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I'm not totally sure on this, but I think there's still a way to get spousal benefits while letting your own grow??? My sister-in-law did something like this just last year. You might want to ask specifically about that at your local SSA office.
With respect, this is incorrect. The restricted application strategy (claiming spousal while letting your own grow) is only available to people born before January 2, 1954. For everyone born after that date, when you file for any benefit, you are deemed to be filing for all benefits you're eligible for, and you'll receive whichever is higher. Your sister-in-law was likely born before that cutoff date, which is why she was able to use that strategy.
Update: I wanted to thank everyone for their advice. I scheduled a meeting with a financial advisor who specializes in Social Security planning for families with disabled dependents. Based on our discussion and your comments, I'm leaning toward working 2 more years past my FRA. The long-term security for my son is the deciding factor - knowing that he'll have a higher benefit available throughout his lifetime if something happens to both my wife and me. The potential tax changes would be nice, but as many of you pointed out, that's not something to bank on.
That sounds like a wise decision! Getting professional advice specific to your situation is always smart. One other thing to consider - if you're still working, you might look into an ABLE account for your son if you haven't already. It allows disabled individuals to save money (up to $16,000/year) without impacting their SSI eligibility. Could be another way to provide security.
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Just wanted to add - make sure you're using the 2024 earnings limit for survivor benefits at age 60, which is $22,320. Sometimes people use the wrong limit by mistake. And remember that only earned income counts - not investments, pensions, etc.
Yes, I'm using the correct limit for 2024. My earnings from my part-time job will be $22,339, which puts me $19 over. I don't have any other income that would count toward the limit.
WAIT! If you're only claiming in November, isn't there some kind of first-year rule where they look at your monthly earnings instead of annual? I feel like there was something special about the first year you claim benefits...
You're thinking of the Grace Year rule, but the original poster already mentioned that the monthly calculations wouldn't help because their earnings are higher in November/December (the months they're claiming benefits). The monthly limit would be $1,860, and if they earn more than that in those months, the Grace Year provision wouldn't be beneficial in this case.
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One more important point: The earnings limit for survivor benefits increases in the year you reach your full retirement age (FRA), and then disappears completely once you hit your FRA. For example, if your FRA is 67, in the year you turn 67, the earnings limit jumps to around $59,520 (for 2025), and they only count earnings before the month you reach FRA. Then after your FRA, you can earn any amount without reduction. Since you're planning to switch to your own benefit at 70, you'll still need to be mindful of the earnings test between 60-67, but after your FRA, you can work as much as you want without any impact on your survivor benefits.
That's great to know about the higher limit in the year I reach FRA. My full retirement age is 67, so I'll need to plan carefully for the years between 60-67. I'm hoping to work part-time during those years anyway, but it's good to know I have more flexibility once I reach FRA.
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just curious did you collect on your own record before switching to your ex's survivor benefits? i heard you can switch back and forth to get the best deal but never understood how that works
You're referring to a strategy where someone could claim one type of benefit and later switch to another. For example, a person could claim a spousal or survivor benefit first, allowing their own retirement benefit to grow until age 70, then switch to their own (now larger) retirement benefit. However, this flexibility was largely eliminated for most people by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, with some exceptions for specific groups. The rules are complex and depend on birthdate and specific circumstances.
Thanks everyone for all the helpful responses! I understand much better now. It seems clear that my survivor benefits from my ex-husband will end with me and can't transfer to my new spouse. We'll make sure to look into maximizing my fiancé's benefits when the time comes. I appreciate all of you taking the time to explain this!
Glad we could help clarify things. One additional suggestion - make sure your fiancé understands the eligibility for Social Security disability (SSDI) as well, since he's not yet retirement age. If any health issues arise before he reaches full retirement age, knowing the SSDI process could be beneficial. Wishing you both happiness in your new chapter together!
Yara Sayegh
What about that thing where they increase ur benefit if they withhold some? My uncle said they recalculated his benefit when he hit retirement age and it went up because of the months they didn't pay him when he was working too much?? Anyone know about this?
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Zainab Omar
•Yes, that's correct! When benefits are withheld due to the earnings test, SSA will recalculate your benefit amount when you reach Full Retirement Age. They essentially give you credit for the months when benefits were withheld by removing the early retirement reduction for those months. This is a commonly overlooked aspect of the earnings limit - the money isn't permanently lost, but rather deferred with an adjustment at FRA. However, most financial advisors still suggest waiting to claim if you know you'll exceed the earnings limit significantly.
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Connor Gallagher
Based on everything shared here, it seems your best option is to: 1. Continue working through December 2. Apply for retirement benefits around October (for January start date) 3. Start benefits in January when you're no longer working This avoids the earnings limit issue entirely, prevents possible overpayments, and gives SSA enough processing time. Plus, waiting gives you a slightly higher benefit amount anyway due to delayed retirement credits.
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Ava Martinez
•Thank you everyone for all this advice! I'm definitely going to wait until January to start benefits, but apply in October like suggested. This has been incredibly helpful - way more useful than the confusing SSA website!
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