When to file for Social Security at FRA while still working full-time - born in 1958
I'm trying to figure out the right timing for my Social Security application. I was born November 10, 1958, which puts my full retirement age at 66 and 8 months (I think?). I'm planning to keep working full-time for several more years, possibly until I'm 70 or so, but I'd still like to start collecting SS benefits at my FRA. My questions are: 1. When exactly should I submit my application? 3 months before? 6 months? 2. Will working full-time affect my benefit amount once I've reached FRA? 3. Is there any advantage to waiting until I stop working, or should I just start at FRA regardless? I've tried reading the SSA website but keep getting confused about the earnings test and whether it applies after FRA. Any advice from folks who've done this would be really appreciated!
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Brianna Schmidt
You're correct that your full retirement age (FRA) is 66 and 8 months since you were born in 1958. There are a few important things to know: 1) You should file approximately 3 months before you want benefits to start 2) Once you reach your FRA, there is NO earnings test - you can earn as much as you want without any reduction to your Social Security benefits 3) Working longer may actually increase your benefit amount if your current earnings are higher than some of your earlier years used in the calculation Since you plan to work several more years anyway, you might want to consider delaying beyond FRA to age 70. Each year you delay past FRA gives you an 8% permanent increase in benefits. But if you need/want the money at FRA, there's absolutely no penalty for working while collecting once you've reached 66 and 8 months.
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Andrew Pinnock
•Thanks for the clear explanation! I've been so confused about the earnings test. That's a huge relief to know it won't apply once I hit FRA. I think I'll definitely file 3 months before my FRA date. I've thought about waiting until 70, but honestly, I'd rather start collecting at FRA and invest some of it myself. My health isn't the greatest (though not terrible), so I'm leaning toward the 'bird in hand' approach rather than waiting for the larger amount at 70.
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Alexis Renard
my husband did the same thing back in 2019. he kept working but started taking ss at his full retirement age. no problems at all!! they don't care how much you make once you hit that magic number. but be ready for taxes cause the combo of full salary + ss pushed us into a higher bracket lol
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Camila Jordan
•The tax situation is a really important point! Up to 85% of your Social Security benefits can become taxable depending on your combined income. Might be worth talking to a tax professional before you make your final decision, especially if you're still earning a high salary.
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Tyler Lefleur
FYI you dont actually start getting your money exactly on your FRA date. It's paid a month behind, so your first payment would come the month after you reach FRA. Don't forget that!
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Brianna Schmidt
•This is correct. Social Security benefits are paid in the month following the month they're due for. So for example, if your FRA is in November, your November benefit would be paid in December.
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Madeline Blaze
After struggling for weeks to get anyone at Social Security on the phone about this exact situation, I finally found a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an agent in under 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU The agent confirmed everything the first response said - once you're at FRA, you can earn unlimited income without any benefit reduction. She also helped me time my application perfectly. Much better than the countless hours I spent on hold before finding them!
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Andrew Pinnock
•Thank you for the tip! I've been dreading the phone calls to SSA. I'll check out that service if I need to speak with someone directly. Did the agent give you any other insights about collecting at FRA while still working?
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Madeline Blaze
•Yes, she mentioned that continuing to work might actually increase my benefit amount through something called "automatic adjustments." Basically, if my recent earnings are higher than some of my earlier years, SSA will automatically recalculate and adjust my benefit upward. No need to request it - happens automatically.
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Max Knight
DONT LISTEN TO THESE PEOPLE TELLING YOU TO WAIT TILL 70!!!!! I waited and my friend didnt and he collected $45,000 before I ever got my first check. The "break even" point is like 83 years old! You have to live that long just to make back what you lost by waiting. Take it at FRA and enjoy life!!!!!
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Emma Swift
•While I understand your perspective, the break-even age varies widely based on individual circumstances, benefit amounts, and tax situations. It's not a one-size-fits-all decision. For some people with longevity in their family and adequate current income, waiting makes mathematical sense. For others, taking it earlier is the right choice. Personal factors like health status, other income sources, and financial needs should drive this decision rather than general rules.
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Camila Jordan
One thing nobody's mentioned yet: If you're married, your decision also affects your spouse's potential survivor benefits. If you're the higher earner and you delay until 70, your spouse would get that higher amount as a survivor benefit if you pass away first. Something to consider in your planning.
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Andrew Pinnock
•That's an excellent point I hadn't considered. My wife is 3 years younger than me and has a much smaller benefit based on her own work record. I should definitely factor this into my decision. Thank you for bringing it up!
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Alexis Renard
just make sure u have enough credits to qualify. my cousin worked all his life under the table and found out he didnt qualify for hardly anything. too late for him to do anything about it now
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Andrew Pinnock
•I've worked and paid into Social Security my entire adult life, so I should definitely have enough credits. I believe you need 40 credits (10 years) and I've been working and paying FICA taxes for over 40 years now.
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Max Knight
When you apply, make sure to create an online my Social Security account first if you haven't already!!! The application is SO MUCH EASIER online than dealing with the phone system or going into an office. I did mine in about 20 minutes from my couch!
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Tyler Lefleur
What about Medicare? Aren't you supposed to sign up for that at 65 even if you're still working? That's different from SS retirement.
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Emma Swift
•Yes, Medicare eligibility begins at 65 regardless of your full retirement age for Social Security. However, if you're still covered by a qualifying employer health plan (from your current employment or your spouse's current employment) at a company with 20+ employees, you can delay Medicare enrollment without penalty. You'd qualify for a Special Enrollment Period once that coverage ends. But if you're not covered by qualifying employer insurance, you should sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period around your 65th birthday to avoid late enrollment penalties.
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Andrew Pinnock
Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! This has given me a lot to think about. I'm going to: 1. File about 3 months before my FRA date (so around July 2025) 2. Continue working without worrying about the earnings test 3. Talk to a tax professional about managing the tax implications 4. Consider the survivor benefit implications for my wife I really appreciate all the advice and personal experiences shared here!
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