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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!!!
wait im confused... you said your single but getting spousal benefits? did you mean survivor benefits? or are you divorced? those are different things with ss
Sorry for the confusion! I'm divorced but receiving spousal benefits based on my ex-husband's record (we were married 22 years). SSA still calls them "spousal benefits" even though we're no longer married. I should have been clearer!
Just to clarify for everyone: You can receive divorced spouse benefits if you were married for at least 10 years, are currently unmarried, and your ex-spouse is entitled to benefits. These are officially called "divorced spouse benefits" but many people (and even some SSA reps) casually refer to them as spousal benefits.
One additional consideration regarding your Medicare premium: The $174.70 you mentioned is the standard Part B premium for 2024. However, if your modified adjusted gross income from 2023 (as reported on your tax return) was above certain thresholds, you might be subject to IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount), which would increase your premium. Based on the income you mentioned, you're likely below those thresholds, but it's something to be aware of if your income fluctuates year to year.
My friend didn't tell SS about her pension and they found out 3 years later and made her pay back over $30k!!!! She almost lost her house! DEFINITELY tell them upfront!!!
To answer your follow-up question about when to contact them - you don't need to notify Social Security about your non-covered pension until you actually apply for SS benefits. Just make sure you're prepared with the right documentation when that time comes. Regarding your question about payment plans for overpayments - yes, SSA will generally work with you on a payment plan if you can't repay an overpayment all at once. They can withhold a percentage of your ongoing benefits until it's repaid, or you can set up monthly payments. But the real takeaway here is to be proactive and transparent from the beginning so you never face an overpayment situation. With proper planning, you can accurately estimate your WEP-adjusted benefit and avoid unpleasant surprises. One final note about WEP that many people don't realize: if your non-covered pension is relatively small, there's a provision that limits the WEP reduction to no more than 50% of your monthly pension amount. This doesn't apply to most teacher pensions (which tend to be substantial), but it's worth knowing in case your Florida pension ends up being on the smaller side.
Thank you all for the information! I just created an account on my.ssa.gov and downloaded my earnings record. Looks like I'll need to gather all my pension information and make sure I'm upfront when I apply. I think I'll try that Claimyr service too since I really need to speak with someone who understands all this WEP complexity.
The SSA website is SO confusing about this!!! I spent hours trying to understand the rules for my mom. They seriously need to hire people who can explain things clearly!
Thank you all for the helpful responses! I feel much more confident in the advice I'm giving her now. I'll make sure she understands: 1. Take her own benefit now at 65 ($670/month) 2. If her husband passes before her FRA, decide whether to take reduced survivor benefits immediately or wait until FRA for the full amount 3. The decision will depend on her financial needs and the exact reduction amount The differentiation between FRA for retirement vs. survivor benefits is something I hadn't considered - I'll make sure she asks specifically about that at the SSA office. This has been incredibly helpful!
Diego Vargas
also think about what happens when you do fully retire. will your wifes benefit be enough to support both of you if yours hasn't started yet? my friend had to go back to work at 72 because they didn't plan this right!!
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Chloe Anderson
One additional consideration that hasn't been mentioned yet: while your Social Security benefits can be subject to income tax, they're typically taxed at a lower effective rate than regular income. So even if you're in a higher tax bracket due to working + collecting SS, you may still come out ahead financially compared to just your work income alone. Also, if you're planning to continue working for several more years, claiming now gives you more flexibility. You could use the SS income to max out retirement account contributions, pay down debt, or build an emergency fund that will serve you well in full retirement.
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Omar Hassan
•I appreciate all this thoughtful advice. I think I'm leaning toward taking SS now while continuing to work. The immediate cash flow would let us keep our lifestyle without dipping into savings, and we could even put some away for when I do fully retire. I'll probably use that Claimyr service someone mentioned to talk to SSA directly about my specific numbers before making the final decision.
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