To clarify about file and suspend: The "file and suspend" strategy that allowed spouses to claim on a suspended record was eliminated in 2016. However, you can still file for benefits and then later request to suspend them to earn delayed retirement credits. The difference is that NO ONE can receive benefits on your record while your benefits are suspended. Regarding the original question - one more consideration is that if your wife works until her own Full Retirement Age, she can choose to take either her own retirement benefit or the spousal benefit, whichever is higher. If she files before her FRA, she doesn't get this choice - she's deemed to have filed for both and gets essentially the higher amount.

Just wanted to add another perspective as someone who's been researching this extensively for my own situation. One thing that might help with your decision is to use the SSA's online benefit calculators to model different scenarios. You can create "what if" scenarios showing your benefits at 62 vs your FRA, and estimate your wife's spousal benefits under each scenario. Also consider that if you're in good health and have longevity in your family, the break-even point for waiting vs filing early is usually around age 78-80. If you expect to live beyond that, waiting typically pays off financially. But if you need the income now or have health concerns, filing at 62 might make more sense despite the reduced benefits. The peace of mind factor is real too - having guaranteed income starting at 62 vs waiting and hoping the system doesn't change can be worth something that's hard to quantify in dollars.

Thank you for this summary. I think my next step is definitely to get accurate numbers from SSA about my ex's FRA benefit amount and then make some calculations. Really appreciate everyone's insights!

One thing I'd add to this great discussion is that you should also consider what happens if your own retirement benefit (based on your work record) might eventually exceed the spousal benefit. If you're still working and earning credits, your own benefit continues to grow until age 70 with delayed retirement credits. Even though you're receiving spousal benefits now, Social Security will automatically switch you to your own higher benefit if it becomes larger. So while you're weighing the spousal benefit decision, don't forget to factor in what your own benefit might look like at 70 - especially since you mentioned you're still earning around $21,500/year. This could potentially change the math significantly depending on your work history and future earnings!

Following up on my earlier comment - after using Claimyr to reach an actual knowledgeable person at SSA, I discovered my benefits were calculated wrong for YEARS because regular reps didn't understand how the disability freeze worked with my public employment. Got a nice backpay check! Definitely don't give up and keep pushing for answers.

I work for a disability advocacy organization and see cases like yours frequently. The key thing you need to understand is that there's a difference between a "medical determination" and "technical eligibility" for SSDI. It sounds like SSA found you medically disabled (hence the Medicare) but technically ineligible for payments due to insufficient recent work credits. Here's what you should do immediately: 1. Request your complete SSA file including any disability determination notices 2. Ask specifically about "disability freeze" or "period of disability" status 3. Get a written explanation of how your benefits will be calculated at retirement age The fact that you're on Medicare suggests you DID get a medical disability determination, which should protect your retirement eligibility through the disability freeze provision. The reps telling you that you'll get "nothing" at retirement are likely wrong - they're probably not accounting for the special rules that apply to people with established disability periods. Also be aware that your county pension will likely trigger the Windfall Elimination Provision, which will reduce (but not eliminate) your Social Security benefits. Don't let SSA convince you that WEP means you get zero benefits - that's also incorrect. Document everything and don't accept "no benefits ever" as a final answer until you've spoken with someone who actually understands disability freeze calculations.

I had almost the exact same thing happen to me last month - a random $287 payment with just "one time payment" showing up. Turns out it was related to a Medicare Part B premium adjustment from earlier in the year. What I did was screenshot everything in my mySocialSecurity account, then called the local SSA office first thing in the morning (around 8:15 AM) when they open - much better chance of getting through than the national number. They were able to pull up my payment history and explain it right away. In my case, they had been deducting too much for Medicare premiums for several months and this was the refund. The representative said these adjustments are pretty common and usually legitimate, but definitely worth confirming. Good luck getting through to them!

I just wanted to add that if you do end up calling SSA, it's worth asking them to email or mail you a written explanation of the payment. I've found that having documentation is really helpful, especially if you need to reference it later for tax purposes or if there are any follow-up questions. Also, if it turns out to be a Medicare premium adjustment like others have mentioned, you might want to check if your future monthly payments will be affected too - sometimes these adjustments also change your ongoing monthly deductions. Keep us posted on what you find out - these mystery payments seem pretty common and your experience could help others in the same situation!

That's such wonderful news, Ana! I'm so happy you got the official confirmation and can move forward with your wedding plans without worrying about your benefits. It's always nerve-wracking when you're dealing with SSA and there's so much misinformation floating around. Your story is going to be really helpful for other community members who might be in similar situations. The fact that you took the time to update us with the official answer you received shows what a thoughtful person you are. Congratulations on your upcoming marriage! It sounds like you've found someone wonderful, and at 68, you deserve all the happiness in the world. Best wishes for your new chapter together! 💕

Ana, what a heartwarming story! I'm so thrilled that you got the official confirmation from SSA and can now plan your wedding with complete peace of mind. It's wonderful to see how this community came together to help you navigate this situation. As someone who works with seniors on benefit questions, I want to add one small detail that might be helpful for you and others: if your new spouse also receives Social Security benefits, make sure to ask SSA about any potential changes to Medicare premiums based on your combined household income. This usually only affects higher-income couples, but it's worth asking about just to be thorough. Congratulations on finding love again at this beautiful stage of life! Your story reminds us all that it's never too late for new beginnings. Wishing you and your fiancé a lifetime of happiness together! 💖