Just to add a bit more clarity on the technical aspects: There are actually two different earnings tests: 1. The annual earnings test for people who won't reach FRA during the year (limit of $22,320 for 2024) 2. The higher monthly earnings test for the year you reach FRA, which only counts earnings before your FRA month (limit of $59,520 for 2024) In your case, since you're only starting benefits in your FRA month (December), neither test applies to you. Your benefits starting with December (paid in January) won't be affected by any earnings, before or after your FRA.

This thread has been so helpful! I'm in a similar boat - turning 67 in November and have been stressed about my earnings this year. Reading everyone's experiences really confirms what I suspected but wasn't sure about. One thing I'd add for anyone else reading this: make sure you have all your documents ready when you apply. I started gathering my birth certificate, W-2s, and other paperwork early because I've heard the application can ask for quite a bit of documentation. Better to be prepared than scramble later!

To clear up any confusion: For retirement benefits, if you start benefits in the exact month you reach FRA, your benefit will be calculated based on the number of days in that month before you reached FRA. For example, with FRA on November 15: - If you select November 1 as your start date, your benefit would be reduced by about 1/2 of one month's early retirement reduction (roughly 0.25-0.3%) - If you select December 1, you get your full benefit with no reduction For most people, waiting until the month after FRA (December 1 in your case) makes the most sense, especially if you want to ensure you get your full PIA amount.

Great question! I'm approaching my own FRA soon and had the exact same confusion. After reading through all these responses, it's clear that waiting until December 1st is the smart move for your situation. The key thing I learned is that SSA pays benefits for the previous month, so your November payment would reflect that partial month before reaching FRA on the 15th. Even though the reduction might only be around 0.25-0.3%, that adds up to real money over 20+ years of retirement. Better to wait one extra month and get your full benefit amount from the start!

Just sharing my experience - I'm getting survivor benefits now at age 66 (my FRA) after taking my own reduced benefits at 62. When my husband passed last year, SSA automatically gave me the higher amount (his benefit). I didn't have to do anything special because they already had his death certificate from the funeral home. Maybe it varies by state though.

One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet is that you might want to consider using the SSA's online benefit calculators before making your final decision. The Retirement Estimator can show you exactly how much your benefit would be reduced by filing at 63 versus waiting until FRA. Since you mentioned your husband's benefit will be about 60% higher than yours, you can also estimate his survivor benefit amount if he waits until 70. Having those specific dollar amounts will help you make a more informed decision about whether the early filing strategy makes sense for your household. The calculators are free on ssa.gov and don't require creating an account.

After you submit the withdrawal form, make sure you get written confirmation that it was processed! When I did mine, I assumed everything was fine until I suddenly got a direct deposit three weeks later. Turned out they had a backlog and hadn't processed my withdrawal. Created a huge headache having to return the payment.

Hey Genevieve! Just wanted to add that timing is really critical here. Since you mentioned you applied back in March and it's now nearly April, your first payment could be processed any day now. The SSA typically processes retirement applications within 3-4 months, so you're right at that window. I'd recommend calling first thing Monday morning (or using that Claimyr service others mentioned) to get the ball rolling on your withdrawal ASAP. Even if you can't get through by phone immediately, I'd also suggest going to your local office in person with the SSA-521 form as a backup plan. Better to have multiple approaches going than risk missing your window! Good luck with the new job - sounds like a great opportunity!

Thanks to everyone for all the helpful advice! I spoke with SSA yesterday (and yes, I did use Claimyr to get through quickly). The agent confirmed everything about the ABLE account and helped me understand exactly how my daughter's earnings will affect her SSI payment. I'm relieved to know she can save for her future while still maintaining some benefits and especially keeping her Medicaid. We're setting up the ABLE account this weekend, and I've started documenting all her hearing-related work expenses for those IRWE deductions. The agent said her benefits will decrease some, but with the combination of part-time work and reduced SSI, she'll actually have more monthly income overall, which is wonderful. Thanks again for helping us navigate this complicated system!

That's wonderful news! It sounds like you've got a great plan in place. Your daughter is so lucky to have an advocate like you helping her navigate this system. The fact that she'll end up with more monthly income overall while keeping Medicaid is exactly what the work incentive programs are designed to achieve. One small tip for the ABLE account - many programs offer automatic investment options if you're not comfortable managing investments yourself. Ohio's STABLE Account has some really user-friendly options for beginners. Best of luck to your daughter with her new job! It's great to see someone successfully transitioning to work while maintaining the safety net of benefits. Stories like yours give hope to other families in similar situations.