I just went through this exact situation last year when I started collecting at 64! Your PTO payout absolutely does count toward your 2025 earnings limit - I learned this the hard way when my final payout from my old job ate up about $4,000 of my allowable earnings for the year. Here's what I wish someone had told me: keep detailed records of EVERYTHING, including that PTO payout amount, and subtract it from your $23,400 limit right away so you know exactly how much you can earn from your part-time work. I made the mistake of not tracking carefully at first and ended up having to drastically cut my hours in November when I realized I was getting too close to the limit. Also, a tip that saved me - if your part-time job offers direct deposit, ask them to email you a pay stub summary each month. It makes tracking so much easier than trying to calculate everything from memory. The earnings limit really is one of the most stressful parts of early retirement, but once you have a good tracking system in place, it becomes much more manageable. Good luck with your first year navigating this!

I'm new to this community but have been following Social Security rules closely as I approach retirement myself. Based on everything I've researched and what others have confirmed here, your PTO payout definitely counts toward your 2025 earnings limit since you received it in 2025, regardless of when it was actually earned. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet that might be helpful - if you're using tax software like TurboTax or working with a tax preparer this year, make sure to mention your Social Security situation to them early. They can help you plan for the tax implications of having both SS benefits and work income, and some of the newer software versions actually have calculators that can help you model different earning scenarios throughout the year. Also, since you're being so methodical about tracking (which is smart!), consider setting up a simple alert on your phone for the last day of each month to update your earnings tracker. It only takes a few minutes but keeps you from falling behind on the math when you're busy with work and life. The $23,400 limit really doesn't leave much room for error, especially after that PTO payout, so staying on top of it monthly rather than trying to catch up quarterly will save you stress later.

I'm really sorry you're dealing with this worry. The financial gap between ages 55-60 is unfortunately very real and affects many widows. Here are a few additional things to consider while you're planning: 1. Look into whether you'd be eligible for any spousal benefits on your own work record before age 60 - even if you haven't worked recently, you might have enough credits from earlier employment. 2. Consider whether it makes sense for your husband to delay his Social Security to increase the survivor benefit you'd eventually receive (though this is complex and depends on your ages and health). 3. Some employers offer survivor benefits through pension plans that might kick in earlier than Social Security. The life insurance suggestion others mentioned is crucial - term life insurance specifically for this 5-year gap period might be more affordable than permanent coverage. You're being smart to think about this now rather than after it's too late to plan.

I've been helping people navigate Social Security for over 20 years, and your concern is completely valid. The 55-60 gap is one of the harshest aspects of the survivor benefit system. A few things to add to the excellent advice already given: 1. **File immediately when the time comes** - Even though you can't get benefits until 60, you should still report your husband's death to SSA right away to get that $255 lump sum and establish your case in their system. 2. **Consider working part-time** - If you do end up needing income during that gap period, even part-time work could help you earn additional Social Security credits for your own future benefits. 3. **Don't overlook COBRA** - If your husband has employer health insurance, you may be able to continue coverage through COBRA, which could be crucial during those gap years. 4. **State programs vary widely** - Some states have emergency assistance programs for widows. Contact your local Department of Social Services to ask about any state-specific programs. The system isn't perfect, but planning ahead like you're doing puts you in a much better position than most people who face this situation unexpectedly. Document everything and keep good records - it will help when you do apply for benefits.

As a newcomer to this community, I'm incredibly grateful for this comprehensive thread! The GPO repeal has clearly created a perfect storm of confusion, and seeing how @Aaliyah Jackson worked through getting accurate information gives me hope that persistence really does pay off. What I found most enlightening was @Sasha Ivanov's explanation of how the theoretical 6-month retroactive window gets constrained by actual eligibility dates. That distinction between when you could theoretically receive retroactive benefits versus when you actually became eligible due to the GPO repeal timing seems to be the root of so much confusion - both for beneficiaries and SSA staff. The pattern I'm seeing across everyone's experiences is that being prepared with very specific questions about eligibility dates, retroactive periods, and documentation is essential. It's unfortunate that we need to become advocates and quasi-experts just to navigate our own benefits, but this community makes it so much more manageable. For other newcomers dealing with GPO repeal issues, this thread shows the importance of: - Understanding your actual eligibility start date vs. theoretical retroactive windows - Being prepared to call multiple times until you get consistent information - Requesting written documentation of benefit calculations - Not accepting vague or contradictory answers as final Thanks to everyone who shared their knowledge and experiences - this is exactly the kind of resource that makes navigating these complex systems feel achievable!

