Are Social Security's highest earning years calculated up to FRA or another specific age?

So you're saying if I work until 70, those earnings between 67-70 could potentially replace lower earning years from when I was younger? That's actually really helpful to know!

Thank you for such a thorough explanation! I have about 32 years of work history so far, with a few gaps when I was raising kids. Sounds like even with lower pay, these additional years will help my benefit by filling in those zeroes.

That's unusual since the SSA estimator is fairly accurate. Your brother's situation might have been different - perhaps the estimator was assuming continued earnings at his previous salary level? The calculators typically project your current earnings continuing until retirement age, so when actual earnings are lower, the estimate will be off.

Yeah maybe. He didn't really understand how it worked and just trusted those statements they mail out. Lesson learned I guess!

Thank you for mentioning the my Social Security account. I just looked and discovered I only have 31 years with earnings (not 32 like I thought). Very helpful to see which years would be replaced if I earn less going forward!

I had a similar issue with getting my self-employment earnings properly recorded. After weeks of trying to get through on the phone, I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got connected to a real person at SSA in less than 20 minutes. They helped me fix my earnings record. There's a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU - definitely worth it when you need to actually speak to someone about your record.

Yes, working longer provides two separate benefits: 1. Additional earnings years that might replace lower years in your 35-year calculation 2. Delayed retirement credits of 8% per year if you postpone starting your benefits past your FRA up to age 70 So working until 68 instead of 66 could definitely help offset the impact of lower earnings, especially if you also delay starting your benefits.

Good point! To clarify for everyone: - Social Security retirement benefits: Based on your work history, specifically your highest 35 years of earnings - SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Also based on your work history, but has strict rules about working while receiving benefits - SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Needs-based program with income and asset limits, not based on work history The original question is specifically about retirement benefit calculations.

Thank you for sharing your real-world experience! It's really encouraging to hear from someone who actually made this transition. I'm in a very similar situation - also looking at nonprofit work that would be more meaningful but pay less. Your point about the non-financial benefits is so important and something I keep coming back to. The stress from my current job is really taking a toll. Did you find the adjustment to lower income difficult at first, or was the reduced stress worth the trade-off pretty quickly?

@Zane Gray Your story is really inspiring! I m'the original poster and this gives me so much confidence about making the switch. It sounds like you were in almost the exact same boat - even down to having around the same number of working years. The stress factor is huge for me too. My current job is affecting my sleep and health, and I keep thinking that has to be worth something in the equation. Did you notice any significant changes in your overall quality of life beyond just work stress? I m'curious about things like time for hobbies, family relationships, etc.

@Zane Gray This is exactly what I needed to hear! Your situation sounds so similar to mine - I m'also looking at potentially 9 more years of work if I go to 67, which should give me plenty of time to make up for any lower earnings in these final years. The fact that you had 33 years of earnings vs (my 31 and) still felt confident about the switch really helps put this in perspective. I keep going back and forth on the decision, but hearing real experiences like yours makes me feel like I m'not crazy for prioritizing quality of life. Thank you for taking the time to share!

@Zane Gray This resonates with me so much! I m'55 and in a similar position - considering leaving my high-pressure consulting job for something in the education sector that pays about 30% less. Like you, I ve'been losing sleep over the financial implications, but your experience shows it can work out. I m'curious - did you do any specific financial planning or budgeting adjustments before making the switch? I m'trying to figure out if I need to drastically change my lifestyle or if the reduced expenses from less work stress eating (out less, fewer medical issues, etc. help) balance things out. Your timeline of working until 68 also seems really smart for maximizing those delayed credits while still getting to enjoy several years of less stressful work.