One more thing worth mentioning - if you're married or divorced after a long marriage, make sure you're looking at spousal benefit options too. Sometimes that can provide a higher benefit amount depending on your spouse's earnings record. The calculations get more complex, but it's definitely worth exploring all your options.

I'm in a similar situation and have been researching this extensively! One thing I discovered that might help you is that the SSA website has a retirement estimator tool that can show you different scenarios. You can input various earnings amounts and see how they might affect your benefit calculation. Also, since you mentioned having zero years due to raising kids, you might want to look into whether any of those years qualify for "child care dropout years" - it's a provision that can exclude up to 3 years of low/zero earnings from your calculation if you were caring for a child under 16. Not everyone knows about this! The automatic recalculation that others mentioned is real - I've seen it happen for several people in my retirement planning group. Just keep good records of your earnings so you can verify the increases when they happen.

Thank you all for the helpful responses! I've taken notes on everything. I'm going to help my husband apply for retirement benefits about 3 months before his birthday in June, and I'll specifically ask about spousal benefits too. I'll also double-check about the Medicare continuation - sounds like that should continue, but I want to make sure there's no gap in coverage. I might try that Claimyr service since it seems impossible to get through to SSA otherwise. The peace of mind would be worth it to make sure everything transitions smoothly. I appreciate everyone's help and experiences! This community has been so much more helpful than my hours of waiting on hold.

Just wanted to add a few key points that might help with your planning: 1. **Timing is crucial** - Apply exactly 3 months before his 62nd birthday in June. This ensures no gap in benefits and gives SSA time to process everything smoothly. 2. **Bring documentation** - When you apply (whether online or in person), have his SSI award letter, Medicare card, and your Social Security statement ready. This speeds up the process significantly. 3. **Consider waiting if possible** - While I understand you need the income, remember that taking retirement at 62 means a permanent reduction of about 25% compared to his full retirement age benefit. If his health allows and you can manage financially, even waiting a year or two could mean hundreds more per month for life. 4. **Medicare continuation is almost certain** - Since he qualified for Medicare through disability (not age), this should continue seamlessly. The 24-month waiting period he already completed won't reset. 5. **Get it in writing** - When you do speak with SSA, ask them to document in writing that his Medicare will continue during the transition. This can help if there are any computer glitches later. Good luck with everything! It sounds like you're being very proactive about this transition.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! I think I understand how it works now: 1. The earnings limit applies from when I claim at 63 until I reach my FRA at 67 2. Only wages count, not other income like investments or rentals 3. If I go over the limit, they'll withhold some benefits 4. When I reach FRA, I'll get credit for those withheld benefits 5. After FRA, I can earn unlimited income with no penalty I'm going to carefully plan my work hours to stay under the limit for those 4 years. Really appreciate all the advice!

One thing I'd add that might help with planning - you can actually report your estimated earnings to SSA in advance using Form SSA-723 or by calling them. This way they can withhold benefits gradually throughout the year instead of stopping payments all at once after you file your tax return. I learned this after my first year of early retirement when I got hit with a surprise 4-month suspension. Now I submit my earnings estimate in January and they adjust my monthly payments accordingly. It's much easier to budget when you know exactly what you'll receive each month rather than getting surprised later. Also, keep detailed records of your earnings throughout the year - paystubs, work schedules, etc. If there are any discrepancies, having documentation makes resolving issues with SSA much smoother.

So after talking with SSA directly (finally got through!), I can confirm what most of you have said - there is absolutely NO earnings limit after reaching FRA. The rep told me I can earn any amount in 2025 without affecting my benefits. She said my HR department was likely confusing my situation with the rules for people who claim before their FRA. Thanks everyone for your help! Such a relief to have this sorted out before I start my benefits.

sooo im turning 62 next month and want to start SS while still working part time. thats different from your situation right? i think i DO have an earnings limit??

I'm in a somewhat similar situation with my nephew, though not quite as complex. One thing I learned from my experience is that you should also check if your state has any additional support programs for kinship caregivers. Some states offer financial assistance or services specifically for grandparents raising grandchildren, separate from Social Security benefits. Also, when you do talk to SSA (whether through Claimyr or other means), ask specifically about the "dependency" requirement and what documentation they'll need to prove the children were dependent on your household before your husband's death. Since you've had custody for 8 years and your husband was alive for 5 of those years, you should have tax returns showing them as dependents during that time, which is key evidence. The potential monthly benefit for both kids could really make a difference in your situation. Even if it's a hassle now, it could provide financial stability through their remaining school years.

Based on what you've shared, I think you have a strong case for pursuing adoption and getting survivor benefits for your grandchildren. The fact that you've had legal custody for 8 years and your husband was supporting them for 5 of those years before his death is crucial - that establishes the dependency requirement SSA looks for. A few additional thoughts to consider: 1. **Timeline matters**: Since your oldest is 15, you'll want to move quickly. Benefits stop at 18 (or 19 if still in high school), so every month counts. 2. **Retroactive benefits**: Once approved, SSA can pay benefits retroactively to when your husband died if you can prove the children qualified then. This could mean a significant lump sum payment. 3. **Family maximum**: With your survivor benefit of $1,375 and potentially two children's benefits, you'll likely hit the family maximum cap. But even with the cap, the total household benefit should increase substantially. 4. **Documentation strategy**: Start gathering everything now - tax returns showing the kids as dependents during your husband's lifetime, medical records showing you as guardian, school enrollment records, any court documents. The stronger your paper trail, the smoother the process. Given your husband's construction work history and potential PIA of $2,400, this is definitely worth pursuing despite the paperwork hassle. Contact legal aid first thing tomorrow - many have experience with exactly this type of case.