Make sure they check if your ex has multiple exes filing on his record! Many people don't realize there's no 'family maximum' for divorced spouse benefits - each eligible ex-spouse can receive benefits without reducing the others. But it DOES affect survivor benefits later, which is something to keep in mind for future planning.

On your call, request a complete breakdown of your benefit calculation in writing. SSA should send you an award letter after your claim is processed, but it doesn't always show the detailed math. Specifically ask for: 1. Your PIA based on your own work record 2. The spousal benefit amount you're eligible for (up to 50% of ex's PIA) 3. The excess amount (the difference between #2 and #1) 4. How continuing to work might change these calculations Keep detailed notes during your call - write down the name and direct extension of anyone helpful that you speak with. If you need clarification later, it's much easier if you can get back to the same person rather than explaining everything to someone new. Also, while your current earnings won't reduce benefits at FRA, they could potentially increase your own PIA if these are high-earning years for you, which might reduce the spousal excess portion (though your total would remain the same or increase).

Thank you all for the informative responses! I've learned so much - especially that I should be thinking about maximizing to age 70, not 72. It sounds like the best approach is for me to wait until 70 since I'm the higher earner, which would maximize my benefit and potentially my husband's survivor benefit if I pass away first. Even though my waiting won't increase his spousal benefit (which I didn't realize), the overall household strategy seems to favor delaying. I'm going to look into working until at least 68 and reassess our savings at that point. The distinction between how spousal vs. survivor benefits work was the missing piece I needed!

One other factor to consider: if your husband has his own substantial work record, his spousal benefit might not even come into play. Spousal benefits are only paid if they're higher than the person's own retirement benefit. If he's been a good earner throughout his career, he might just collect on his own record anyway. Also worth noting - you mentioned saving more. If you're still working, you might consider putting more into retirement accounts rather than focusing solely on the Social Security timing question. Increasing your savings rate for the next few years could have a significant impact too.

A few more points to consider before you make your decision: 1. If your boyfriend's SSDI is based on a relatively high earnings history, and your alimony is based on a lower income level, getting married might make financial sense. But based on the numbers you've shared ($1,675 SSDI, $1,950 alimony), it appears marriage would create a financial shortfall. 2. Look beyond just monthly cash flow. Marriage affects inheritance rights, medical decision-making, tax filing status, and healthcare access. Some of these could provide significant financial or practical benefits. 3. Some divorces have provisions for partial continuation of alimony even after remarriage - check your divorce decree carefully. 4. Remember that your spousal benefit would increase if your boyfriend waits until his Full Retirement Age to convert from SSDI to retirement benefits. This is a complex decision that merges financial considerations with emotional ones. I'd recommend consulting both an SSA representative and a financial advisor who specializes in retirement planning before making your decision.

My cousin was in a similar situation last year. She ended up just living with her boyfriend without getting legally married. They had a commitment ceremony with family and friends, exchange rings, call each other husband and wife, but legally they're single. That way she keeps her alimony and there's no negative impact on his benefits. They've been happy with this arrangement. Obviously there are some legal protections you don't get this way, but they took care of most of that with wills, advanced directives, and power of attorney documents. Something to consider if the numbers don't work out for a legal marriage.

Has anyone successfully appealed a GPO reduction? I've heard rumors that if you can prove financial hardship you can get the offset reduced. Is that true or just another SSA myth?

My wife had similar situation and we just gave up trying to figure it out. The whole GPO thing is just so frustrating! Good luck with your situation hope you get something eventually.

my neighbor started SS early and they messed up his payments so bad he had to pay back $12,000!!! be really careful with all this, the rules are super confusing and SS workers give wrong info all the time

To summarize for you: 1. Yes, you can earn the entire annual limit in Jan-Feb 2025 2. You'll likely not receive benefits for those two months due to the monthly earnings test 3. As long as you perform no work from March onward, you should receive full benefits for March-December 4. Make sure to report your work activity through your mySocialSecurity account 5. If you have trouble reaching SSA by phone to verify everything, consider using a service to get through 6. Any benefits withheld aren't permanently lost - they're factored in when you reach FRA Good luck with your retirement plans!