To clarify for everyone in this thread: 1. The earnings test is based on age, not benefit type 2. Once you reach your Full Retirement Age (FRA), the earnings test no longer applies regardless of benefit type 3. The monthly earnings test only applies in the calendar year you first become entitled to benefits 4. Switching from one benefit type to another doesn't trigger a new application of the monthly test Since the original poster is reaching FRA in August 2025, they need to be concerned about the earnings test for January-July only. After that, they can earn unlimited amounts without affecting either benefit type.

just wanted to say thanks for asking this question, im in almost same situation but switching in october. this thread is really helpful

Anyone else notice how IMPOSSIBLE it is to get accurate info from SSA??? Every time I call I get different answers! One person says they'll take 10%, another says they'll take it all at once, another says I need to fill out forms... it's exhausting! I've had my SSDI on hold twice and both times it caused me so much stress I ended up in the ER!

To follow up on what others have said, you should submit Form SSA-634 (Request for Change in Overpayment Recovery Rate) if the standard 10% would cause you financial hardship. You'll need to provide your monthly income and expenses to justify a lower rate. When you talk to SSA, be sure to ask them to explain why your account shows "on hold" - sometimes this is just an automated status during processing, but other times it could indicate they need additional information from you before releasing your payment. Also, since your overpayment was from work income, ask if you qualify for an "unsuccessful work attempt" provision, which might actually reduce or eliminate the overpayment amount entirely if your work lasted less than 6 months and ended due to your disability.

I had this exact same problem last year - needed to know the new amount for budgeting but couldn't get through on the phone to ask anyone. I ended up using Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got connected to a real agent in about 15 minutes who told me my new amount before it showed online. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. Saved me hours of frustration with the busy signals and disconnects.

I just checked my mailbox today and got my COLA notice! So for anyone wondering, mine came on November 24th. The website still hasn't updated yet though. The increase was a bit less than I expected based on the announced percentage...guess that's because of Medicare premium increases?

My aunt had almost the exact same situation!!! She worked for the county for 22 years and was married 15 years before divorcing. She thought she'd get half her ex's benefit but ended up with almost nothing because of GPO. It's so unfair that government workers get penalized like this!

One additional point - even if your ex-spouse benefit is completely offset by GPO now, you should still file and establish eligibility. If your situation changes in the future (like if your pension amount changes), you might become eligible for some amount. Also, survivor benefits (if your ex passes away) are calculated differently - they're 100% of what your ex received rather than 50%, so you might qualify for survivor benefits in the future even if you don't qualify for spousal benefits now. Just be sure to bring as much documentation as possible when you apply: marriage certificate, divorce decree, information about your government pension, your birth certificate, and Social Security numbers for both you and your ex-spouse (if you have it).

My situation was similar but I had a completely different outcome. My husband died, I got survivors benefits, kept working, had some reductions. I'm thinking the rules must have changed recently? Because when I switched to my own benefit two years ago, they did some kind of adjustment. Maybe talk to a different SSA person?

Thank you everyone for the helpful information! I'm going to schedule my appointment to file for retirement benefits soon, and I'll make sure to check my earnings record carefully beforehand. It's disappointing about not getting those deductions back, but at least now I understand how it works and won't be surprised. I appreciate all your insights!