Something else to consider: if you have any periods of employment where you DID pay into Social Security (outside of your non-covered pension job), you might qualify for your own Social Security benefit. If that's the case, you wouldn't be subject to GPO on those benefits - only on the spousal/survivor benefits. This could potentially increase your total retirement income. Do you have any work history outside of your pension-covered employment?

That could absolutely make a difference! Those 8 years of covered employment would contribute to your own Social Security benefit, which would not be reduced by GPO (though it might be affected by WEP, but differently). In fact, if your own benefit is higher than your reduced spousal benefit, you'd receive your own instead. When your husband passes, you'd then get the higher of: your own benefit OR your reduced survivor benefit. Having multiple income sources can significantly improve your financial situation. I strongly suggest getting a Social Security benefits analysis to see exactly how these calculations would work in your specific case.

After reading all these comments, it sounds like you'd really benefit from getting a personalized analysis of your situation from SSA directly. When I finally got through to them after using Claimyr, the agent ran several different claiming scenarios specifically for our financial situation. They showed us the lifetime benefit totals under different life expectancy assumptions. For a decision this important affecting potentially hundreds of thousands in lifetime benefits, it's worth getting expert advice tailored to your specific circumstances rather than general opinions.

did u check what ur spousal benefit would be when u retire?? my friend got more from her husbands record than her own even tho she worked 30 years

Thank you everyone for the responses! I'm going to apply online in March 2025 (4 months before my July payment). I feel much better knowing I don't have to worry about the earnings limit after reaching my FRA in June. One last question - do I need my birth certificate for the online application? I have my passport but not sure where my birth certificate is right now.

word of caution about applying online - i did that but there was a GLITCH and my application disappeared!!! had to start all over by phone. maybe things are better now but that was only last year. i'd recommend calling AND applying online to be safe

For the indexing thing - just know that they only use your highest 35 years of earnings when figuring ur benefit. If u worked 42 yrs like u said, they'll throw out ur 7 lowest-earning years. Also they adjust all those earnings to current dollars befor calculating. its complicated!!!

I had a similar situation with the tax withholding issue. I'd recommend selecting the 12% option on the W-4V unless you have significant other income. The 7% is rarely enough to cover the tax liability for most retirees with pension or investment income. After you submit the form, you can check your mySocialSecurity account about 30-45 days later to verify the new withholding amount is being applied correctly. Regarding the indexing factors, it's also worth knowing that earnings after age 60 aren't indexed (they're counted at face value), which can make understanding the formula a bit confusing.

I've been dealing with Social Security for YEARS and this is nothing new. They NEVER update their systems on time. My husband and I both got caught in the confusion when the FRA changed years ago. The website said one thing, the phone people said another thing, and the office staff said something completely different! Then they have the nerve to blame YOU when their mistakes cause problems. Do NOT trust what one agent tells you - always get a second opinion and GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING!!!

Update: After reading all your helpful comments, I decided to try calling. After THREE HOURS on hold, I finally got through to someone. They confirmed that yes, for WEP/GPO repeal cases, phone or in-person are the only options right now. They're "working on updating the website" but couldn't give a timeframe. So frustrating! The agent was actually very helpful once I got through and started my mother-in-law's application. They'll be mailing her some forms to complete and return. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!