Great to see so many helpful responses here! As someone who works with seniors on benefit planning, I can confirm everything that's been said - you absolutely get COLAs regardless of when you claim. Just wanted to add one more resource: the SSA's official publication "When to Start Receiving Retirement Benefits" (Publication No. 05-10147) explicitly states this if you want documentation to show your neighbor. You can download it from ssa.gov. Making the decision to claim early is very personal and depends on your financial situation, health, and other factors. Sounds like you've thought it through carefully. Best of luck with your application process!

As a newcomer to this community, I just wanted to say how helpful this thread has been! I'm 63 and have been getting conflicting advice from friends and family about Social Security timing. Reading through all these responses has really clarified things for me. It's reassuring to know that COLAs apply to everyone regardless of when they start benefits - that's one less thing to worry about when making this important decision. Thank you all for sharing your knowledge and experiences!

I want to thank everyone for all the helpful information! I'm feeling much more confident about my decision to wait until 70 now. The points about the COLA being calculated on the larger amount, the potential tax benefits, and how my current work might further increase my benefit were all things I hadn't considered. I'll make sure to contact SSA a few months before my 70th birthday to make the switch, and I'll keep that Claimyr service in mind when the time comes. This community has been so helpful!

One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet is the impact on Medicare premiums. When you switch to your higher benefit at 70, your Medicare Part B premiums might increase if your income pushes you into a higher IRMAA bracket. The good news is that Medicare looks at your income from 2 years prior, so there's usually a delay before any premium increases kick in. Also, if you're married and file jointly, the combined income thresholds are higher. Just something to factor into your calculations when comparing the net benefit of waiting versus switching earlier. The extra monthly amount usually far outweighs any Medicare premium increases, but it's worth running the numbers with your specific situation.

After reading through all the comments, here's a summary of key points to consider before making your decision: 1. You'll lose access to ex-spouse benefits immediately upon remarriage 2. You must be married for 12 months before claiming on your new husband's record 3. Your new husband must be receiving his own benefits before you can claim spousal benefits 4. Spousal benefits are 50% of your husband's PIA at your FRA 5. Consider comparing potential benefits: your own work record vs. ex-spouse benefits vs. future new spouse benefits You might want to discuss a commitment ceremony now with legal marriage timed strategically after your boyfriend files for his benefits. This could be the best financial approach while still celebrating your relationship.

Congratulations on your engagement! What an exciting time. I've been through a similar situation myself and wanted to share a few additional thoughts based on what others have mentioned. One thing that really helped me was creating a timeline spreadsheet comparing all scenarios - your current situation, what you'd get from ex-spouse benefits, and what you'd potentially get from new spouse benefits. Don't forget to factor in cost of living increases and the fact that your boyfriend is still working (his benefit amount might increase if he continues working past age 67). Also, since you mentioned he's 67 and still working part-time, he might be subject to the earnings test if he files for benefits now. This could affect the timing of when it makes sense for him to start collecting, which then affects when you could claim spousal benefits. The commitment ceremony idea is really smart - my neighbor did exactly that and it worked out perfectly for her financial situation. Love doesn't have to wait, but sometimes the paperwork should! Best of luck with whatever you decide.

Thanks everyone for your helpful responses. I've learned so much! I created my SSA account but couldn't find a way to see my wife's records there. I'm going to try calling again using the specific wording suggested here about requesting a "survivor benefit calculation." Based on everyone's input, I'm now rethinking my strategy. With the earnings test, it might make more sense to wait until closer to my FRA since I plan to continue working. I had no idea that making $72k would essentially wipe out most of the survivor benefit at age 60. I'm going to make an in-person appointment at my local office to get concrete numbers. If the phone waits are as bad as they've been in the past, I might try that Claimyr service someone mentioned. I'll update here once I get more information from SSA!

I'm sorry for your loss. I went through a similar situation after my husband passed away two years ago. One thing that helped me was getting a copy of my deceased spouse's Social Security Statement directly from SSA. You can request this by calling and asking for Form SSA-7050 (Request for Social Security Earnings Information). There's a small fee, but it gives you the complete earnings history you need to calculate benefits. Also, don't give up on the phone calls. I learned that asking to speak with a "claims specialist" rather than a general representative often gets you someone with more knowledge about survivor benefits. They have access to calculators that can give you a pretty accurate estimate. One more tip: if you do decide to wait until FRA to claim, remember that you can still file a "protective filing" at 60 to preserve your claim date, then withdraw it if you change your mind. This gives you more flexibility in your planning.

Thank you everyone for the helpful responses! I feel much better knowing this transition should be smooth. I'm going to try reaching SSA again to confirm everything, and I might try that Claimyr service if I keep having trouble getting through. I'll also double-check my direct deposit information to make sure it's current. I appreciate all your help!

Just wanted to add that you can also check your transition status through your my Social Security account online. When you log in at ssa.gov, you can see your benefit information and payment history. About 30 days before your FRA, the system will usually show the upcoming change in your benefit type. This gives you a good way to monitor the transition without having to wait on hold for hours. I'd recommend checking your account regularly in the weeks leading up to your FRA date - it's much easier than trying to get through on the phone!