Just want to share a little support - dealing with unexpected benefit changes is super stressful! When my mom passed and I started managing my dad's survivor benefits, similar stuff happened and it about gave me a heart attack each time. Hope it all works out to be nothing serious!

I work for a local senior services organization and see this type of confusion frequently. A few additional points that might help: 1. The $700 reduction could also be related to an overpayment recovery if SSA determined you received too much in previous months due to unreported earnings or other factors. 2. Since you mentioned checking your MySocialSecurity account, look for any notices under the "Message Center" - sometimes explanations appear there before paper notices arrive. 3. If this is earnings-related, remember that the earnings test is annual, not monthly. So even if some months you earn less, if your projected annual earnings exceed $22,320, they'll adjust accordingly. 4. Keep detailed records of all payments received and any communications. This will be helpful when you do get through to speak with someone. The good news is that most of these situations are temporary adjustments rather than permanent reductions. Hang in there!

I recommend having them run a complete AERO (Automatic Earnings Recomputation Operation) calculation during your call to ensure all your earnings are properly counted. Sometimes earnings from recent years or certain employers don't get automatically included in your benefit calculation. Also - very important - ask them to calculate what's called your "RIB-LIM" amount. This is a special calculation that applies to people who took survivor benefits early and are now considering switching to their own retirement benefit at FRA or later. The RIB-LIM calculation can sometimes result in a higher payment than the standard calculation. Finally, since you mentioned health concerns, remember that the general breakeven point between taking benefits at FRA versus age 70 is typically around age 82-83. If you have serious health concerns, maximizing monthly income sooner rather than later may make more sense than waiting.

How did the call go? I'm curious what you decided because I'm in nearly the same situation but haven't reached my FRA yet.

I just wanted to add that when you do file at 70, make sure to file 3-4 months BEFORE your 70th birthday. A lot of people don't realize that SSA doesn't automatically start sending checks when you hit 70 - you still need to apply, and benefits are only retroactive for 6 months max. I've seen too many people miss out on months of payments because they waited until after turning 70 to start the application process.

I went through something similar with my parents a few years ago. The restricted application strategy that allowed you to collect spousal benefits while delaying your own was phased out, and it's completely unavailable now for anyone born after January 1, 1954. Given your numbers ($3,200 now vs $3,800 at 70), and especially with your family longevity, waiting until 70 seems like the right call. That extra $600/month will really add up over time, plus your wife will get a higher survivor benefit if something happens to you. One thing to consider while you're waiting: since you're still working part-time, those earnings might actually be replacing some lower-earning years in your benefit calculation, which could bump up your final amount even more than the $3,800 estimate. The waiting is tough when you see that money sitting there, but with your family history of longevity, you're likely to come out way ahead in the long run.

I'm dealing with a similar spousal benefit issue right now! Just wanted to add that when you do get through to SSA, ask them specifically about the "deemed filing" rules if you're both receiving benefits. Sometimes there are nuances about how spousal benefits are calculated when both spouses are already receiving their own retirement benefits that can affect the final amount. Also, make sure they're using your husband's correct PIA - I've seen cases where they accidentally used an outdated figure from before his final benefit was calculated. The $58 difference is definitely worth pursuing - that's real money over time!

I went through this exact same situation last year! The timing delay is completely normal - my spousal benefit didn't start until 7 weeks after my regular retirement benefit began. But that $58 difference is significant and definitely worth investigating. Here's what I learned: SSA reps sometimes use different calculation methods or have access to different versions of your earnings record than third-party advisors. In my case, the discrepancy was because the SSA had updated earnings information that my advisor didn't have access to when they did their initial calculation. I'd suggest calling and asking for a "benefit verification letter" that shows the exact breakdown of how they calculated your $114 spousal benefit. Then you can compare it line by line with your advisor's $172 calculation to see where the difference occurs. Don't let them rush you off the phone - you have every right to understand exactly how your benefit was calculated. Also, if you do find an error, SSA will backdate any corrections to when your spousal benefit should have started, so you won't lose money while this gets sorted out. Good luck!

Just to add one more thing - if you create a my Social Security account online (ssa.gov/myaccount), you can see your earnings record and make sure all your work is being properly credited. It's a good way to verify everything's in order without having to call SSA directly.

As someone who's been through a similar situation, I can confirm what others have said - your contributions aren't lost! I started collecting at 62 and continued working part-time until 67. The key thing to understand is that Social Security uses your highest 35 years of earnings to calculate your benefit, so if your current earnings are higher than some of those earlier years, they'll replace the lower years in the calculation. The timing can be confusing though - the recalculation typically happens in October following the year you worked, so there's often a delay. I'd recommend keeping track of your earnings and checking your annual Social Security Statement to see how your benefit calculation changes over time. Even small increases can add up significantly over the years, especially since you'll likely be receiving benefits for a long time. One more tip: if you're planning to work until your Full Retirement Age, remember that once you reach FRA, the earnings limit disappears completely, so you can earn as much as you want without any benefit withholding.