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For those concerned about the potential COLA for 2025, here's some historical context: - 2023 COLA: 8.7% (highest in 40 years due to inflation spike) - 2024 COLA: 3.2% (as inflation began moderating) - Previous 10-year average (2014-2023): approximately 2.6% - Years with 0% COLA: 2010, 2011, 2016 Current inflation trends suggest we'll likely see a COLA in the 1.5-2.5% range for 2025, assuming inflation continues at similar rates through Q3. While lower than recent years, this is actually closer to historical norms. The official announcement will come from SSA in mid-October 2024.
This historical context is really helpful. I guess I got spoiled by the bigger COLAs the last couple years. Even 1.5% would be better than nothing for my budget.
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Thank you all for the helpful responses! It sounds like I need to: 1. Let my SSDI automatically convert at FRA 2. Apply separately for spousal benefits (whether married or divorced) 3. Contact SSA 3-4 months before reaching FRA to start this process 4. Watch out for any Medicare premium issues during the transition I feel much better having a plan now. I was so confused by the conflicting information I got from the SSA representatives. Does anyone know if there's a specific form I need to fill out to apply for the spousal benefits when the time comes?
You'll want to file Form SSA-2 (Application for Wife's or Husband's Insurance Benefits) if still married, or Form SSA-1 (Application for Divorced Spouse's Benefits) if divorced by then. However, the easiest approach is to apply online through your my Social Security account or schedule an appointment with your local office about 3 months before your FRA. They'll guide you through all the necessary paperwork for your specific situation.
one more thing!! if u do get divorced make SURE u get a copy of ur marriage certificate AND divorce decree. ssa made me go back and forth 3 times for more paperwork. total nightmare!!!
That's really good advice - thank you! I'll make sure to keep copies of everything. I'm hoping we can work things out, but I want to be prepared either way.
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Not sure if anyone said this but don't forget that SS checks are TAXED too!!! Up to 85% of them depending on your other income!! The govt gets u coming and going!!!
That's an important point about taxation. If your combined income (adjusted gross income + nontaxable interest + half of Social Security benefits) exceeds certain thresholds, then up to 85% of your benefits may be subject to income tax. For 2025, those thresholds are approximately $25,000 for individuals and $32,000 for married filing jointly. It's definitely something to factor into retirement planning.
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One last thing to note - if your husband filed on 2/9/25 and requested benefits to begin immediately, his official month of entitlement will be February 2025. His first payment (arriving in March) will include the prorated February amount. Just be aware that if this is his Full Retirement Age (which sounds likely at 67), there's no advantage to specifying the start date as his filing date vs. the start of the month. If he's at or past FRA, he could actually request retroactive benefits for up to 6 months (depending on when he reached FRA).
Oh! I didn't realize that about possibly getting retroactive benefits. He just turned 67 in January so I think he just hit his FRA. I wonder if we should call and ask about changing his application to request some retroactive benefits. That could really help with some expenses we have coming up.
I think everyone here is missing the MOST IMPORTANT POINT. Make sure your husband created his my Social Security account online! That's where you can see the status of his application, when payments will arrive, and set up or change direct deposit. The website is ssa.gov/myaccount and it's WAY easier than calling or going to an office.
This is excellent advice. The online account shows your payment history, benefit verification, and even has a message center where they sometimes post updates about your application status. Much more efficient than waiting on hold for hours.
Aisha Hussain
Thank you everyone for the helpful responses! I went ahead and deposited the check, and I've been told my monthly benefit will now include both amounts. I wish I had known about this years ago, but I'm grateful to at least be receiving the correct amount now. I appreciate all your explanations that helped me understand how this works.
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GalacticGladiator
•So happy for u!! Enjoy the extra $$$!!
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QuantumQuest
This thread has been really informative. I'm approaching retirement age myself and had no idea about these rules regarding divorced spouse benefits. Does anyone know if there are other benefit combinations I should be aware of? I was married for 22 years before divorcing, and my ex is still alive but already collecting Social Security.
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Ethan Brown
•If you were married for at least 10 years (which you were), you may be eligible for divorced spouse benefits on your ex's record if you're at least 62 and unmarried. The benefit would be up to 50% of your ex's full retirement amount. However, similar to the combination benefit discussed above, you'll only receive the higher of either your own benefit or the divorced spouse benefit - not both simultaneously while your ex is still living. The situation changes once an ex-spouse passes away (as in the original poster's case), which is when the surviving divorced spouse benefit rules come into play and allow for the combination benefit. I recommend making an appointment with SSA to go over all your options when you're ready to claim benefits. Different claiming strategies can significantly impact your lifetime benefits.
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