Since you're planning to continue working, one other consideration is how your additional earnings might increase your AIME (Average Indexed Monthly Earnings) and potentially your PIA (Primary Insurance Amount). If your recent working years are among your highest 35 earning years, they could replace lower-earning years in your calculation and slightly increase your benefit amount. Though the effect is typically small at this stage, it's worth understanding that your benefit amount isn't completely fixed and could see small adjustments based on continued earnings.

My neighbor did something similar but she put all her SS money in I bonds last year when the rates were really good!

Just to add to my earlier comment: many people don't realize there's a middle ground. You don't have to claim at either 62 or your full retirement age of 67. You can claim at any point in between. For instance, if you worked until 64 and then claimed, your reduction would only be about 20% instead of 30%. Or claim at 65 for roughly a 13.3% reduction. If your health is starting to make work difficult, but you're concerned about the lifetime reduction, this might be a good compromise. It also helps you avoid the worst of the earnings test issues if you plan to stop working completely at the time you claim.

One more consideration: have you looked into whether you might qualify for any needs-based assistance programs that could help bridge the gap until you reach your full retirement age? Things like SNAP benefits (food stamps), energy assistance programs, etc. might help you manage if you decide to stop working before claiming Social Security. Also, some states have additional supplemental programs for seniors with limited income. These resources could potentially help you delay claiming until at least 65 when Medicare kicks in, which would reduce your healthcare costs significantly compared to marketplace insurance before 65.

hey did ur wife try any of the new meds for parkinsons?? my uncle got on some new one starts with K i think and it helped him alot with the tremors. maybe that could help her keep working?

One important thing to understand is that SSA evaluates Parkinson's disease under Listing 11.06 (Parkinsonian syndrome). The key criteria they look for are: 1. Marked limitation in physical functioning AND cognition, OR 2. Marked limitation in physical functioning AND mood/behavior regulation, OR 3. Marked limitation in physical functioning AND completed tasks in a timely manner "Marked limitation" means the symptoms seriously limit the ability to function independently, appropriately, and effectively. Even if your wife doesn't meet these exact listing requirements, she might still qualify through a medical-vocational allowance based on her Residual Functional Capacity, age, education, and work experience. The evidence needs to be compelling about how her condition prevents substantial gainful activity. For someone in an accounting position, documenting how tremors affect computer use, how fatigue impacts concentration for detailed financial work, or how speech issues affect client interactions would be particularly relevant.

Just a heads-up for everyone following this issue - the Social Security Fairness Act has been introduced in multiple Congresses but hasn't passed yet. The current version (H.R. 82 in the House and S. 1398 in the Senate) would eliminate both WEP and GPO if passed. While we wait to see if legislation passes, here's what affected individuals should do: 1. Stay informed through official channels (SSA.gov and Congress.gov) 2. Consider joining advocacy groups focused on this issue 3. Keep documentation of your earnings history, both from covered and non-covered employment 4. If legislation does pass, wait for official guidance from SSA about implementation In most cases, if changes are made, SSA would implement them systematically, but it's always wise to follow up if you don't see adjustments within the timeframe specified in the legislation.

After trying to navigate this WEP/GPO situation myself, I found that having a one-on-one conversation with an SSA representative was really the most helpful. They explained exactly how my benefits were calculated and what would happen if the law changed. But getting through on the phone was nearly impossible until I used that Claimyr service I mentioned. If you do end up needing to speak with someone at SSA, I'd recommend trying them rather than wasting days getting disconnected. The agent I spoke with was surprisingly knowledgeable about the proposed legislation too.

My wife worked for 33 years before claiming at 62 and kept working pt and they still increased her benefit every year! Even tho she was over the earnings limit at first. its been 5 years now and her check is almost $200 more than when she started! But like someone else said she did have to wait till FRA to get the full increase.

To summarize what's been discussed: 1. Your 35-year calculation continues throughout your lifetime 2. New earnings can replace lower years, potentially increasing your benefit 3. The earnings limit applies until FRA ($21,240 for 2025) 4. Benefits withheld due to the earnings limit are partially returned at FRA through a recalculation 5. These recalculations happen automatically 6. The taxation of benefits is a separate consideration If you're replacing very low earning years from when you cared for your parents, you could see a meaningful increase over time, especially considering you'll potentially have many years of part-time work ahead of you.