were born between the 1st and 10th of the month. Social Security payment dates are based on your birth date: - Born 1st-10th: Payment on 2nd Wednesday (around the 8th-14th) - Born 11th-20th: Payment on 3rd Wednesday (around the 15th-21st) - Born 21st-31st: Payment on 4th Wednesday (around the 22nd-28th) This schedule is consistent month to month, so all your future payments should arrive on the second Wednesday of each month.

Just wanted to add - make sure to check your MySocialSecurity account online in December for your official COLA notice. It should show exactly how much your benefit will increase starting with the January 2025 benefit (paid in February). The notice will break down your old amount vs. new amount so there's no guessing. Also, if you haven't already, I'd recommend setting up direct deposit notifications with your bank so you know exactly when each payment hits your account!

As someone who recently went through this exact process, I can confirm that having all your documents ready is crucial. I'd also suggest calling ahead to ask specifically for an "AERO computation" or "benefit comparison calculation" as others mentioned - using the right terminology really helps. One thing I learned that might save you some time: if you have a my Social Security account online, you can actually get some preliminary benefit estimates there first. It won't show the full ex-spouse benefit comparison, but it'll give you your own benefit estimates at different claiming ages. This can help you prepare better questions for when you do speak with SSA. Also, regarding timing - if your ex is already receiving benefits (which is likely if he's older), that can actually make the process smoother since his benefit amount is already established in their system. The 2-year post-divorce rule you've already satisfied means you can claim independently of his filing status. Good luck with getting through to them! The phone system is definitely frustrating, but persistence pays off.

Just wanted to add a few things that helped me when I went through this process last year. First, if you're planning to call SSA, try calling right when they open (8am local time) - you'll have much better luck getting through. Also, when you do get someone on the phone, don't hesitate to ask them to repeat back the key numbers to you to make sure you both heard correctly. One document tip that saved me a headache: make sure your divorce decree specifically states the marriage start and end dates. Some older divorce papers don't include the marriage date, and SSA needs both to verify the 10+ year requirement. If yours is missing that info, you might need to get an amended certified copy. Also, don't forget that you can potentially file a restricted application strategy if you were born before 1954 - this lets you claim spousal benefits while letting your own benefit grow with delayed retirement credits until age 70. Definitely worth asking about if you qualify! The whole process took me about 3 weeks from initial call to getting the final comparison paperwork, but it was absolutely worth it to see all my options laid out clearly.

To summarize what appears to be causing confusion: 1. You WILL receive any DRCs your husband earned between his FRA and his death at 66. 2. You will NOT receive additional DRCs he might have earned had he lived longer (up to age 70). 3. Since you mentioned he died at 66, which was likely very close to his FRA, there may be very few DRCs involved (possibly just a few months' worth). 4. Given your still-working status and the fact that your own benefit at 70 would be less than the widow's benefit, waiting until your widow's FRA (66+8mo) appears to be the optimal strategy in your case. 5. Once you stop working or reach your FRA, don't forget to inquire about the possible 6 months of retroactive benefits that may be available if you file after your FRA.

Just wanted to add one more important point that hasn't been mentioned yet - make sure you understand the difference between "deemed filing" and survivor benefits timing. Since you're 62 now, if you were to file for any Social Security benefits before your widow's FRA, you'd be subject to deemed filing rules that could permanently reduce your benefits. Also, I'd strongly recommend getting a personalized benefit estimate from SSA that shows your projected widow's benefit amount. This will help you make the most informed decision about timing. You can request this when you call SSA or visit a local office. Given your situation (still working full-time with good income, widow's benefit higher than your own), waiting until your widow's FRA definitely seems like the right strategy. Just make sure to apply a few months before you want benefits to start to avoid any processing delays!

Thank you everyone for the helpful responses! Just to summarize what I've learned: 1. My 2024 earnings won't affect my benefits starting in January 2025 2. Since I'm not working in 2025, I won't have any earnings test issues 3. I understand I'm taking a permanent reduction by claiming at 63.4 4. My 2024 earnings might actually increase my benefit slightly when SSA recalculates I think I'm good to proceed with filing in early December for my January start date. Really appreciate all the advice!

Congratulations on your upcoming retirement, Sean! You've got a solid plan and the community has given you excellent advice. One small tip from my own experience - when you file in December, make sure to ask SSA specifically about your first payment date. Sometimes there can be processing delays, especially during busy periods, and you want to make sure your January start date is locked in. Also, keep copies of all your filing paperwork just in case there are any questions later. Enjoy your retirement!