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.

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.

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!

I just wanted to thank everyone for the helpful information. I have a much better understanding now. It sounds like my husband should definitely continue with his plan to work part-time, as it may increase his benefit somewhat (even if it's modest) since he has fewer than 35 years of earnings. And there's no downside since he's at his full retirement age and can earn unlimited amounts without any reduction in benefits. It's great to know the recalculation happens automatically too. One less thing to worry about!

You're absolutely right to pursue this! Since your husband has some zero earning years, working part-time could definitely help boost his benefit amount over time. Just wanted to add that you can actually get a rough estimate of the potential increase by creating a my Social Security account at ssa.gov. It shows his complete earnings record, so you can see exactly which years have low or zero earnings that could potentially be replaced by his new part-time work. The earnings record will also show you his current benefit calculation, which can help you understand how much room there is for improvement. It's a great tool for planning!

I just want to thank everyone for their insights! The Social Security system is so complicated, and it helps to hear from others who've navigated it. One thing I didn't mention in my original post - I almost gave up waiting about 2 years ago when my car broke down and I needed a new roof. Those were tough months living on my small retirement benefit. But I'm glad I stuck with the plan. For those currently deciding, don't forget to factor in Medicare premiums when you turn 65 - that was an expense I hadn't properly calculated and it took a bite out of my budget!

Thank you for sharing your experience with such detail! As someone who's currently 59 and will face this decision next year when my husband's survivor benefits become available, your story is incredibly helpful. I'm particularly interested in how you managed the emotional aspect of this decision - it must have been difficult to keep delaying something that represented financial security during what I imagine was already a challenging time grieving your wife. Did you ever have moments where you questioned your decision to wait, especially during those tough financial periods you mentioned? I'm trying to prepare myself mentally for potentially making a similar choice, but I worry about the uncertainty of not knowing exactly what the benefit will be until you actually claim it. The SSA estimates can be helpful, but your actual amount being so much higher than the early estimate really shows how much can change over those waiting years. Also, do you have any advice for keeping track of the annual COLA adjustments while waiting? I'd like to be able to roughly monitor how my potential benefit is growing each year.