my brother said something about file and suspend but i think they got rid of that????? anyone know

Thank you all for the helpful information! I think I understand my options much better now. Just to summarize what I've learned: 1. The 8% delayed retirement credit is real, and it's simple interest (not compound) 2. After FRA, I can earn unlimited income from self-employment without benefit reductions 3. I'll get all COLA increases even while delaying 4. My wife's claiming decision doesn't affect my benefits 5. If I die first, my wife can switch to my higher benefit as a survivor, but she must APPLY for it (not automatic) 6. I need to consider taxation if I work while collecting I think I'm leaning toward delaying to 70 now, especially since it provides that "insurance policy" of a higher survivor benefit for my wife if I die first. I'll use that Claimyr service to get through to SSA and confirm these details for my specific situation. Really appreciate everyone's input!

BE CAREFUL!!!! My brother-in-law got hit with a HUGE overpayment bill because he misunderstood how this works! Make sure you report your earnings to SSA right away when you start benefits. They don't find out about your earnings until tax time the NEXT YEAR and by then you could owe thousands back if you went over the limit!!

Just to add - when you do hit the earnings limit, they don't take away your entire benefit. They withhold $1 in benefits for every $2 you earn above the limit. So if you go over by $1,000 in a month, they'd withhold $500 in benefits.

congrats on having a good 401k! thats amazing these days

One additional factor to consider: If you wait until December 2025, you'll also be positioned better for any Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) that takes effect in January 2026. The COLA will apply to your higher base amount, further increasing the long-term advantage of waiting that extra month. With inflation patterns the way they've been, even a modest 2-3% COLA would add meaningful additional benefits over time.

wait I just remembered something important!!! if ur turning 62 soon make sure u understand deemed filing!!! the rules changed after 2015 and now if u file for ANY benefit they automatically make u file for ALL benefits ur eligible for! so u cant do that strategy where u take spousal first then switch to ur own later like people used to do!!

If your husband is 64 and receiving survivor benefits, and you're turning 62, you might want to consider a 2-step strategy that could maximize your household benefits over time: 1) You file for your reduced retirement benefit at 62 (accepting the reduction) 2) When your husband reaches 70, he switches to his own retirement benefit (maximized with delayed credits) which then triggers your eligibility for potentially higher spousal benefits While you'd have a permanent reduction on your own benefit from filing early, the years of receiving some benefit (rather than nothing) plus the eventual higher spousal amount might work out better financially depending on your specific benefit amounts and life expectancy. I'd recommend sitting down with a financial planner who specializes in Social Security claiming strategies to review all your options with actual numbers.

Based on your additional information about the surgery occurring in 2019 with documentation, you have a legitimate path forward. Here's what I recommend: 1. Use Claimyr or visit your local SSA office to confirm your exact date last insured 2. If your DLI was after your 2019 surgery, proceed with gathering your medical evidence 3. In your application, clearly specify an onset date in 2019 when the surgical complications began 4. Include all medical documentation from 2019-present showing consistent treatment 5. Consider getting a statement from your doctor specifically addressing how your condition prevented substantial gainful activity since 2019 The fact that you weren't working at the time of onset doesn't matter as much as proving the disability began before your DLI expired. The key is establishing that your medical condition would have prevented you from working since 2019 if you had attempted to return to work.

I will say, based on personal experience, applying for a closed period SSDI claim with an onset date from several years ago is challenging but absolutely possible. The key is having thorough documentation and being VERY specific about your onset date. The SSA will want to see that you've been receiving consistent treatment for your condition since 2019. Any gaps in treatment can be problematic, so be prepared to explain any periods where you might not have seen doctors regularly.