As someone who recently went through this exact process, I can confirm that having all your documents ready is crucial. I'd also suggest calling ahead to ask specifically for an "AERO computation" or "benefit comparison calculation" as others mentioned - using the right terminology really helps. One thing I learned that might save you some time: if you have a my Social Security account online, you can actually get some preliminary benefit estimates there first. It won't show the full ex-spouse benefit comparison, but it'll give you your own benefit estimates at different claiming ages. This can help you prepare better questions for when you do speak with SSA. Also, regarding timing - if your ex is already receiving benefits (which is likely if he's older), that can actually make the process smoother since his benefit amount is already established in their system. The 2-year post-divorce rule you've already satisfied means you can claim independently of his filing status. Good luck with getting through to them! The phone system is definitely frustrating, but persistence pays off.

Just wanted to add a few things that helped me when I went through this process last year. First, if you're planning to call SSA, try calling right when they open (8am local time) - you'll have much better luck getting through. Also, when you do get someone on the phone, don't hesitate to ask them to repeat back the key numbers to you to make sure you both heard correctly. One document tip that saved me a headache: make sure your divorce decree specifically states the marriage start and end dates. Some older divorce papers don't include the marriage date, and SSA needs both to verify the 10+ year requirement. If yours is missing that info, you might need to get an amended certified copy. Also, don't forget that you can potentially file a restricted application strategy if you were born before 1954 - this lets you claim spousal benefits while letting your own benefit grow with delayed retirement credits until age 70. Definitely worth asking about if you qualify! The whole process took me about 3 weeks from initial call to getting the final comparison paperwork, but it was absolutely worth it to see all my options laid out clearly.

Thank you everyone for the helpful responses! Just to summarize what I've learned: 1. My 2024 earnings won't affect my benefits starting in January 2025 2. Since I'm not working in 2025, I won't have any earnings test issues 3. I understand I'm taking a permanent reduction by claiming at 63.4 4. My 2024 earnings might actually increase my benefit slightly when SSA recalculates I think I'm good to proceed with filing in early December for my January start date. Really appreciate all the advice!

Congratulations on your upcoming retirement, Sean! You've got a solid plan and the community has given you excellent advice. One small tip from my own experience - when you file in December, make sure to ask SSA specifically about your first payment date. Sometimes there can be processing delays, especially during busy periods, and you want to make sure your January start date is locked in. Also, keep copies of all your filing paperwork just in case there are any questions later. Enjoy your retirement!

whatever u decide DOCUMENT EVERYTHING!!! save emails texts everything about what they promised and how they said it would work. SSA can audit u years later and u need proof!!!

Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through a similar situation last year. I was 68 and took on some consulting work with a bonus that was structured as an employer 401k contribution. The key things I learned: 1) Since you're past FRA, no worries about earnings limits affecting your SS benefits, 2) Make sure you get clarity on whether this is deferred compensation (counts as income for the year you work) or an employer contribution (different tax treatment), and 3) The timing of the deposit matters less than when the income is considered "earned" by IRS standards. I ended up having my tax preparer review everything beforehand and it saved me from any surprises. The documentation advice from others here is spot on - keep everything in writing!

As someone who went through this exact situation two years ago, I feel your pain! The SSA phone wait times are absolutely brutal. Here's what finally worked for me: I called my local SSA office directly (not the main 1-800 number) and was able to schedule a phone appointment for later that week. Many local offices offer scheduled phone consultations where they call YOU at the appointed time - no waiting on hold! You can find your local office number on the SSA website using your zip code. When I had my scheduled call, the representative was able to calculate my ex-spouse benefit estimate in about 10 minutes. Just make sure you have your ex's full name, date of birth, and SSN ready (which you mentioned you have from old tax returns). The estimate they gave me was spot-on when I actually filed. This approach saved me hours of frustration and I got accurate information from someone who had time to explain everything properly.

I just discovered another option that might help - some SSA offices have self-service kiosks where you can pull certain benefit information without waiting in line. However, I'm not sure if they show ex-spouse benefit estimates specifically. You might also want to check if your local library has a SSA outreach program - mine has a volunteer AARP tax counselor who comes in twice a month and is really knowledgeable about Social Security benefits. She helped my neighbor figure out her widow's benefits without having to deal with SSA directly. It's worth asking your librarian if they have any similar programs. The volunteer couldn't give official estimates, but she walked through the calculation method so my neighbor knew roughly what to expect before making the SSA appointment.

This thread has been so useful. I had no idea there were so many options with survivor benefits. Has anyone used a financial advisor who specializes in Social Security planning? Worth it?

Thank you everyone for the helpful information! I feel much better knowing that my husband's early claiming won't permanently reduce what I might receive as a survivor benefit if I wait until my FRA. I'm also intrigued by the strategy of possibly taking survivor benefits at FRA and then switching to my own benefit at 70 if it would be higher with the delayed retirement credits. I've been trying to call SSA to confirm all this for my specific situation but haven't been able to get through. I'll try that Claimyr service someone mentioned. It's such a relief to understand this better - these decisions affect the rest of our lives and it's so hard to find clear information sometimes.