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Congrats on reaching FRA! Something no one mentioned yet - even though the earnings limit is gone, you still have to pay income tax on your combined income (work + SS benefits) if it goes over certain thresholds. For most people, up to 85% of SS benefits become taxable when your combined income gets high enough. Just something to budget for!
Good point! I forgot to mention this. The thresholds for Social Security benefits becoming taxable are pretty low too. For single filers, if your combined income (adjusted gross income + nontaxable interest + half of your SS benefits) exceeds $25,000, up to 50% of benefits may be taxable. Above $34,000, up to 85% may be taxable. Op should definitely factor this into their calculations when deciding how much to work in 2025.
One final clarification for you: to maximize your benefits, remember that: 1. You can work unlimited amounts after FRA without benefit reduction 2. If you're switching to your own retirement benefits, consider whether it makes sense to delay claiming your own retirement past FRA to earn delayed retirement credits (8% per year until age 70). You could potentially continue receiving survivor benefits while delaying your own retirement benefit, depending on which is higher. 3. Any new earnings that replace lower earnings in your 35-year calculation will increase your benefit. SSA recalculates annually. 4. Watch those IRMAA thresholds for Medicare premiums - for 2025 (based on 2023 income), the first tier starts around $97,000 for individuals. Based on everything you've shared, you're making good decisions. Starting work in January 2025 after reaching FRA gives you complete freedom from the earnings test.
Thank you so much for this additional information! I've already looked at the numbers, and my own retirement benefit at FRA will be higher than my survivor benefit, so switching makes sense for me. And now I know I can work without worrying about benefit reductions! This forum has been incredibly helpful - I feel much more confident about my decisions now. I appreciate everyone taking the time to share their knowledge and experiences!
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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!
the whole system is RIGGED against public servants who already make less than private sector! my brother worked for USPS for 31 years and got hit with WEP even though he had plenty of SS credits too. complete SCAM if you ask me.
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).
That's really helpful advice about filing anyway. I didn't realize the survivor benefits would be calculated differently - that's important to know for future planning. I have most of that documentation already except maybe his current SS number. Can they look that up based on his name and DOB if we've been divorced for several years?
Yes, SSA should be able to locate your ex-spouse's record with his name, date of birth, and other identifying information like his parents' names if you know them. Having his SSN makes the process faster, but it's not absolutely required in divorced spouse cases. The important thing is your marriage certificate and divorce decree that proves the marriage lasted over 10 years.
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One more thing to consider - since this involves a cancer case, you should mention to the Tampa office that this falls under Compassionate Allowances guidelines. This might help prioritize getting these documents processed quickly once they receive them. Also, document EVERYTHING about your attempts to submit these records. Note the date, time, and name of every person you speak with. If your husband's back payments get delayed because of their document mishandling, this documentation will be important for appealing any issues with the retroactive payment date.
Thank you for this additional advice. I haven't specifically mentioned Compassionate Allowances in our previous communications, so I'll definitely bring that up. And I've started keeping a detailed log of all our interactions since this issue began. I appreciate your help!
just wondering did u get a receipt when u dropped off the papers?? they supposed to give u one i think. that could help prove u actually gave them the stuff if they try to deny it later
The representative gave us something, but it was just a generic timestamp receipt that doesn't specifically list what documents we provided. I wish I had asked for an itemized receipt now. Lesson learned for next time.
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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.
This SHOULD be correct but my experience proves SSA doesn't always FOLLOW their own rules!! The system sometimes applies annual limits even when it shouldn't. OP better document EVERYTHING and keep records of all conversations!!!
just wanted to say thanks for asking this question, im in almost same situation but switching in october. this thread is really helpful
You're welcome! It's been so confusing trying to get straight answers. I think I'm finally understanding it now - once I hit FRA in August, the earnings test disappears completely regardless of which benefit I'm receiving. Good luck with your October switch!
Chloe Wilson
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.
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Diego Mendoza
•Does that actually work? I've been trying to get through about my missing COLA letter for days!
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Chloe Wilson
•Yep! Way better than dealing with the constant busy signals. I was skeptical too but it connected me right away.
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Malik Robinson
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?
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Ravi Choudhury
•Yes, if you have Medicare Part B premiums deducted from your Social Security payment, the premium increase for 2025 will offset some of your COLA increase. The standard Part B premium went up by $12.40 this year, which will reduce the net increase you see in your monthly payment. Your COLA notice should break down both the COLA increase and the Medicare premium adjustment.
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