Social Security filing at 69 - bypassing 6-month lump sum and working part-time questions

Yes, you can absolutely specify your benefit start date of February 2025 during the online application. On the "Month of Election" screen, you'll have the option to select when you want benefits to begin. The system will present the retroactive lump sum option, but you can decline it. Regarding work - since you're past FRA, your earnings won't reduce your benefit amount at all. Your continued earnings might actually increase your benefit amount slightly if this becomes one of your highest 35 earning years. And yes, the only other impact is potentially making more of your SS benefits taxable if your combined income exceeds certain thresholds. For Medicare, applying for SS now won't affect your existing Medicare coverage or supplemental plan. The main change is that your Part B premiums will be automatically deducted from your SS benefit instead of being billed separately.

I just filed online last month (I'm 68) and the website was actually pretty straightforward! Make sure you have all your documents ready before starting - marriage certificate if applicable, birth certificate, bank account info for direct deposit, and your most recent tax return handy. The system will save your progress if you need to stop and come back. One thing - when you get to the month selection page, READ CAREFULLY! They do present that retroactive lump sum option in a way that makes it seem appealing, but if you don't want it (smart choice not taking it!), make sure you select just your intended start month. Also, I still work part-time too and it hasn't affected my benefits at all since I'm past FRA.

My sister tried applying online and it was a NIGHTMARE!!! The system kept crashing and then told her she needed to call to finish the application. She called for THREE WEEKS straight and couldn't get through. Finally she found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got her connected to an actual SSA person in under 20 minutes! They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU Might be worth keeping as a backup option if you run into issues with the online application. Good luck!

One thing nobody mentioned - if you're still working, your Social Security benefits might continue to increase slightly even after you file. SSA automatically recalculates your benefit amount annually if you have new earnings that might increase your benefit. Also, regarding your Medicare - since you already have Part B and a separate plan, nothing will change except (as mentioned) your Part B premium will be deducted from your SS payment. If your supplemental plan is through your wife's former employer, that arrangement stays exactly the same. On the online application, you'll get to a section about Medicare. Since you're already enrolled, you can just confirm your existing coverage.

doesn't the 6 month lump sum option actually LOWER your monthly benefit amount permanently?? I thought it was basically like filing 6 months earlier, so youd get the lump sum but then lower monthly checks forever. is that right?

I filed online last year and it was super easy! Took maybe 30 minutes total. Make sure you print or save a copy of your application confirmation page - I didn't and then had anxiety for weeks wondering if it went through properly lol. Also when you're working part-time, even though the earnings don't reduce benefits, you might want to have some extra tax withheld either from your paychecks or your SS benefits to avoid a surprise tax bill. I got hit with that my first year on benefits because I didn't realize how the taxation would work.

When I applied in early 2023, the system was down for maintenance almost every weekend when I tried to work on my application. Weekday mornings seemed to be the most reliable time to apply without technical issues. Just something to keep in mind when planning when to sit down and complete your application. Also, you mentioned you're on Medicare Part B already - double check that your income from 2 years ago (what they use to calculate your IRMAA premium) accurately reflects your current situation. If your income has dropped significantly since then, you can file Form SSA-44 to request a reduction in your Part B premium.

OH WAIT!! Totally forgot to mention - at some point during the online application it's going to ask you questions that seem repetitive about your work history. Don't skip these! My husband did and it delayed his application by weeks because they had to call him to verify information he could have just entered online. And a quick question for others on this thread - does accepting SS retirement benefits affect the potential survivor benefits my spouse would receive if I pass away first? We haven't been able to get a straight answer on this.

are u sure u shud file online?? my cousin did that and his application got lost for 3 months!! he had to start over in person. just sayin maybe go to the office if u can