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One more clarification about the SSDI to retirement conversion at 67 - while your payment amount stays the same, there's a significant benefit: once you're on retirement benefits instead of SSDI, you'll no longer be subject to medical reviews, and you can earn unlimited income without affecting your benefits (unlike SSDI which has strict work limitations). Regarding your LTD question - many policies do terminate at 65, but the exact terms depend on your specific policy. Some continue until your Social Security Full Retirement Age (67), while others have different age-based schedules. I'd recommend reviewing your policy documents or contacting your LTD provider directly.
That's a great point about no more medical reviews! Those always make me nervous even though my condition is permanent. I didn't realize I could work without limits after conversion either - that's really good to know.
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Just my 2 cents but my financial advisor told me that for women especially it often makes sense to claim early since we tend to live longer. That way we get something earlier in life when we can enjoy it more. Just something to think about.
To summarize the key points for your situation: 1. If you claim your retirement benefit at 62, it will be permanently reduced (to about 70% of your FRA amount). 2. If your husband claims at 70, his benefit will be 132% of his FRA amount. 3. If he passes away after claiming, you would be eligible for survivor benefits equal to 100% of what he was receiving - IF you claim survivor benefits at or after your survivor FRA. 4. If you claim survivor benefits before your survivor FRA, they would be reduced. 5. You would receive either your own benefit OR the survivor benefit, whichever is higher, not both. Given these rules, your strategy of claiming early while he delays could work well if the goal is to maximize potential survivor benefits. Just be aware of the earnings test if you're still working when you claim early.
This summary is incredibly helpful! I think I understand much better now. Since he has the higher earnings history, maximizing his benefit by waiting until 70 seems smart for both of us in the long run. Thank you all for the helpful information!
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my mom went thru this last year. make sure ur wife checks if survivor benfits would be higher than spousal! that's a whole different calculation and GPO affects it differently sometimes.
That's an excellent point about survivor benefits. While spousal benefits max out at 50% of the worker's PIA, survivor benefits can be up to 100% of what the deceased spouse was receiving (including delayed retirement credits). GPO still applies, but since the base amount is higher, survivor benefits are more likely to exceed the GPO reduction than spousal benefits are.
We hadn't thought about survivor benefits yet, but that's a good point. I know delaying until 70 will maximize what she could receive if I pass away first. Is there anything specific we should know about how GPO affects survivor benefits differently?
To summarize for clarity: 1. Your wife cannot claim spousal benefits until you file for your retirement benefits 2. Due to GPO, any spousal benefits she'd receive would be reduced by 2/3 of her government pension 3. When you do file at 70, SSA will automatically determine if adding a spousal benefit would increase her total benefit 4. If her own reduced benefit already exceeds what she'd get as your spouse after GPO, no additional amount would be paid 5. Delaying until 70 is still valuable for potential survivor benefits later Regarding GPO and survivor benefits: The same 2/3 pension offset applies, but since survivor benefits can be up to 100% of your benefit (versus 50% for spousal), there's more likely to be something left after the offset.
Thank you for this clear summary! This is extremely helpful. I'll stick with my plan to file at 70, and when I do, we'll see if my wife qualifies for any additional spousal benefits at that time. I appreciate everyone's insights!
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I just remembered something else!!! Make SURE you ask about any LUMP SUM DEATH BENEFIT when you apply!!! My friend almost missed out on the $255 death payment because no one at SSA told her about it - she had to specifically ask. They don't automatically tell you everything you're eligible for!!
Thank you for this reminder. I did receive the $255 lump sum death benefit shortly after my husband passed away. It's not much, but every bit helped with the funeral expenses. You're right that they don't always tell you everything you might be eligible for!
After reading through all these comments, I think your best approach is to: 1. Schedule an appointment with SSA (either by phone or in-person) 2. Apply for survivor benefits regardless of potential GPO impact 3. Request a detailed calculation showing how GPO affects your specific case 4. Also request a computation of your own future retirement benefit at 70, accounting for WEP 5. Make your decision based on these personalized calculations Many people in your situation find that even with GPO, they might receive a small survivor benefit, which can provide some income between 60 and 70 while your own benefit grows with delayed retirement credits. The key is getting accurate calculations based on your specific earnings history rather than general advice.
Thank you for summarizing this plan of action. I agree that getting the specific calculations for my situation is crucial. I'll apply for survivor benefits and request detailed calculations including both the GPO impact and my future retirement benefit with WEP considered. This forum has been incredibly helpful in preparing me for what to ask and what to expect when I finally get through to SSA.
Ravi Kapoor
To answer your follow-up question about the appointment: You need to be strategic with SSA. Don't ask for a \
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Freya Nielsen
This is brilliant and exactly what worked for me! They suddenly become MUCH more helpful when they think you're ready to file that day.
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