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.

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.

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.

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!

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...

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.

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

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.

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).