Just to add to whats already been said - I know with my parents situation my mom gets a small "top off" because her own SS benefit was really low compared to my dads. But thats only because her own benefit was tiny. From what your saying your SSDI is already pretty high so you probably wont get anything extra when he files.

There's a key point I want to clarify here. When your husband files for Social Security retirement benefits (whether at FRA or age 70), you could be eligible for auxiliary benefits as his spouse. However, the maximum spousal benefit is 50% of his PIA (Primary Insurance Amount) at his Full Retirement Age. Since you're already receiving your own SSDI benefit of $2,948/month, you would only receive additional spousal benefits if 50% of your husband's PIA exceeds your current SSDI amount. For high earners reaching the maximum Social Security wage base ($168,600 in 2024, higher in future years), the maximum PIA for someone reaching FRA in 2024 is approximately $3,822. Half of that would be $1,911 - still less than your current benefit. Even with your husband's high income and maximum contributions, it's unlikely that 50% of his PIA would exceed your current SSDI benefit. Therefore, your benefit amount would likely remain unchanged when he files.

nobody knows how long theyll live. take the money now and enjoy life thats my philosophy!

After reading all the comments and your responses, it seems like filing at 62 might make sense in your specific situation. The child benefits alone could total well over $100,000 over the 11 years. Just be absolutely sure both you and your wife fully understand the long-term implications for survivor benefits. One resource I recommend is the book "Social Security Made Simple" by Mike Piper. It's very accessible and covers these complex situations well. You might also consider consulting with a financial advisor who specializes in Social Security strategies before making your final decision.

To address your question about what happens when your pension runs out: Under GPO rules, if your pension stops, the offset should stop as well. This is different from WEP, which generally continues even if your pension ends.When your pension payments end, you need to notify SSA immediately with proof that you're no longer receiving the pension. At that point, they should recalculate your spousal benefits without the GPO reduction. Make sure to keep documentation showing your pension has ended.If your pension is paid as a lump sum rather than monthly payments, SSA will calculate what the monthly amount would have been and apply the offset as if you were receiving monthly payments. Regarding your 403b specifically - some confusion might exist because 403b plans can be structured different ways. If your 403b was truly a pension from non-covered employment (no SS taxes paid), then GPO applies. But if it was more like a savings plan similar to a 401k where you contributed your own money, different rules might apply.This is definitely worth reviewing with SSA to ensure they've categorized your retirement plan correctly.

Thank you SO much for this information! This gives me some hope that at least when my pension runs out, I might get my full spousal benefit. I'll definitely keep documentation about when my pension ends.And you've given me another avenue to explore - my 403b was partly my contributions and partly employer contributions. I need to verify if SSA is treating it correctly. I'll gather all my pension documentation before calling them.I can't thank everyone enough for all this guidance. I feel much better equipped to address this situation now.

I was in a similar boat to u last year & honestly the BEST thing we did was just schedule an appointment at our local SSA office. My husband & I brought all our questions written down & the rep walked us thru everything step by step. Took about an hour but so worth it! Just be prepared for a long wait to get an appointment (took us like 3 weeks).

make sure u look at the tax situation too bc sometimes waiting doesnt help if ur gonna pay more taxes on the bigger benefit its all about whats left after taxes

just another way the govt takes our money. they should stop taxing retirement age people completey imo

One more thing to consider: Even though your continued contributions might not increase your monthly benefit, they're still supporting the overall Social Security system that you and others rely on. The system is designed so current workers support current beneficiaries, so your contributions are helping sustain benefits for everyone in the program.