Based on all the information shared, here's what you should do: 1. Contact SSA to get exact benefit estimates for both scenarios (your own reduced benefit at 62 vs. divorced spouse benefit) 2. Consider how long you plan to keep working and how that affects the earnings test 3. Think about your longevity - waiting increases your lifetime benefits if you live longer 4. Factor in your current financial needs - sometimes taking reduced benefits early is necessary If the numbers are close, and you can afford to wait, delaying benefits to avoid permanent reductions is often financially advantageous in the long run if you live into your 80s or beyond.

One more thing to consider - since your ex-husband is on SSDI, his benefit amount is essentially fixed and won't grow with delayed retirement credits like regular retirement benefits do. This means that 50% of his SSDI benefit will remain the same whether you claim it now or later. However, YOUR own retirement benefit will continue to grow by about 8% per year if you delay past your Full Retirement Age until age 70. So if your own benefit has the potential to be higher than the divorced spouse benefit, waiting could significantly increase your lifetime income. You might want to ask SSA for projections showing what your own benefit would be at different claiming ages (62, Full Retirement Age, and 70) to compare against the divorced spouse option.

So glad you got it resolved! I recommend checking your payment every single month for the next few months. Their systems sometimes revert changes, especially when they're related to age milestones. And make sure to save a copy of your benefit verification letter with the corrected amount in case you need to reference it later.

Wow, what a frustrating experience but I'm so glad you got it sorted out! This is actually really helpful information for the rest of us. I had no idea that turning 70 could trigger automatic changes to withholding settings. It seems like SSA's computer systems have these age-based triggers that can cause unexpected adjustments. Thanks for sharing the resolution - I'll definitely keep this in mind when I turn 70 in a couple years. Those 3-hour wait times are absolutely ridiculous though. There's got to be a better way for them to handle customer service!

One last strategy to consider: If you're still working part-time and don't urgently need the money, you might file a restricted application for just spousal benefits (if eligible) while letting your own retirement benefit grow until 70. This option is only available to people born before Jan 2, 1954, but it's worth checking if you qualify. Also, remember that delaying benefits acts as a form of longevity insurance. The biggest financial risk for many retirees isn't running out of money in their 70s - it's running out in their 90s when healthcare costs typically increase dramatically.

I'm 72 and claimed at my FRA (66 at the time). Looking back, I think it was the right middle-ground decision for me. I got 4 years of benefits before the "break-even" point, but didn't sacrifice as much monthly income as those who filed at 62. What really helped me decide was thinking about it in terms of guaranteed income vs. investment risk. Social Security is one of the few truly guaranteed income sources we have in retirement - it's backed by the government, gets COLA adjustments, and lasts for life. When I framed it that way, waiting a bit longer for a substantially higher guaranteed monthly payment made sense. That said, your health history and family longevity are huge factors. With parents who lived to their late 80s and your own good health, you're likely looking at 20+ years of benefits. In that scenario, the higher monthly amount from waiting could really add up. But if you're itching to retire fully and enjoy life now, there's real value in that too - you can't put a price on peace of mind and freedom.

ive been on SS for 15 yrs now and one thing i learned is always double check their math! my check was wrong for 3 yrs before i figured it out. they did give me backpay for their mistake tho so thats good.

Just wanted to add one more practical tip for your aunt's appointment: If possible, try to schedule it for early morning or right when the office opens. SSA offices tend to get busier as the day goes on, and the staff are usually more patient and thorough in the morning. Also, if the first representative seems unsure about the restricted application strategy, don't hesitate to ask to speak with a supervisor or claims specialist. This strategy isn't commonly used anymore since the rules changed in 2016, so some newer staff might not be familiar with it. Your aunt's situation (never having filed for her own benefits and being past FRA) is one of the rare cases where it still applies. One last thing - have her write down all the key numbers they give her during the appointment. It's easy to forget the exact benefit amounts when you're processing a lot of information, and you'll want to compare the survivor benefit amount to what her own benefit would be at age 70.

I think everyone is overthinking this lol. Your friend just needs to wait till she's fully retired age (November) and she'll be fine. All this talk about earnings limits is just confusing everyone. SSA doesn't care what you make before you start taking money from them!

Just wanted to add one more perspective as someone who works in retirement planning - your sister's strategy is spot-on! Waiting until her exact FRA is often the optimal approach when you can afford to do so. Not only does she avoid the earnings test entirely, but she'll also receive her full Primary Insurance Amount without any early retirement reductions. Since she's earning good income ($78k), she's also maximizing her Social Security earnings record right up until retirement, which could potentially increase her benefit calculation if 2025 becomes one of her highest 35 earning years. The peace of mind of not having to worry about complex earnings test calculations is just an added bonus!