As a newcomer to this community, I've learned so much from reading through this entire thread! The GPO repeal has clearly created a lot of confusion, and it's really eye-opening to see how inconsistent the information is that people are getting from SSA representatives. What helped me understand the situation most was @Sasha Ivanov's clear explanation about the difference between the theoretical 6-month retroactive window and actual eligibility based on when the GPO repeal took effect. That nuance - where @Aaliyah Jackson's retroactive period was technically September 2024 to February 2025, but she could only receive benefits for January-February 2025 due to when she actually became eligible - seems to be where all the confusion is happening. @Aaliyah Jackson - I'm so glad you persisted and got it sorted out! Your experience really shows the importance of not accepting conflicting information and calling back until you get someone who understands the specifics of the GPO repeal timing. For other newcomers like myself who might face similar situations, this thread demonstrates that going in prepared with specific questions about eligibility dates versus retroactive periods, and being ready to call multiple times if needed, is really important. It's frustrating that we have to become our own advocates to this extent, but seeing successful outcomes gives me confidence that accurate information is achievable with persistence. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and expertise - this community is such a valuable resource for navigating these complex situations!

Thanks everyone for the helpful information! I'm going to try to speak with a representative to get the exact figure before I make my final retirement decisions. I'll make sure to check my earnings record again too, and I'll look into that Claimyr service since calling has been impossible. I didn't realize the Medicare premiums would affect the net amount either, so I need to factor that in. Really appreciate all the responses!

I'm in a similar boat - turning 66 next year and trying to plan ahead! One thing I learned from my financial advisor is that you can also request a "benefit verification letter" through your mySocialSecurity account that shows your estimated monthly benefit. It's different from the regular statement and might give you a clearer picture. Also, if you're married, don't forget to factor in spousal benefits or survivor benefits in your planning - those calculations can be tricky and might affect your timing decision. The delayed retirement credits are definitely worth it if you can afford to wait!

I'm in a very similar situation - turning 65 next month and planning to work until 67 with good employer coverage. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly helpful! One question I have: when you apply for Medicare Part A initially, do they ask why you're not enrolling in Part B, or do you just simply not check that box on the application? I want to make sure I handle the initial application correctly to avoid any confusion later. Also, has anyone had experience with how this affects your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) - do you still receive those with just Part A coverage? I'm trying to understand all the administrative aspects before I start this process. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this is exactly the kind of real-world advice you can't find in the official Medicare handbooks!

I'm a Medicare enrollment specialist and wanted to add some clarity to this excellent discussion. Your two-step approach is definitely feasible, but here are some key points to ensure success: 1. **Initial Medicare Application**: When applying for Part A only, you'll complete Form CMS-40B. You can decline Part B by checking the appropriate box and selecting "I have group health plan coverage" as your reason. 2. **Documentation**: Get Form CMS-L564 completed by your employer NOW, even before you apply. This creates a paper trail showing your employer coverage was in effect when you declined Part B. 3. **Special Enrollment Rights**: Since you're declining Part B due to active employment, you'll have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period that begins the month after your employment OR group coverage ends (whichever comes first). 4. **Social Security Application Strategy**: When you apply for SS benefits later, bring copies of: your Medicare card showing Part A only, your completed CMS-L564, and a letter from your employer confirming your current group coverage. This documentation package will make it much easier for the SS representative to understand your situation. 5. **Pro tip**: Consider calling 1-800-MEDICARE about 2-3 weeks before your SS application to put a note in your Medicare file explaining your Part A-only status and intention to maintain it until employment ends. This approach works well when properly documented from the start!