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One other aspect to consider if your own benefit is low: have you checked if you qualify for SSI (Supplemental Security Income)? If your resources and income are below certain limits, you might qualify for SSI now, even while waiting to claim your retirement benefit at 70. Another option worth exploring: if you worked fewer years than your ex-spouse, you might want to calculate whether claiming at 68 (now) might actually be better than waiting until 70. The extra 2 years of payments might outweigh the 16% increase you'd get by waiting, depending on your life expectancy and financial needs. I'd recommend using the calculators on ssa.gov or scheduling an appointment with a claims specialist to run different scenarios.
I hadn't thought about SSI - I'll definitely look into that. My assets might be too high since I have some savings I'm living on, but it's worth checking. And you make a good point about calculating whether waiting is actually better. I just assumed waiting to 70 was always best, but maybe I should do the math more carefully. Thanks for these suggestions!
This is exactly why Social Security rules need to be reformed. The arbitrary 10-year cutoff for divorce benefits hurts many people who fall just short. After all, 6 years is still a significant relationship, and your ex contributed to the system his entire career. Unfortunately, until Congress changes these rules, SSA representatives have to follow them exactly as written. For now, I agree with the suggestion to look into SSI while waiting for your retirement benefits. Also consider whether you might qualify for any state-based assistance programs that could help bridge the gap until age 70.
Yes! The 10 year rule is so unfair. My neighbor got divorced after 9 years and 10 months and got nothing from her ex-husbands record even tho he made 3x what she did for their whole marriage. The whole system needs to be fixed!
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One more important thing to consider: If you switch to retirement benefits at 62, that reduced amount becomes your permanent benefit (except for COLA increases). You won't suddenly get a higher amount when you reach 67. So you need to weigh the advantage of switching sooner (no asset limits, potentially higher than SSI) against the disadvantage of locking in a permanently reduced retirement benefit. This is why getting your exact numbers from SSA is so important before deciding.
That's a really important point I hadn't considered. So even if I switch now, I'd be permanently accepting a lower amount than if I waited until 67? I definitely need to get the actual numbers to make this decision. Thank you!
After dealing with SSI's ridiculous restrictions for years, I'd take a slightly lower permanent payment just to be FREE of those asset limits!!! Being able to save money without fear of losing benefits is worth its weight in gold. My mother-in-law chose early retirement at 62 instead of continuing disability benefits and says it's the best decision she ever made - the peace of mind was worth WAY more than the extra money would have been.
I'm leaning that way too. The stress of constantly monitoring my bank account to stay under $2000 has been exhausting. Thanks for sharing your mother-in-law's experience - that's helpful to know!
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Actually I just thought of this - have you checked if you qualify for any other programs? With your reduced income you might be eligible for assistance with utilities or property tax reductions for seniors. Our county has a program that caps property taxes for homeowners over 60 with income below certain levels.
This is a great point!! I found out our electric company has a senior discount program I never knew about. Saved me like $40/month which adds up!
Has anyone mentioned that Social Security MIGHT be taxable depending on your combined income?? I got surprised by this my first year on SS! If your combined income (adjusted gross income + nontaxable interest + half of SS benefits) exceeds $25,000 for individuals or $32,000 for couples, up to 85% of your benefits might be taxable. With your husband still working full-time, you'll probably hit that threshold.
This is an important point. With your husband's continued income, you would likely have a portion of any SS benefits subject to federal income tax. This is another reason why coordinating your claiming strategy as a couple is so important - it affects both your benefit amounts and your tax situation.
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My mom just went through this when she retired from teaching last yr. Make sure you report your pension to SS as soon as you start receiving it! They don't automatically know.
Good to know! I assumed they'd find out automatically somehow. I'll make sure to report it right away when I start receiving my TRS.
have u checked if ur eligible for any exemptions? i think if u were getting SS spouse benefits before 2004 there's some kind of exception. my neighbor mentioned something about that
You're thinking of the GPO exemption that applies if you were eligible for your government pension before July 1, 2004, AND you met the requirements for Social Security spousal/survivor benefits before that date. However, since the original poster is just retiring next year, this exemption wouldn't apply to her situation.
Diego Fernández
I think you all are making this WAY more complicated than it needs to be. Just take the survivor benefits now AND keep working. Then when you hit 70, switch to your own benefit. That way you get the most money overall. My financial advisor told me Social Security is all about getting the most money over your lifetime.
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Zara Khan
•Your financial advisor gave you incomplete information. With the OP's income level ($78,720/year), the earnings test would withhold approximately $28,740 of benefits annually if claimed before FRA. Essentially, she wouldn't receive ANY survivor benefits until reaching FRA anyway. So claiming early literally gets her $0 additional dollars while potentially creating administrative headaches. This is why understanding the complete picture matters.
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PixelPrincess
To summarize the excellent points made here: 1. Due to the earnings test, with your income level, you'd have most or all survivor benefits withheld until you reach FRA anyway 2. Waiting until FRA means you get 100% of your husband's benefit amount versus a reduced amount now 3. You can take survivor benefits at FRA and then switch to your own higher benefit at 70 (this is still allowed) 4. When you eventually collect survivor benefits, they'll be taxed based on your overall income; potentially less tax impact if your income is lower by then Given these factors, waiting until FRA to apply for survivor benefits appears to be the optimal strategy in your specific situation.
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Astrid Bergström
•Thank you for this clear summary! This has been incredibly helpful. I'm going to ask specifically about the earnings test during my call tomorrow and confirm that the restricted application for survivor benefits will still allow my own benefit to grow until 70. I really appreciate everyone's input!
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