I just wanted to thank everyone who contributed to this discussion - the information shared here is incredibly valuable! As someone who's been navigating Social Security planning for my own family, I can attest to how confusing these rules can be, especially when dealing with divorced spouse benefits. One additional resource that might be helpful is the SSA's Publication 05-10084 "Benefits For Your Divorced Spouse" which explains these rules in detail. You can find it on their website under publications. Also, many local libraries have AARP tax preparation volunteers during tax season who are often well-versed in Social Security questions and can provide free guidance. The strategy discussed here really highlights the importance of understanding all your options before making claiming decisions. It's great to see a community where people share real experiences and practical advice!

This has been such an informative discussion! I'm actually a Social Security representative (though I can't provide official advice here), and I'm impressed by how accurate most of the information shared has been. A few things I'd emphasize for anyone in similar situations: 1. The 10-year marriage requirement is key - you mentioned 25 years, so you're well covered there. 2. Your strategy of waiting until 70 is smart since it maximizes your own benefit with delayed retirement credits. 3. When the time comes to apply for survivor benefits, don't rely solely on phone calls - consider scheduling an in-person appointment at your local SSA office for something this important. 4. Keep in mind that survivor benefits can be claimed as early as age 60 (or 50 if disabled), but waiting until your FRA gives you 100% of the benefit. Your plan is sound, and it's great to see so many people helping each other understand these complex rules. The peace of mind alone of having a backup plan is valuable!

One other thing to consider is that if you claim at 62, you'll be subject to the earnings test if you decide to return to work before your full retirement age. In 2025, you can only earn about $22,320 before they start withholding $1 in benefits for every $2 you earn above that limit. Just something to keep in mind if there's any chance you might work part-time in the future.

I'm in a somewhat similar situation - had to stop working at 58 due to chronic pain issues and am now trying to figure out the best claiming strategy. One thing I learned from meeting with a financial advisor is that it might be worth considering whether your husband should delay his benefits past full retirement age to get delayed retirement credits (8% per year until age 70). If your own benefit ends up being significantly reduced by the zero earning years, maximizing his benefit could help your overall household Social Security income, especially since you'd eventually be eligible for survivor benefits based on his higher amount. Just another angle to consider alongside all the great advice already given here!

As a newcomer here, I wanted to share something that might be helpful based on my recent experience helping my mother navigate Social Security. One thing we discovered is that you can actually request a personalized survivor benefit estimate directly from SSA by calling or visiting in person. They can run the exact calculations based on your current earnings record and projected benefit amount. This gave us much more accurate numbers than the online estimators. Also, I'd suggest documenting not just your benefit statements, but also any conversations you have with SSA agents - get names, dates, and case numbers if they assign one. My mom had conflicting information from different agents, and having those details helped resolve the discrepancy. Finally, consider setting up automatic notifications in your MySocialSecurity account so both you and your wife get alerts about any changes to your benefits or earnings record. It's a small step but can help catch issues early.

As a newcomer to this community, I wanted to add something that might be useful for your planning. I recently went through Social Security benefit planning with my spouse, and one thing our financial advisor emphasized was the importance of understanding the "do-over" rules. If you change your mind within 12 months of starting benefits, you can withdraw your application and repay what you've received (without interest) to essentially reset and claim later at a higher amount. This could be relevant if you start claiming at your FRA but then realize waiting until 70 would significantly benefit your wife's future survivor benefits. Also, make sure you both understand that survivor benefits aren't just about monthly payments - your wife would also become eligible for any Medicare benefits you're receiving, and she'd retain the higher benefit for life (unless she remarries before age 60). The peace of mind from having this all documented and understood ahead of time is really invaluable.

My mom had to do this when she started receiving her widows benefits and they made it so complicated! I think the whole social security system is stuck in 1995. Make sure you check your first payment after this is supposed to take effect to make sure they actually started the withholding. My mom thought hers was all set up but then 3 months later realized they never actually started taking the taxes out!

Just wanted to add another data point - I set up withholding for my Social Security benefits about 6 months ago and had a similar experience to what others have described. The online option wasn't available for me at the time (this was before the recent updates), so I had to mail in the W-4V form. One thing I learned the hard way: make sure you calculate what percentage you actually need! I initially chose 10% thinking that would be enough, but when I ran the numbers with my tax preparer, we realized I needed closer to 15-20% to avoid owing money. Unfortunately, since there's no 15% option, I had to go with 22% and now I'm getting a bigger refund than I'd like. Just something to keep in mind when you're deciding on your withholding percentage - it's better to err on the side of withholding a bit more rather than less, especially since changing it later requires another form submission.

Just wanted to add one more consideration - since you mentioned your husband said "we'll have plenty saved" but that didn't pan out, make sure you factor in your spouse's Social Security situation too if applicable. If your husband is still working or hasn't claimed yet, coordinating both of your claiming strategies could maximize your combined household benefits. Also, if you're married and your husband has passed away, you might be eligible for survivor benefits that could be higher than your own benefit. It's worth asking SSA about spousal/survivor benefit optimization when you call them. Sometimes couples can use strategies like "claim and suspend" or file and restrict to squeeze out every dollar possible from the system.

I'm 72 and went through a very similar situation! Took SS at 62 due to health issues, then went back to work part-time at 69. Here's what I learned: Yes, those SS deductions are normal and they DO help your benefit amount, but probably not by much given your current earnings vs. your construction years. The real opportunity is suspension - I wish I had known about it earlier! One thing to consider: if you suspend benefits and return to full-time work, make sure you have a realistic backup plan. I tried going back full-time at 70 but my body just couldn't handle it anymore, even in an office job. The 8% annual increase is fantastic, but only if you can actually make it work physically and financially. Maybe test out a few months of full-time work while still collecting benefits (since there's no earnings limit at your age) before making the suspension decision? That way you can see how your body handles it without losing your safety net.