Thank you all for this helpful info! I think I'm going to run some actual numbers based on what you've shared. It seems like I have three choices: 1. File at 62, take the permanent reduction AND deal with earnings test reductions 2. Keep working but reduce hours to stay under that $22,320 limit 3. Just wait until my FRA to avoid all these complications I'm leaning toward option 3 now that I understand better. One more question though - when my husband files at 70, does that mean I need to file something with SSA right away to establish myself as eligible for spousal benefits later? Or can I just wait until I reach FRA and then apply?

I'd like to add one more consideration that might help with your decision. Since you mentioned your husband is delaying until 70 to maximize his benefits, you should know that his higher benefit amount will also increase your potential spousal benefit. Spousal benefits are calculated as a percentage of his Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), not his actual benefit amount with delayed retirement credits. However, there's a strategy some couples use called "claim and invest." If you claim spousal benefits at 62 (even with the reductions), you could potentially invest those payments for the 5 years until your FRA. Depending on market performance, this might offset some of the permanent reduction - though this comes with investment risk. Also, regarding your work situation: the earnings test only applies until you reach FRA. Once you hit 67, you can earn any amount without benefit reductions. And as Omar mentioned, any benefits withheld due to the earnings test aren't lost forever - they increase your future monthly payments. Given your numbers ($950 own benefit vs $1,500 spousal at FRA), waiting until FRA for spousal benefits probably makes the most financial sense unless you have an immediate need for the income.

I went through a very similar situation when my husband passed away 5 years ago. The lack of clear information from SSA is unfortunately very common, but don't give up! Here's what finally worked for me: I made an in-person appointment at my local SSA office and brought a written list of specific questions. I asked them to print out my complete earnings record and my husband's earnings record, then requested they calculate both scenarios side by side. One thing that might help - when you call or visit, ask specifically for a "restricted application analysis" or "comparative benefit analysis." Sometimes using their technical terms gets you transferred to someone who actually knows how to run these calculations. Also, your SSA.gov account should show your estimated retirement benefits at different ages, but unfortunately it won't show survivor benefit estimates. You'll need to get those numbers directly from them. The good news is that once you have the actual numbers, the decision becomes much clearer. In my case, taking my reduced retirement first and switching to survivor benefits at my FRA was the right choice, but everyone's situation is different based on their respective work histories.

I'm so sorry for your loss and I completely understand your frustration with getting clear information from SSA. This is actually a really common problem that many widows and widowers face. One thing that might help is to request what's called a "PEBES" (Personal Earnings and Benefit Estimate Statement) for both you and your late husband during your appointment. This will show the actual dollar amounts for different claiming scenarios. Also, since your husband passed at 54 before claiming benefits, his survivor benefit would be based on what he would have received at his full retirement age (or what he was receiving if he had been collecting disability). This is different from spousal benefits and often provides more value. Your strategy of taking your own benefit first then switching could definitely make sense depending on the numbers. The key is getting someone at SSA who can run the actual calculations using their ANYPIA system. Don't be afraid to ask for a supervisor or technical specialist if the first person you speak with can't provide specific dollar amounts. You deserve to have all the information you need to make this important decision!

Looking at your situation, I think you're approaching this very thoughtfully. A $50/month reduction on a $2,400 benefit is only about 2%, which is quite reasonable for someone just 4 months from FRA. One thing that might help with your decision: you could also consider a hybrid approach - use some of your savings to bridge part of the gap and take SS maybe 2 months early instead of 4. This would reduce the permanent reduction while still preserving most of your emergency fund. Also, don't forget that once you start receiving benefits, you'll have that guaranteed monthly income stream, which itself provides a form of financial security that's worth considering alongside the dollar amounts. Sometimes the psychological benefit of having that steady payment coming in is just as valuable as preserving cash reserves. Whatever you decide, it sounds like you've done your homework and either choice (early benefits or using savings) seems reasonable given your circumstances.

I appreciate how much thought you've put into this decision! From what I've seen helping others navigate similar situations, your case is actually pretty straightforward - a 4-month early claim with only a $50/month reduction is quite manageable. Here's what I'd focus on: you mentioned having "enough in regular savings" to bridge the gap, but the key question is whether depleting those savings would leave you uncomfortably tight for true emergencies. If that $9,600 (4 months × $2,400) represents a significant chunk of your liquid emergency fund, then taking benefits early makes a lot of sense. Also consider that once you start receiving SS, you'll have more predictable monthly cash flow, which can actually reduce the amount you need to keep in emergency reserves. That steady $2,350/month (roughly) coming in provides its own form of financial security. The math works in favor of early claiming in your situation - you get immediate cash flow relief and only give up about $50/month long-term. Given your age and the short time frame involved, I'd lean toward filing early and keeping your savings intact. Just make sure to apply about 3 months before you want payments to start to account for processing time.

Just wanted to add my experience as someone who works in benefits administration (though not SSA). When you file for your retirement benefits, make sure to explicitly ask the representative to review which parent's record would be more advantageous for your children. Don't assume they'll automatically check this - you need to specifically request it. Also, bring a copy of your wife's award letter showing her current benefit amount and the kids' auxiliary amounts. This will help the SSA worker calculate the comparison more quickly. One last tip: if you're filing online, there should be a section asking about dependents - make sure to indicate that your children are already receiving benefits on another record so the system flags this for manual review.

I went through this exact situation two years ago! My kids were getting benefits on my record when I retired early at 62, but when my husband filed at his full retirement age, his benefit was substantially higher. The switch was definitely possible, but here's what I learned: 1) You MUST specifically request the comparison when your husband files - it's not automatic, 2) Bring documentation of the current benefits the kids are receiving, 3) The processing took about 6-8 weeks in our case, but the kids continued getting their original benefits during the transition with no gap. The key thing that helped us was calling ahead to the SSA office and explaining the situation when we scheduled the appointment. They were able to have someone there who was familiar with these types of switches. Also, don't be surprised if you get different answers from different representatives - we had to speak with a supervisor to get consistent information. Good luck with your application next month!

I'm glad I found this thread! I'm in a similar situation but with a twist - my husband is also considering filing for his own retirement benefits early while staying on SSDI. Does anyone know if him switching from SSDI to regular retirement benefits would affect my potential widow benefits? I assume my widow benefit would be based on whatever he's receiving at the time he passes away, whether that's SSDI or retirement benefits. But I want to make sure before we make any decisions about his filing strategy.

This is such a great discussion! I work as a benefits counselor at a local senior center and see so much confusion about this exact issue. The key thing that many people don't realize is that Social Security treats your own retirement benefits and survivor benefits as completely separate calculations. One additional tip I'd add: if you're planning to take your own benefits at 65 but think you might be eligible for higher widow benefits later, you can actually apply for both types of benefits when the time comes and SSA will automatically pay you whichever is higher. This is called "deemed filing" - you don't have to choose one or the other permanently. Also, for anyone reading this thread, I always recommend getting a written estimate from SSA showing your projected widow benefits at different ages. They can provide this even while your spouse is still alive. Having it in writing helps avoid the confusion that comes from verbal explanations that might vary between representatives. The documentation advice from Dylan is spot on - I always tell clients to request written confirmation of any benefit calculations or policy explanations they receive.