Based on all the advice here, I'd suggest applying in August 2024 for your January 2025 start date. That gives you 5 months, which should be plenty of buffer for any processing delays. And don't forget to create your my Social Security account online before you apply if you haven't already - it makes the whole process much smoother.

One thing I'd add that hasn't been mentioned - make sure you have your most recent W-2 or tax return handy when you apply. SSA uses your earnings record to calculate your benefit amount, and sometimes there can be discrepancies that need to be resolved. I discovered when I applied that one of my employers from a few years back hadn't reported my earnings correctly, which delayed my application by about 3 weeks while they sorted it out. You can actually check your earnings record online through your my Social Security account before applying to make sure everything looks accurate. Better to catch any issues early rather than have them pop up during processing!

just wondering but what happens with medicare in this scenario? do u still sign up at 65 even if ur not taking ur own benefits yet? i get so confused with all these different rules!!

I'm in a very similar situation - my spouse passed away 3 years ago and I'm approaching 65 while still working full-time. This thread has been incredibly helpful! One thing I want to add based on my research: make sure you understand the "deemed filing" rules. Before your full retirement age, SSA might automatically file you for both benefits even if you only want one. But once you reach your survivor FRA (which sounds like 66 years and 8 months for you), you can file a "restricted application" for survivor benefits only. I'd also recommend getting a written confirmation from SSA about your filing strategy before you submit anything. The stories about applications being processed incorrectly are really concerning. Has anyone here successfully gotten written confirmation of their restricted application strategy before filing?

i was just thinking... have you checked if you can get survivors benefits now? i thought there was something about benefits for widows taking care of kids or something

I'm so sorry for your loss. As others have mentioned, your survivor benefit at 60 won't be the same as your daughter's was. Here's what might help with your planning: you can create a my Social Security account online and request a benefit estimate. While it won't show survivor benefits directly, you can call SSA with your husband's Social Security number and they can give you a projection of your potential survivor benefit amount at different claiming ages. One thing to keep in mind - if you're planning to work part-time after claiming at 60, make sure to factor in the earnings test. But here's something that might help: you can claim survivor benefits and still let your own retirement benefit grow with delayed retirement credits until age 70. If your own benefit would be higher by then, you could switch. This strategy gives you some income at 60 while potentially maximizing your long-term benefit. I'd recommend scheduling an appointment with SSA to run the actual numbers for your situation. They can show you exactly what to expect at different claiming ages and help you make the best decision for your financial future.

I just went through this exact situation last year! You absolutely CAN earn the entire amount in a shorter period. I worked January-April, made about $21,000, then completely stopped working and had zero issues with SSA. Just make sure you're tracking your YTD earnings carefully. The only thing that tripped me up was I had to explicitly tell my employer I was "retiring" even though I was just quitting that job. This stopped them from contesting my unemployment when I applied for it during the months I wasn't working or collecting SS yet.

One more thing to consider - if you're planning to work part-time after claiming benefits, you might want to check if your employer offers any flexibility with timing of pay. Some employers can adjust when bonuses or commissions are paid out, which could help you stay under the limit in years when you're subject to the earnings test. Also, if you're thinking about consulting or freelance work, you have more control over when you invoice clients and receive payments. Just another strategy to help manage your earnings timing!

my sister started her benifits in december and regretted it bcuz of tax stuff the next year. something about not having withholding set up properly. make sure u fill out that voluntary withholding form thing!!!

As someone who just went through this decision process last year, I'd echo what others have said about the tax planning being the most important factor. I was in a similar situation - retired at 63 with a pension and some investment income. I ended up starting my SS benefits in September, and it worked out well tax-wise. Here's what I learned: **Processing tip**: Apply about 3 months before you want benefits to start. I applied in June for September benefits and everything went smoothly. **Tax withholding**: Definitely submit Form W-4V with your application! I chose 12% withholding and it saved me from a big tax surprise. You can always adjust it later if needed. **Quarterly estimated taxes**: Since you have pension income, you might already be making quarterly payments. Factor your SS income into those calculations - your tax preparer can help estimate the impact. **One thing I wish I'd known**: Your Medicare premiums (when you turn 65) will be deducted from your SS benefits automatically. So if you're doing tax planning now, remember that your actual SS deposit will be reduced by those premiums starting at 65. The timing flexibility gives you some control over your tax situation, which is one of the few advantages of claiming early. Sounds like you're thinking about it the right way!