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Social security is so confusing! I thought retirement age was 65 but now its like 67 for most people? the whole system needs to be simplified
You're right that it can be confusing. Full Retirement Age (FRA) varies based on your birth year. For those born in 1960 or later, FRA is 67. For those born between 1943 and 1954, it's 66. And for those born between 1955 and 1959, it increases gradually from 66 and 2 months to 66 and 10 months. The original 65 age hasn't applied to anyone retiring in quite some time.
One more thing I forgot to mention - if you DO get an overpayment notice (I HOPE YOU DON'T!), immediately file for a waiver! Even if you know you might have gone over slightly. The waiver process buys you time to gather MORE evidence about your work activity. When I dealt with this, I eventually had to PHYSICALLY GO to the local office with printouts of EVERYTHING - invoices, bank statements with deposits highlighted, my work calendar. The system is SO BROKEN for self-employed people!!!
so what did u decide to do? im in almost the exact situation (except im 65 and 2 months) and trying to figure out my best move
I'm still weighing options, but leaning toward filing in January. The 5.6% reduction isn't ideal, but I need the income. I figure if I do find work before FRA, I'll deal with the earnings test. Then once I hit FRA in November, I'll have the option to suspend if I'm working full-time. Basically buying myself flexibility while not completely draining savings.
Another strategy option: If you have any self-employment income or could do consulting work, be aware that only earned income counts for the earnings test. Investment income, pension, rental income, etc. don't count against you. So some people structure work arrangements specifically to minimize the earnings test impact.
I think with SSDI u can get divorced spouse benefits at ANY age not just retirement age. Normal retirement people have to wait till 62 but SSDI is different rules I think???
One more thing - if you used the Claimyr service someone mentioned and managed to speak with SSA, make sure you get the name and direct extension of anyone who helps you correctly understand your case. That way, if you need follow-up, you can try to reach the same person who already understands your situation. Also get everything in writing if possible!
Great tip! I actually tried Claimyr today and got a call back within 40 minutes! The representative agreed this sounds like an error and has scheduled me for an appointment with a Claims Specialist next week. I made sure to get her name and employee ID number just in case.
Yuki Yamamoto
To address your original question about inflation and potential future cuts to Social Security - this is actually a reason that taking benefits now might make sense. Your benefit amount, once started, is protected and will receive COLA adjustments. The talk about "cuts" generally refers to future changes to the program for people who haven't started benefits yet, not reductions to benefits already being paid. Regarding inflation - once you start receiving benefits, you'll get the annual COLA increases. For 2025, the COLA is projected to be around 2.5-3.0% (though this isn't finalized). The fact that you're already 69 means you've already captured most of the delayed retirement credits. The difference between filing at 69 vs 70 is much smaller than, say, 62 vs 70. So don't feel like you're making a huge financial mistake by not waiting that final year, especially given your health challenges.
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Zara Malik
I just wanted to post a final update - I was able to get an appointment at my local SS office (had to wait 3 weeks!) and went through all the numbers in detail. I decided to take the retroactive payment after all. The lump sum is exactly $15,392 and reduces my monthly payment by $92 compared to filing without retroactivity. I've already set up a separate savings account for about 30% of it for potential taxes next year (thanks for that advice!). The remaining money will go toward medical treatments and paying off debt. Even with the permanently reduced monthly amount, I feel good about this decision given my current health and financial needs. Thanks again to everyone who shared their experiences and advice!
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GalacticGladiator
•Great update! Sounds like you made a well-informed decision that works for your specific situation. Smart move setting aside money for potential taxes too. I hope the treatments help with your knees and hip pain!
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