Just to add an important point - when you go in for your appointment, ask them to calculate what's called your "RIB-LIM" amount. This is a special calculation that applies in cases where your spouse was on disability benefits. In some situations, it can affect the amount of survivor benefits you're eligible for. Many SSA reps don't automatically check this, so you want to specifically ask for this calculation.

Thank you all for the helpful advice! I've scheduled an appointment with SSA for next week, and I've made a list of all the questions to ask based on your suggestions - especially about the earnings test and that RIB-LIM calculation. For now, I'm leaning toward taking reduced survivor benefits even with the earnings test reduction, since I could still receive around $1,388 monthly according to the calculations provided. That would help me a lot financially while I'm still working part-time. I'll update after my appointment in case the information helps someone else in a similar situation.

To directly answer your question about whether it's worth working 10 more months: Calculate what your benefit would be with the delayed retirement credits (about 6.67% more for 10 months beyond FRA). Then multiply that monthly increase by how many months you expect to collect benefits (life expectancy). If that total exceeds what you'd earn by working those 10 months (after taxes), then retiring might make more financial sense. But also factor in non-financial considerations like job satisfaction, health, and retirement plans.

I recommend calling SSA directly about this. The online estimates can sometimes have issues, especially with recent earnings. A $5 increase sounds suspiciously low and may indicate a calculation error or a data entry problem. The representative can walk through your entire earnings record and benefit calculation with you to explain exactly why the increase is so small.

my frend had same problem she went 2 congressman office and they fixed everything in 2 weeks!! try that maybe?

Thank you everyone for the suggestions! I'm going to try using the specific terminology that was recommended when I call next time - "Medicare Beneficiary Statement" and "Special Notice Flag" seem like the magic words I need. If I can't get through on the phone, I'll try that Claimyr service someone mentioned. As a last resort, I like the idea of contacting my congressman's office - I hadn't thought of that. It's somewhat comforting to know I'm not the only one dealing with this WEP/GPO communication black hole. I'll update here if I make progress!

wait i thought IRA was better than individual 401k for most people? my brother in law said individual 401ks have more paperwork and fees. did your advisor explain why he recommended that instead?

Thanks to everyone for the helpful responses! This community is amazing. To summarize what I learned: 1. 401k rollovers don't affect SS benefit calculations in any way 2. Social Security only cares about my earnings record where I paid FICA/self-employment tax 3. I need to be careful about self-employment tax reporting to keep building my SS record 4. I'll need to file Form 5500-EZ once my individual 401k exceeds $250k 5. Retirement account withdrawals can affect how my SS benefits are taxed in retirement This gives me a lot more confidence moving forward with my rollover plan. I'll be creating an account on ssa.gov to check my earnings history too. Thanks again!

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS RIGGED AGAINST US!!! They purposely make these rules complicated so people don't get what they deserve! My husband and I missed out on this strategy by FIVE MONTHS because he was born in May 1954. FIVE MONTHS cost us thousands of dollars!!! And now they're practically impossible to reach by phone when you need help. The whole system needs to be torn down and rebuilt!!

Just wanted to update everyone - I successfully filed my restricted application yesterday! I used some of the advice here (especially bringing a printout of the POMS section) and was very explicit about wanting ONLY spousal benefits while my own continue to grow until 70. The representative initially seemed confused but after I showed the documentation, they understood. I double-checked the application before signing to make sure it only showed spousal benefits. It'll mean about $1,250/month for the next four years while my own benefit grows to about $3,400/month at age 70. Thanks everyone for your help! Hopefully this thread helps others in my generation who still qualify for this strategy.