Social Security at FRA but working past 67 - How to apply while keeping employer health insurance?

You can absolutely apply online - it's the easiest way. Since you're past your FRA, there's no penalty for working while collecting SS, so that's not a concern. You should apply about 3 months before you want benefits to start, so October/November would be ideal for January benefits. The online application is straightforward but set aside about 30 minutes to complete it. Log into your my Social Security account (or create one if you haven't yet) and look for the retirement application option. You'll need your bank info for direct deposit, and possibly marriage/divorce dates if applicable.

make sure you keep pay stubs from job!! my brother got BIG trouble when he didnt have proof of work after applying. SSA got confused. took 2 months to fix!!!

Since you're well past your FRA (Full Retirement Age), there's actually no rush from an earnings perspective - you won't face any penalties or reductions. The Medicare part gets a bit trickier though. Since you already have Part A but want to delay Part B while keeping employer coverage, make sure you get the "Request for Employment Information" form (CMS-L564) from your employer when you do eventually leave. You'll need this to avoid late enrollment penalties for Part B when you transition from employer coverage. Regarding application timing, the 3-month advance recommendation is correct, but I've seen the SSA process applications faster lately. You could probably apply in November for January benefits without issue. When you apply online, there will be specific questions about your Medicare choices - just indicate you want to keep your current employer coverage.

i woRKED til 70 and started social security at 67 like you. ONLINE APPLICATION WAS EASY but THEY DIDNT process it in time!!!! had to wait extra month for first check. apply EARLY!!!!!

I was in almost the exact same situation last year. Applied online in November for January benefits, and the process was surprisingly easy. Make sure you have these ready before starting the application: - Your bank account info for direct deposit - Your most recent W-2 or tax return - Your birth certificate (they may request it later) - Dates of any marriages/divorces if applicable The online application will specifically ask about Medicare Part B and your current healthcare coverage. Just select that you want to keep your employer insurance and delay Part B enrollment. One tip: after you apply, check your my Social Security account regularly. Sometimes they need additional documentation but don't communicate clearly. I nearly had my application delayed because they needed a copy of my birth certificate, but the notification was only in my online account, not via email or mail.

I tried for WEEKS to reach SS by phone to ask these same questions! Couldn't get through. Every time I called, I was on hold for hours before getting disconnected. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) - it basically holds your place in line and calls you back when an agent is available. I was skeptical but their video demo (https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU) shows how it works. They got me through to a live person in about 40 minutes. The agent confirmed I should apply 2-3 months before I wanted benefits to start and explained exactly how to decline Part B while keeping my employer insurance. Saved me so much frustration!

my husband worked til 72!!! but he started ss at fra, no problems getting both. you dont need to wait til you stop working!!

Just to clarify an important point: since you're over FRA (Full Retirement Age), there's no earnings limit that applies to you. You can earn any amount of money and still collect your full SS benefit. If you were under FRA, there would be an earnings limit ($22,320 for 2025 for those under FRA all year), and $1 in benefits would be withheld for every $2 earned above that limit. But since you're past FRA, this is not a concern for you at all. You'll get your full benefit amount regardless of how much you earn at your job. Regarding Medicare, as others have mentioned, there will be questions in the online application about your current health coverage. Since you have creditable employer coverage, you can delay Part B enrollment without penalties. When you eventually leave your job, you'll have an 8-month Special Enrollment Period to sign up for Part B without penalties.

Yes, the earnings limit has increased. For 2024 it was $21,240 for those under FRA the whole year, and for 2025 it's projected to be around $22,320. But remember, this limit only applies to people who haven't reached their Full Retirement Age yet. The original poster is over their FRA, so they can earn unlimited amounts without any benefit reduction.

Thank you all for the helpful advice! I'm going to start my online application this weekend and aim for January benefits. It's a relief to know I can keep my employer health insurance without complications. I'll make sure to gather all my documents first and check my online account regularly for updates. Really appreciate all the tips!