Just want to point out that SSDI conversion to survivor benefits is also important here. When a person is receiving SSDI and passes away, the survivor benefit calculation is a bit different than standard survivor benefits. The benefit is based on the SSDI payment amount, but there can be adjustments for the deceased's early claiming. Make sure the SSA rep understands your wife was on SSDI when calculating your survivor amount.

IMPORTANT!!!! Did either of those SSA reps actually RUN THE NUMBERS for your specific situation???? Or were they just telling you general rules? Because without running your actual earnings record through their system, they might be GUESSING about which strategy is better for you!!!

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!

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.

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.

I think there's some confusion in this thread. The benefit is real, but there are specific requirements. Your child can get benefits on your record when you start collecting retirement, but: 1. The child must be unmarried 2. Under 18 (or up to 19 if still in high school) 3. The benefit is up to 50% of your PIA 4. There's a family maximum benefit that might reduce the amount Also, just to clarify something I saw earlier - these payments continue even if the child is working. Their earnings don't affect eligibility like they would for SSI.

Ok I just got off the phone with SSA after waiting FOREVER and I want to share what I learned since we're in similar situations: 1. Yes, our teen children CAN get benefits when we claim retirement 2. It's NOT automatic - we need to apply for them specifically 3. They recommended applying for the child's benefits at the same time as your own 4. You'll need the child's birth certificate, SS card, and YOUR marriage certificate if your name on the birth certificate is different than your current name 5. Benefits can continue until 19 if still in high school 6. The money goes to YOU as representative payee until they turn 18 Hope this helps someone! The agent I spoke with actually seemed surprised I knew to ask about this benefit!