One more consideration: If you're planning to stop working before your FRA, you might recalculate. Let's say you decide to stop working in August 2025, a few months after turning 66. You could apply for survivor benefits then, and the earnings test would only apply to the months in 2025 before you reach FRA. The SSA would use a monthly earnings test calculation rather than annual for the year you retire mid-year. This might make taking survivors before your exact FRA worthwhile, depending on exactly when you stop working.

Thank you all for such thoughtful responses! Based on everyone's advice, I think waiting until FRA makes the most sense in my situation since I don't need the extra income now and it avoids the complications with the earnings test. I'll use my SSA appointment to confirm the exact date of my FRA for survivor benefits and get more details about making the switch to my own benefits at 70. Really appreciate all the insights!

I tried doing it online but got confused about some questions and ended up calling. Was on hold forever. Wish I'd known about that Claimyr thing the other person mentioned.

Social Security Administration recommends applying three months before you want benefits to begin. In your case, that would be January 2025 for April 2025 benefits. The online application at ssa.gov is the most efficient method and can be completed in about 30-45 minutes if you have all your information ready. If you have a complex situation (multiple marriages, foreign work, etc.), then calling or visiting might be better. The local office wait times vary by location, but most now require appointments which can be scheduled by calling the national number (1-800-772-1213). Be aware that your first payment for April would arrive in May, as Social Security pays benefits in the month following the month for which they are due.

To be clear about the process: If GPO is repealed, you will need to contact SSA and likely file an application for spousal benefits. Even if you previously applied and were denied due to GPO, you would need to file again under the new rules. The amount on your statement is a good starting point, but might not be exactly what you'll receive. Benefits are subject to annual Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs), and the final calculation will be based on your Full Retirement Age (FRA), when you file, and your spouse's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). I recommend working with a knowledgeable SSA representative when filing to ensure you maximize your benefits. Given how difficult it can be to reach SSA by phone, consider scheduling an in-person appointment at your local office once any legislation is actually passed.

btw be careful about getting your hopes up too much. my neighbor's wife is in same boat (teacher pension) and she said even if the law passes theres rumors it might only be partial elimination of GPO, not the whole thing. who knows what they'll end up doing!!!

wait im confused about something... if shes born in 1964 isnt her regular FRA 67 not 66 and 8 months? why are there different FRAs for different benefits?? thats so confusing!

Thank you all for the amazingly helpful advice! I've made notes of everything and have a much clearer plan now: 1. Get specific benefit amounts from SSA (what my SSDI converts to at 67, projected amount at 70, and widow's benefit at 66+8mo) 2. At 66+8mo, file restricted application SPECIFICALLY for widow's benefits only if they're higher than my SSDI 3. At 70, reassess and take whichever is higher - my maximized retirement or the widow's benefit I'll use that Claimyr service to actually reach SSA since the regular phone line has been impossible. I'll update when I have more information, in case it helps someone else in a similar situation.

One more thing - when you do claim at 70, make sure you understand how your benefits will be taxed. Depending on your other income sources, up to 85% of your Social Security can be subject to federal income tax. Many people don't plan for this and get surprised at tax time. Your state may also tax SS benefits differently.

To answer your specific question about finding this on the website: The tool you want is called the "Retirement Estimator" which you can find here: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/estimator.html When you log in with your my Social Security credentials, you can see estimates based on different claiming ages. There's also an option to enter custom earnings amounts for future years where you could enter zeros. If you want even more detail, you can download the "Detailed Calculator" software mentioned earlier, but for most people, the online tool provides sufficient information.