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Will taking SS retirement at 62 lock me into reduced benefits forever? Ex-spouse question too

I'm seriously considering pulling the trigger on retirement in the next few months. I'm 62 and single, but was previously married for just over 10 years (divorced now). My ex is 64 and already started collecting Social Security at 62. I'm pretty sure I've contributed more to Social Security than they have based on our work histories. If I start collecting now at 62, am I permanently stuck with that reduced amount for the rest of my life? No chance of an increase later? Also, can my ex potentially claim on my record once I start collecting? They've already been collecting their own benefit for about 2 years now. Thanks in advance for helping me figure this out before I make this big decision!

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21 comments

Andre Dupont

•9M

There are a few important things to understand here: 1. Yes, if you claim at 62, your retirement benefit will be permanently reduced by about 30% compared to your Full Retirement Age (FRA) amount. This reduction is permanent - you won't get bumped up to a higher amount when you reach FRA. 2. About your ex-spouse: Since they've already filed for their own benefits, they could potentially file for ex-spouse benefits on your record once you start collecting, but only if 50% of your FRA benefit would be higher than their own current benefit. 3. However, since they filed early at 62, they'll get a reduced spousal benefit (if they're eligible for one at all). Have you created a my Social Security account to see your estimated benefit amounts? That would help you make a more informed decision.

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ThunderBolt7

•9M

To answer your specific questions: 1. Yes, filing at 62 means a permanent reduction (approximately 30% less than your Full Retirement Age benefit). This reduced amount continues for life, with only annual Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs). 2. Regarding your ex-spouse: Since they're already collecting their own benefit, they could potentially receive divorced spouse benefits on your record only if 50% of your FRA benefit amount exceeds their current benefit. However, there's a catch - since they filed early, any spousal benefit would be reduced as well. One more important point: If you continue working while collecting early benefits, you'll be subject to the earnings test. In 2025, if you earn over $21,240, SSA will withhold $1 in benefits for every $2 you earn above that limit until you reach FRA.

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Liam O'Sullivan

•9M

I was in a similar situation last year. I decided to wait until at least my FRA (which is 66 and 8 months for me). I've been trying to reach SSA to discuss survivor benefits too since my spouse passed away, but it's been impossible to get through on the phone. Either busy signals or disconnected after waiting for ages. One thing to consider about taking benefits at 62 - if you think you might work part-time, be careful about the earnings limit. I had a friend who had to pay back some benefits because she earned too much.

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ThunderBolt7

•9M

You're absolutely right about the earnings limit. For anyone collecting benefits before FRA in 2025, the limit is $21,240. Above that, $1 in benefits is withheld for every $2 earned over the limit. Regarding your difficulty reaching SSA about survivor benefits - have you tried using Claimyr? It's a service that helps you get through to a live SSA agent without the endless waiting. I've recommended it to several friends who needed to resolve complicated benefit questions. You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU or visit claimyr.com. Especially for complicated situations like survivor benefits, speaking directly with an agent can make a huge difference.

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Andre Dupont

•9M

Regarding your ex-spouse potentially claiming on your record - when you file doesn't affect their eligibility, but it does affect when they can begin receiving ex-spouse benefits based on your record. They cannot collect on your record until you file for your own benefits (unless you're at least 62 and you've been divorced for at least two years). Since you're both past 62 and presumably divorced for over two years, your ex could technically file for divorced spouse benefits on your record even if you haven't filed for your own benefits yet. However, as mentioned earlier, it would only make sense for them to do this if 50% of your FRA benefit exceeds their own current benefit amount (keeping in mind they'd receive a reduced amount since they filed early).

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ThunderBolt7

•9M

You're thinking of the right concept but applying it to the wrong situation. The "file and suspend" strategy that was eliminated by the 2015 rule changes was different - it allowed someone at FRA to file for benefits, immediately suspend them, and still allow their spouse to collect spousal benefits while their own benefit grew until age 70. What we're discussing here is different - it's about divorced spouse benefits, which follow different rules. A divorced spouse can claim benefits on their ex's record if both are at least 62 and they were married for at least 10 years, as long as they've been divorced for at least 2 years. This provision wasn't eliminated by the 2015 changes.

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Andre Dupont

•9M

Your neighbor is correct about this. It's called a withdrawal of application (Form SSA-521). You can withdraw your Social Security retirement application within 12 months of first receiving benefits. You must repay all benefits received, including any benefits family members received based on your application. It's essentially a reset button, but it can only be used once in your lifetime. This could be a useful safety net if someone files early and then quickly regrets it or perhaps finds a good job opportunity shortly after filing.

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