Thanks everyone for all this great information! I definitely have a clearer picture now. I'll be talking to my tax person next week to run some numbers based on my projected income. And I might use that Claimyr service to get through to SSA to discuss my specific situation. Really appreciate all the help!

I got question somewhat related... does any1 know if SS counts as income for mortgage applications? thinking of downsizing after retirement but need a small mortgage.

Just to clarify some points for everyone: 1. If you were born on or before May 10, 1997, you receive benefits on the 3rd of the month regardless of your birth date. 2. If born after May 10, 1997, you follow the birthday-based Wednesday schedule. 3. For direct deposit, your first payment will come electronically - no paper check for the first payment unless you specifically declined direct deposit. 4. Applications filed online typically process faster (2-4 weeks) than those filed through other methods. 5. If both spouses are filing, each application is processed separately, and payment dates are determined individually.

btw did u guys sign up for medicare too or just ss retirement

Just to clarify an important point: if you're within your first 12 months of receiving benefits, you can withdraw your application using Form SSA-521. However, if you're beyond 12 months, you cannot withdraw but can suspend benefits if you're under FRA. The process and repayment requirements are different for suspension vs. withdrawal. Based on your situation (returning to work and wanting to maximize future benefits), withdrawal is the right choice as it allows you to reapply later as if you never filed early. Good luck with the process!

UPDATE: I used the Claimyr service mentioned above and actually got through to an SSA representative! They confirmed they received my form and it's in processing. They said they've already flagged my account to stop the next payment, so I shouldn't receive anything on the 3rd. Now I just need to wait for the official letters about repayment. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help.

one more thing - check if theres a railroad retirement association or union that might help? my grandpa was in the brotherhood of railway workers and they helped him with benefit questions even after he retired

Based on everything you've shared, this sounds like a clear case of improper dual reduction. Here's what I recommend: 1. File Form HA-501 (Request for Hearing) with SSA and RRB simultaneously 2. Specifically request an "on-the-record" decision which can be faster than waiting for a hearing 3. Include a clear financial hardship statement about the housing situation 4. Request expedited processing due to dire need (possible homelessness) For legal help, look for an attorney who specializes in federal benefits, particularly someone with RRB experience. Elder law attorneys rarely have the specialized knowledge for these dual-system cases. The National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) can help you find someone with the right expertise.

has anyone mentioned restricted application? my brother did that with spousal benefits but im not sure if it applies for survivors benefits the same way

After reading through all these comments, I'd recommend scheduling an appointment with SSA to get the exact numbers for your situation. The general advice here is helpful, but only SSA can tell you exactly what your benefit amounts would be with the earnings test applied. If your reduced survivor benefit after the earnings test would be at least a few hundred dollars per month, and your husband's benefit was significantly higher than your own, it might be worth applying now. You'd get some extra income for 4 years, and then switch to your own benefit at FRA. However, if the amount after the earnings test would be minimal, the paperwork and hassle of applying might not be worth it. Remember that you'll need to provide marriage certificate, death certificate, proof of your earnings, and potentially other documentation. Have you considered reducing your work hours to stay under the earnings limit? That might be another strategy worth exploring if it's feasible in your situation.

So I was talking to my friend and she said I might be able to start taking benefits at 62 even though they'd be reduced. Is waiting until my full retirement age at 67 really worth it? That's 11 more years of struggling on my current income...

Has anyone mentioned yet that her working now actually helps her future benefit? Each year of earnings that replaces a zero-earnings year (like during your homemaker years) in your 35-year calculation helps increase your eventual benefit. So even if you're making "pennies" as you say, it's still boosting your future SS check!

btw my aunt told me that they changed the rules for people born after Jan 2 1954 about switching between different types of benefits. like u cant do that file and suspend strategy anymore. so make sure whatever advice u get is for ppl born in ur years not older folks!!!

I researched this extensively when planning my own retirement. The confusion comes from mixing up two different reductions: 1. The reduction to YOUR own benefit from filing early 2. The reduction to YOUR SURVIVOR BENEFIT based on when you claim it They're calculated differently! If your husband waits until 70 and gets (let's say) $3,500/month, then dies, that full amount becomes the basis for your survivor benefit. But how much of that you get depends on YOUR age when you CLAIM SURVIVOR BENEFITS. If you're already past your survivor FRA when he dies, you get 100% of his $3,500. If you're 60 when he dies, you'd get about 71.5% of his $3,500. The fact that you claimed your own benefit early doesn't directly reduce your survivor benefit. What matters is YOUR AGE when you APPLY for survivor benefits.

My husband had a problem where he applied 3 months before FRA but accidentally checked the wrong box requesting benefits to start immediately (which was 3 months early). He didn't notice his error. When he got his first payment, it was reduced! Took forever to get through to SSA to fix it. Triple check that start date box on your application!

The real annoyng part nobody mentions is that even when u do everything right they STILL might mess up ur first payment!! happened to me and 2 friends who all applied exactly when we were supposed to!!

When I filed last month, the claims specialist told me that the system automatically applies the correct WEP calculation based on the phase-in schedule. My initial benefit estimate letter showed the reduction was already less than it would have been before the repeal. The specialist explained that each year the reduction will decrease according to the schedule until it's fully eliminated. Make sure to mention the WEP situation specifically during your application. Having your complete work history organized before the appointment will save a lot of time. I created a spreadsheet showing all my covered and non-covered employment years with earnings amounts, which the specialist found extremely helpful.

My husband just went thru this. Apply online but then call to make sure they got it right. They messed up his first calculation and he had to call like 5 times to get it fixed!!

ive been getting ss since 62 (im 64 now) and just started a part time job that will put me a little over the earnings limit. do i really need to call ssa or can i just report it on my taxes? seems like a lot of hassle for just being a little over

Thank you all for the helpful information! I'm going to try contacting SSA this week to suspend my benefits before I start the new job next month. Sounds like suspension is definitely better than dealing with the earnings limit in my case since I'll be making well over the limit. And I like the idea of letting my benefit amount grow until FRA. Thanks again for all the advice!