Since there seems to be confusion about spousal benefits in this thread, let me clarify a few key points: 1. If you were born after January 1, 1954, when you file for either your retirement OR spousal benefit, you're automatically deemed to have filed for both. 2. The maximum spousal benefit is 50% of your spouse's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), but you only receive the higher of either your own benefit or the combination that gives you the most money. 3. If you file before your Full Retirement Age (FRA), both your own retirement and spousal benefits will be permanently reduced. 4. Your spouse must have already filed for their own benefits for you to receive spousal benefits (unless they're suspended due to earnings). The online application system does handle spousal benefits correctly if you indicate you're married and want to file on your spouse's record.

To the person asking about getting $1000 plus $700 - you don't add them together. You get the HIGHER of either your own benefit OR the spousal amount. So in your example, you'd get $1000 (which is higher than your $700). The system essentially tops you up to the higher amount. And @OP - for your original question, yes, the application date online becomes your official filing date. Print or screenshot your confirmation page as proof. And if you need to visit an office, use the online appointment scheduler at ssa.gov/locator - don't rely on phone agents to set it up.

To clarify the technical aspects once and for all: The RIB-LIM rule (found in section RS 00615.020 of the SSA's Program Operations Manual System) states that when the worker files for reduced retirement benefits, the maximum amount payable to the spouse is limited to the higher of: 1. The difference between the family maximum benefit (FMB) and the worker's reduced benefit, or 2. The spouse's benefit before the RIB-LIM is applied This means that in SOME cases, the worker filing early can indirectly reduce what the spouse receives, even if the spouse waits until FRA. It depends on the specific benefit amounts and family maximum calculation for your case. So both sides of this debate are partially correct, which is why it's so confusing!

Thank you everyone for the informative responses! I think I understand now why there's so much confusion online about this topic - because the answer isn't simply yes or no, but depends on how various rules interact with our specific numbers. I'll definitely try to get an appointment with an SSA claims specialist who can look at our exact situation. If the phone lines continue to be impossible, I might try that Claimyr service someone mentioned. I'll update this thread once I get a definitive answer for our situation in case it helps others in the same boat. Really appreciate all the knowledge shared here!

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.

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.