Thanks for this comprehensive thread - it's really clarified the 10-year rule for me. I'm actually going through a divorce right now and my lawyer mentioned this exact issue. We're at 9 years and 4 months married, and she suggested we could delay finalizing the divorce by about 8 months to hit the 10-year mark if I wanted to preserve potential Social Security benefits. It's a tough decision because emotionally I just want the divorce over with, but financially it makes sense to wait. My ex-husband has a much higher earnings record than me, so those survivor benefits could be significant down the road. Has anyone else faced this kind of timing decision during their divorce? I know it sounds calculating, but when you're looking at potentially losing thousands in future benefits over a few months, it's hard to ignore the financial impact.

As someone who works in family law, I can confirm that the 10-year marriage duration requirement is indeed strictly enforced by SSA. I've seen many clients over the years who were just months or even weeks short of the 10-year mark, and unfortunately none were able to qualify for divorced spouse benefits. One thing I always tell clients going through divorce is to consider this rule early in the process if they're anywhere close to the 10-year mark. While it might seem awkward to delay a divorce for financial reasons, the potential lifetime value of those benefits can be substantial - especially if there's a significant difference in earnings records. For those already divorced and short of 10 years, remember that you may still be eligible for benefits based on your own work record, and if you remarry, you might potentially qualify through a future spouse's record (assuming that marriage lasts 10+ years). The system may seem inflexible, but having clear rules does prevent a lot of subjective determinations and potential disputes. It's just unfortunate when people fall just short of the requirement.

To make sure we've got this clear for the original poster: If your FRA is 67 and 4 months and you were born on September 17th, your FRA is January 17th. You can file for benefits up to 4 months before January (as early as September) and specify January as your start month. Your benefits will start in January (the full month is credited to you even though your FRA is on the 17th), and your first payment will arrive in February on the third Wednesday. There's no advantage to waiting until January to file - in fact, filing 2-3 months early (while still specifying January as your start date) is recommended to avoid processing delays.

Just want to add one more helpful tip for anyone reading this - when you do file your application (whether online or by phone), make sure to have your most recent tax return handy and any W-2s from the current year. SSA will need to verify your earnings history to calculate your benefit amount. Also, if you're married, they'll ask about your spouse's Social Security number and birth date even if they're not filing yet, as this affects potential spousal benefits down the line. The online application at ssa.gov is usually the fastest way to apply and you can save your progress if you need to gather documents. Good luck with your retirement planning!

also dont forget they only count WAGES and SELF-EMPLOYMENT toward the limit!! investment income, pensions, etc DONT count against the earnings test. that really helped me maximize my survivors check

Just wanted to add one more important point that might help you plan better - Social Security also has what's called a "grace year" provision. In the year you reach Full Retirement Age, the earnings limit is much higher (around $59,520 for 2025) and they only count earnings BEFORE the month you reach FRA. Plus, the penalty is reduced to $1 withheld for every $3 over the limit instead of $1 for every $2. So if you're turning 67 in 2025 or 2026, that could make a big difference in your planning. Also, any benefits they withhold due to excess earnings aren't lost forever - they recalculate your benefit at FRA to give you credit for the months they withheld, which increases your monthly payment going forward.

Thank you everyone for the thoughtful responses! Based on your advice, I'm leaning toward delaying until 70 while continuing to max out my 457(b) contributions and drawing from my brokerage accounts as needed. Given my family history of longevity and current good health, the guaranteed 24% increase seems worth waiting for. I'll schedule a meeting with my financial advisor to map out a year-by-year withdrawal strategy that minimizes taxes during this bridge period. Really appreciate all the insights!

Sounds like you've gotten some excellent advice here! As someone who works in retirement planning, I'd add one more consideration: review your projected monthly expenses during retirement to make sure you have adequate bridge funding for those 3 years between FRA and age 70. Since you're consulting part-time and have that $48K income, you might want to calculate whether continuing that work (even at a reduced level) plus 457(b) contributions plus brokerage withdrawals will comfortably cover your lifestyle. The peace of mind from having a solid cash flow plan during the delay period is just as important as the math behind the decision. Also consider setting up a spreadsheet to track how your "combined income" calculation will change once you start SS at 70 - it'll help with tax planning in those early retirement years.

As a newcomer here, I really appreciate seeing this helpful discussion! It's reassuring to know that so many community members are willing to share accurate information and help clarify confusing rumors. I'm also someone who relies on Social Security payments and timing is crucial for budgeting medical expenses and other necessities. It's good to see that Gabriel Freeman was able to get official confirmation from SSA that the November 2025 schedule remains unchanged. This kind of misinformation can cause unnecessary stress for seniors who depend on these payments. Thanks to everyone who took the time to provide factual responses!

As another newcomer to this community, I want to echo what others have said about how valuable it is to have members who take the time to verify information with official sources. I've been receiving Social Security for about two years now, and I've learned that rumors like this one can spread quickly, especially in community settings where people are genuinely trying to help each other. What I find particularly helpful about this discussion is seeing the different ways people approach getting accurate information - from checking the official SSA website to calling directly (even with the challenges of long wait times) to using services that can help connect you faster. It's a great reminder that when in doubt, always go to the official source rather than relying on secondhand information, no matter how well-intentioned it might be.