After reading through this thread, I want to offer some additional information that might help with your decision: 1. You can request a detailed benefit calculation from SSA that will show exactly what your benefit would be at 62, FRA, and 70, as well as what your husband's spousal benefit would be once you file. 2. Remember that if you file at 62, your benefit will be reduced by approximately 30% from your FRA amount for life. 3. If your husband is receiving $625/month now, and your FRA benefit would be around $3,400, then his spousal benefit would potentially increase his total to around $1,700 (half your FRA amount). 4. This means filing at 62 could give him an additional $1,075/month, but would permanently reduce your own benefit by about $1,000/month compared to what you'd get at FRA. 5. The breakeven calculation should consider both your life expectancies and immediate financial needs. Have you considered whether you might work part-time between 62-67? If you claim benefits early but continue working, you'd be subject to the earnings test, which could temporarily reduce or eliminate your benefits until you reach FRA.

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is that you might want to consider a "file and suspend" strategy if it's still available, though I believe the rules changed in 2016. Also, since you're still 5 years away from 62, you have time to potentially increase your benefit even more by maximizing your earnings in these final working years. Social Security calculates benefits based on your highest 35 years of earnings, so if you're earning more now than in some of your earlier years, these next 5 years could significantly boost your eventual benefit. Another consideration: have you looked into whether your husband might be eligible for any other benefits? Sometimes people miss out on things like supplemental security income (SSI) if their regular Social Security is very low, though I'm not sure if his pension would disqualify him. Given that you're planning to work until 65+ anyway and would be subject to the earnings test, waiting definitely seems like the right call. The extra spousal benefit for a few years likely won't offset the permanent reduction to your own benefit that you'd be receiving for potentially 25+ years.

Just wondering... have u checked what ur survivors benefit would be if ur ex passes away? That's different from the ex-spouse benefit while he's alive. If he dies, u can get his FULL benefit amount (what he would get at his FRA) if that's more than your own. My mom got my dad's full benefit after he passed even though they were divorced.

One thing that might help you decide on timing is to create a break-even analysis. If you take $1,400/month at 62 versus waiting for $2,000/month at 67, you'd collect $84K over those 5 years ($1,400 x 60 months). After age 67, you'd need about 11.5 years (until age 78.5) to make up that difference with the higher monthly payments. Given average life expectancy and your health concerns, this math might actually favor taking benefits earlier in your case. You could also consider working part-time after 62 if possible - you can earn up to about $22K annually without affecting your SS benefits. Just make sure to factor in Medicare costs starting at 65 if you retire before then.

wait i just rememebred my cousin's husband did something with his pension and military time??? i think he got some kind of exception because he was in the military before being a firefighter? maybe theres exceptions for some people??

Just wanted to add my perspective as someone who went through this exact decision two years ago. I was a teacher in California for 28 years and faced the same GPO situation with my husband's Social Security. We ultimately decided to take the monthly pension instead of the lump sum, and here's why: even though the GPO reduces my spousal benefits, the guaranteed monthly income from the pension provides more security than trying to manage a large lump sum in this volatile market. The peace of mind knowing we have that steady income stream has been worth more than any potential investment gains. Plus, our pension has COLA adjustments which helps with inflation - something you lose with a lump sum. The GPO is frustrating but it's just one factor in a much bigger retirement picture.

Just wanted to add one more thing that might be helpful - make sure you bring documentation showing continuous care and support during those 7 years of custody. Things like medical records listing you as guardians, school enrollment forms with your address, insurance cards if she was on your plan, etc. While the adoption decree legally establishes the relationship, SSA sometimes wants to see that pattern of dependency was already established. Also, if your husband has any other children receiving benefits on his record (biological or adopted), that will affect the family maximum calculation. But if this great-niece will be his only dependent child, she should get the full 50% rate. The whole process is definitely overwhelming, but you're doing great by preparing ahead of time!

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is timing - you'll want to apply within a reasonable time after the adoption is finalized, ideally within 30 days. While there's no strict deadline, SSA can be particular about delays. Also, make sure you get a certified copy of the adoption decree, not just a regular copy. The court clerk can provide this. If your husband's SSDI started before age 62, the family maximum formula is actually more generous than for regular retirement benefits - it's typically around 85% of his PIA rather than the lower percentages that apply to retirement. This could mean your great-niece gets a higher benefit amount. One last tip: when you call to schedule the appointment, ask specifically what documents they want you to bring. Different offices sometimes have slightly different requirements, and it's better to confirm upfront than make multiple trips!