when my husband died two years ago i had so much trouble with survivor benefits.... just keep calling til you get someone nice. theres good people and mean people at every office

Just to give you some peace of mind about your survivor benefits application - even if there was somehow an issue with your appointment (which is unlikely), you won't lose any benefits. Survivor benefits can be paid retroactively for up to six months from your application date. So even if you have to reschedule, you'll still receive all the benefits you're entitled to from your initial contact date. The SSA considers your first contact about applying as your protective filing date, which preserves your benefits while you complete the actual application. But definitely verify your appointment using the methods others have suggested. The national number (800-772-1213) is your best bet if you don't see anything in your online account.

One factor that hasn't been mentioned yet is that claiming early could affect your Medicare Part B and D premiums later through IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount). Since you plan to invest the SS money, the investment income could push your Medicare premiums higher when you enroll at 65. Also, don't forget to check if the Government Pension Offset (GPO) might affect you in the future if you were to marry. GPO can reduce or eliminate spousal/survivor benefits if you receive a pension from non-covered work. With your state pension, part-time work, and investments, I suspect the smart play is to delay SS as long as possible to maximize the benefit when you do take it. The 8% guaranteed increase per year from FRA to 70 is essentially free money with no risk.

my neighbor took ss at 62 and regrets it EVERY DAY!! says its the biggest financial mistake he ever made. hes 78 now and always complaining about how much more hed be getting if hed just waited!!

I'm so FRUSTRATED with how the SSA makes this decision so complicated!!! Why can't they just tell us the objectively best choice instead of making us guess?? I've spent HOURS on their website calculating different scenarios and still don't feel confident. And trying to factor in taxes makes it even MORE confusing! The whole system needs an overhaul!

Don't overthink this. At your asset level ($1.8M), the SS decision isn't going to make or break your retirement either way. You're in an enviable position where you'll be fine regardless. I tend to favor taking it at 62 because it gives you more flexibility early in retirement when you're most active and can enjoy it. Just my two cents having been on both sides of the decision.

The thing that makes me so MAD is how they say no first without even checking!!! its like they WANT to deny us what we deserve and hope we dont know better and just leave! my brother in law got denied disability 3 times and finally got approved after getting a lawyer. the system is rigged against us regular folks

Update: I called SSA this morning because I realized I forgot to bring my son's school transcript yesterday. The agent I spoke with was actually very helpful and said I can upload it through my mySocialSecurity account instead of making another trip to the office. She also confirmed that yes, I'll need to submit updated enrollment verification each semester. Just wanted to share this tip in case it helps anyone else!

Your experience is exactly why so many fought for the WEP repeal. It's a positive step toward fairness for public servants who've been penalized for decades. For anyone else in a similar situation: if you're close to retirement age and were delaying your application because of WEP, it's worth reconsidering now. For those still confused about whether they should apply, here's a quick checklist: 1. If you'll be 62+ after Dec 31, 2024: No WEP reduction at all 2. If you were 62+ before Dec 31, 2024: WEP reduction gradually phases out over 10 years 3. If you're already receiving benefits: Your WEP reduction will gradually decrease The best advice is to create a my.ssa.gov account and check your estimated benefit amount. Then consider consulting with a financial advisor who specializes in Social Security claiming strategies, especially if you have a complex situation involving government pensions.

Yes, the WEP repeal does affect people who worked abroad and receive foreign pensions from countries that have totalization agreements with the US (like Canada). The Windfall Elimination Provision applied to foreign pensions from work not covered by US Social Security taxes, similar to how it affected US government pensions. Your husband's situation should be reviewed under the new rules. If he was already receiving reduced benefits due to WEP, he should see his benefit gradually increase over the next 10 years as the WEP phase-out is implemented. The Social Security Administration should automatically adjust his benefit amount - he doesn't need to take any action. However, it's always a good idea to contact SSA to confirm this is being handled correctly in his specific case. Keep in mind that international cases can be complex, and you might want to speak with an agent who specializes in international benefits.