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The advice here seems focused on maximizing your monthly payment, but don't forget to think about your total lifetime benefits too! If you wait 4+ years to claim (assuming your FRA is around 66-67), you're giving up 48+ monthly payments. You'd need to live well into your 80s before the higher monthly amount makes up for all those missed payments. No one can predict how long we'll live, but if you have health concerns or family history of shorter lifespan, claiming earlier often results in more total benefits received over your lifetime.
This is a valid point about the break-even analysis. Mathematically, the break-even point for early filing vs. FRA is typically around age 78-82 depending on specific circumstances. However, it's also important to consider spousal survivor benefits. If her husband has the higher benefit and predeceases her, she'll step up to his benefit amount. In that scenario, maximizing his benefit through delayed claiming could be more important than maximizing her spousal benefit.
After reviewing all the advice here, let me summarize the key points for your decision: 1) Your husband's transition from SSDI to retirement benefits won't affect your spousal benefit amount. 2) Filing at 62 gives you about 32.5% of his PIA permanently, while waiting until your FRA gives you 50%. 3) Each month you delay between 62 and FRA increases your benefit percentage slightly. 4) Consider both monthly amount AND lifetime total benefits in your decision. 5) Your financial needs now vs. later should guide your choice - there's no universally "right" answer. I suggest calling SSA to get exact benefit estimates for different filing ages to make an informed decision.
Thank you so much for this clear summary! I'll definitely call SSA to get the exact numbers for different scenarios. I think I might split the difference and wait a year or two, but not necessarily until my full retirement age. Really appreciate everyone's help!
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There's a special provision for divorced spouses - you can actually receive benefits on your ex's record if you've been divorced for at least two years, even if he hasn't filed yet, as long as he's eligible (62+). This is called the two-year divorce rule or "independently entitled divorced spouse" provision. Since he's 66 and eligible, you should be able to get your benefits regardless of whether he's filed yet. When you contact SSA, specifically mention this provision if they try to tell you that you have to wait for him to file. Not all representatives are familiar with this rule.
this is why the system is so broken!!! even their own employees dont know all the rules and give wrong info all the time!! my cousin was told 3 different things by 3 different people at SSA about widow benefits!!
Thank you all for the helpful information! I'm going to try the Claimyr service tomorrow to actually get through to someone. Then I'll specifically ask about the "independently entitled divorced spouse" provision since we've been divorced for 7 years. I'll also look into emergency assistance through my county as a backup plan. Will update here if I make any progress. Fingers crossed I can get this resolved before the alimony stops!
Good plan. One last tip - when you do speak with SSA, ask them to make a note in your file about your financial hardship due to the alimony ending. While they don't have an official "expedite" process, files with documented hardship sometimes get prioritized. Best of luck and let us know how it goes!
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I don't have advice but I'm in a similar situation. Turned 65 last month and just got laid off after 20 years with the same company. So confusing trying to figure out Medicare + Social Security + job hunting all at the same time. It's overwhelming!!! I'm leaning toward taking SS now because honestly who knows what will happen with the program in the future? Bird in hand and all that...
For someone just turning 65, you face even more complicated timing decisions with Medicare. Remember that even if you delay Social Security, you should still sign up for Medicare at 65 to avoid late enrollment penalties. You can enroll in Medicare without starting your Social Security benefits.
After reading all the comments, here's what I'd suggest based on my own experience and financial background: 1. File for benefits now to preserve your savings 2. Continue looking for work (remember, at FRA there's no earnings limit) 3. If you find work within 12 months, consider the withdrawal option if it makes financial sense 4. If your savings are in growth investments, definitely lean toward taking SS now to avoid selling investments in a down market The peace of mind of regular income shouldn't be underestimated either. Retirement is supposed to be a time of reduced stress, not increased anxiety about finances.
Thank you for this thoughtful summary. I think I'm leaning toward filing now, continuing my job search, and keeping the withdrawal option in my back pocket if I find something soon. That flexibility seems like the best approach given all the uncertainty.
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ur hubby and mine should talk my husband had that exact surgery they said paralysis might happen but he was up walking 2 days later back to work in 3 months doctors always say the worst case scenario but most ppl do fine
This is off-topic from the Social Security question being discussed. Let's help the OP with her earnings limit question rather than medical anecdotes.
To summarize the correct information: 1. Since 2025 is your FRA year, the higher earnings limit ($62,160) applies for the ENTIRE year. 2. For January and February (before you reach FRA), Social Security will deduct $1 for every $3 you earn above that limit. 3. Starting in March when you reach FRA, there is NO earnings limit at all - you can earn any amount without reduction. 4. If you start benefits in January, you'll receive slightly reduced benefits (approximately 1.1% reduction for each month before FRA). Given your husband's health situation, starting in January makes perfect sense. You'll have the security of income if you need to reduce work hours, but still have substantial room to earn under that higher limit if his recovery goes well and you can continue working.
Thank you for this clear summary. This is exactly what I needed to understand. The permanent reduction for claiming early is small enough that the security of having benefits during this uncertain time seems worth it. I appreciate everyone's help!
Jacinda Yu
Has anyone tried the online application for survivor benefits? The SSA website says you can apply online but when I tried for my mom it kept giving errors. wondering if thats another option for OP besides going in person?
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Nasira Ibanez
•While SSA does offer online services for many things, initial applications for survivor benefits typically require either a phone interview or in-person visit. This is because they need to verify several items that can't be easily confirmed online. The "errors" you encountered were likely the system recognizing this was a survivor claim that needed personal attention. For retirement benefits, the online system works quite well, but survivor benefits have more complex eligibility factors.
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Geoff Richards
Update: I went to the office today and got there at 6:45am - there were already 8 people in line! But I did get in during the first group. The process took about 2 hours total, but I'm now officially applied for survivor benefits! The representative confirmed I was absolutely eligible at age 60 (that phone rep was completely wrong). She said I should see my first payment in about 3-4 weeks, and it will include any back benefits from my filing date. The amount was close to what I expected - $1,790 per month. Not as much as I'd get if I waited until FRA, but it will keep a roof over my head right now. Thanks everyone for your advice. Going in person was definitely the right move.
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Simon White
•So glad it worked out for you! That's almost exactly how my experience went too. And yes, sometimes taking the reduced amount early is the right financial decision when you need the income now. You made the right choice for your situation.
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