Reaching my FRA (66+8 months) next month - what critical questions should I ask during my SSA call tomorrow?

Definitely ask about spousal coordination strategies! When I hit my FRA last year, I found out I could have gotten more if my wife and I had coordinated differently. Ask specifically about whether it makes sense for you to file now and your wife to take spousal benefits when she's eligible, or if she should file for her own benefits now (reduced) and you file later. The agent won't always volunteer this info unless you ask directly. Also, make sure they explain how the earnings test works if either of you plan to keep working. At FRA, the earnings limit goes away completely for you, but not for your wife if she files early.

ASK THEM WHY THEY KEEP CHANGING THE RETIREMENT AGE ON US!!!! I worked my whole life thinking 65 was full retirement and then they pushed it back to 66 and 8 months for you (67 for younger folks). My son won't get full benefits until 67+ probably. The system is DESIGNED to confuse people so they miss out on benefits they earned!!!

Here are some specific questions I recommend asking: 1. Ask about the 6 months of retroactive benefits you're eligible for once you reach FRA. This is important - you can get up to 6 months of back payments once you hit FRA, but they won't automatically offer this. 2. Discuss the taxation of your benefits. Depending on your combined income, up to 85% of your SS benefits could be taxable. Ask for an estimate based on your situation. 3. If you or your wife might work while collecting, ask about the exact earnings limit thresholds and how benefits are reduced. 4. Ask about the benefit amount difference if you delay past FRA. Each year you delay (until 70) adds 8% to your monthly benefit. Have them calculate the break-even point. 5. Inquire about your wife's options - whether it's better for her to claim her own reduced benefit now or wait until her FRA. 6. Ask about the Restricted Application option if you were born before January 2, 1954. 7. Request an explanation of how COLA (Cost of Living Adjustments) will be applied to your benefits. Make sure to take detailed notes during the call, and don't hesitate to ask them to slow down or repeat information.

Congrats on reaching FRA! One thing nobody mentioned yet - make sure you understand Medicare coordination if you're already on it or planning to enroll. When I had my call, they didn't explain that Part B premiums would be automatically deducted from my SS payments once they started. Also, if you have a Health Savings Account and are still working, there are important considerations about Medicare enrollment that affect your HSA eligibility.

When I had my call with SS last year, I kept getting disconnected and spent HOURS trying to get through again. It was incredibly frustrating! I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an agent in about 15 minutes. You can see how it works in their video: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU As for questions, make sure to ask if there are any deadlines or time-sensitive decisions you need to make. The agent I spoke with was helpful but didn't mention that some options would expire if I didn't act within a certain timeframe.

ask about the family maximum benefit if u have kids or dependents. my brother didn't and missed out on extra $ for his disabled adult son. also they should tell u if your benefit amount looks right based on your earnings record but sometimes they dont check unless u ask them to review it.

Thank you all for the incredibly helpful responses! I've made a list of questions based on your suggestions. One more thing - has anyone dealt with the lump sum retroactive payment? If I take the 6 months retroactive benefits, does that permanently reduce my monthly amount as if I had filed 6 months earlier? Or do I still get my full FRA amount going forward?

when i had my call they rushed me through everything and i forgot half my questions! write everything down ahead of time and dont let them rush you. if you have a spouse definitely mention that because they might not ask. good luck!!