Social Security FRA timing confusion - when exactly can my spouse file at 67 years old?

Your husband will reach his Full Retirement Age of 66 years and 8 months in July 2025 (if born in November 1958). The Social Security Administration recommends applying about 3 months before you want benefits to begin. So if he wants his benefits to start immediately upon reaching FRA in July, he should apply in April 2025. He can absolutely apply online at ssa.gov - it's actually the easiest method and avoids the phone wait times. The online application takes about 15-20 minutes if you have all the information ready. He'll need his birth certificate, Social Security number, marriage certificate (if applicable), and bank account information for direct deposit.

My husband just went thru this! Born in 1957 so FRA was 66+6. Its confusing but the month matters! He applied online in January (super easy) and benefits started in April when he hit the magic age. No appointment needed for online stuff!! Good luck!

One important thing to understand: your husband's FRA is calculated as 66 years + 8 months from his birth month. So if born in November 1958, he'll reach FRA in July 2025 (November 1958 + 66 years + 8 months = July 2025). Regarding when to apply, if he wants benefits to start immediately at FRA, he should apply 3-4 months before July, so March or April 2025. However, your husband has options: 1. He can apply exactly at FRA (July 2025) 2. He can apply earlier than FRA (reduced benefits) 3. He can delay beyond FRA and earn delayed retirement credits (8% per year until age 70) If his employer wants him to stay through 2025, it might be financially advantageous to delay filing past FRA, as he'll earn those delayed credits while still working (no earnings limit after FRA).

The SSA is IMPOSSIBLE to reach by phone!!!! I tried for TWO WEEKS straight trying to ask a simple question about my husband's benefits. Kept getting disconnected or waiting for hours. When I finally got through, the person couldn't even answer my question and said I needed to speak to a "technical expert" but they couldn't transfer me!!!! RIDICULOUS!!!!

everybody here is overthinking it lol. just go on ssa.gov and make an account. they literally tell u exactly when ur FRA is and how much $ you'll get. my husband did it took like 5 min to see all the answers

Let me address a few important points about your husband's Full Retirement Age (FRA) situation: 1. If born in November 1958, his FRA is indeed 66 years and 8 months, which he'll reach in July 2025. 2. Online application is highly recommended - much more efficient than calling. The online process is straightforward and can be completed in 20-30 minutes with proper documentation. 3. Application timing: The ideal window is 3-4 months before benefits should begin. For July 2025 benefits, apply in March/April 2025. 4. Working considerations: Since you mentioned his employer wants him to stay through 2025, it's worth noting that once he reaches FRA in July, there is NO earnings limit. He can earn any amount without benefit reduction. 5. Strategic options: If he continues working through 2025, he might consider delaying his application beyond FRA to earn delayed retirement credits (8% per year until age 70). This permanently increases his monthly benefit. For the most personalized advice, I'd recommend scheduling an appointment with an SSA claims specialist to discuss his specific situation.

not to confuse things but is your hubby still working?? if he keeps working past FRA there's no penalty on earnings but if he files BEFORE fra they take back $1 for every $2 he earns over the limit which is around $21k or something??? At least that's what happened to my sister she lost half her SS check cause she didn't know about the earnings limit thing

Based on the discussion so far, let me clarify the timing for your husband: - Born November 1958 - FRA = 66 years + 8 months = July 2025 - Apply online 3-4 months before benefits start - If starting at FRA in July 2025, apply in March/April 2025 Since his employer wants him to stay through 2025, he has excellent options: 1. He can reach FRA in July 2025, apply for benefits, AND continue working with no earnings limit penalties. 2. He could delay applying past FRA while working, earning delayed retirement credits of 8% per year (prorated monthly at 2/3% per month) until age 70. Option #2 could significantly increase his lifetime benefit if he has average or above-average life expectancy. Many financial advisors recommend this approach if you don't need the money immediately, especially for the higher-earning spouse.

Yes, Medicare enrollment at 65 is separate from your Social Security retirement benefit decision. He should absolutely sign up for Medicare during his Initial Enrollment Period (3 months before his 65th birthday month, his birthday month, and 3 months after). Failing to enroll in Medicare Part B during this window can result in permanent late enrollment penalties, even if he's still working. However, if he has creditable employer health insurance from a company with 20+ employees, he can delay Medicare Part B enrollment without penalty until that coverage ends. He should still enroll in Medicare Part A at 65 though, as it's premium-free and can serve as secondary insurance to his employer coverage.