My husband just went thru this. Apply online but then call to make sure they got it right. They messed up his first calculation and he had to call like 5 times to get it fixed!!

Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences! This is really helpful. Based on what I'm reading, it sounds like there's some inconsistency in how different SSA offices are handling the WEP repeal implementation. Some people are getting it calculated correctly automatically, while others are having to fight for proper adjustments. I think I'll follow the advice about preparing a comprehensive spreadsheet of my work history and gathering all my documentation (W-2s from both covered and non-covered employment, pension statements) before I apply. I'm leaning toward applying in person at my local office rather than online, just so I can discuss the WEP situation directly with a specialist from the start. One quick question for those who've been through this recently - when you mention "substantial earnings," is that the same threshold SSA uses for quarters of coverage, or is there a different dollar amount that qualifies as "substantial" for WEP calculations?

Just wondering, have they given you blood thinners for life now? My uncle had PE last year and he's on permanent blood thinners. Does that affect your ability to work certain jobs? That might help your case since some jobs have higher injury risks when you're on anticoagulants.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - losing your job right after a medical emergency is devastating. As someone who works in disability advocacy, I want to emphasize that bilateral pulmonary embolism can absolutely qualify for SSDI, especially with your age working in your favor. The key is documenting not just the initial event but the ongoing limitations - shortness of breath, fatigue, exercise intolerance, and the bleeding risks from anticoagulants. Since you mentioned being on blood thinners, make sure your doctors document any work restrictions this creates. Many jobs become unsuitable when you're at increased bleeding risk. Also, PE often causes long-term pulmonary hypertension or chronic fatigue that may not show up immediately - keep detailed records of your symptoms and limitations. Given your tight financial situation, I'd suggest filing for both SSDI and early retirement simultaneously. The retirement benefits can provide immediate income while you wait for the SSDI decision. Don't let anyone tell you this hurts your SSDI case - it doesn't. You can always receive the higher benefit amount if disability is approved. Most importantly, get an attorney consultation ASAP. Many specialize in respiratory cases and offer free initial consultations. The 25% contingency fee is worth it for the expertise in presenting your case properly from day one.

Just to clarify one more point in your original question: The concept of "switching" from one's own benefit to a spousal benefit at age 70 was eliminated by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 for anyone born after January 1, 1954. That strategy (called "file and suspend" or "restricted application") is no longer available for most people. However, survivor benefits operate under different rules. Your neighbor can switch between her own retirement benefit and survivor benefits at any age, choosing the higher of the two. This flexibility is unique to survivor situations and remains available despite the 2015 law changes.

I'm so sorry for your neighbor's loss. This is such a difficult time to have to navigate these complex rules. From what everyone has shared, it sounds like the key points for her are: 1) She can't get what her husband would have received at 70 - survivor benefits are based on what he was actually receiving when he died, 2) She should apply for survivor benefits right away since his $2,100 is higher than her $1,650, 3) She needs to return any Social Security payment for the month he died, and 4) She should gather all her documents (death certificate, marriage license, etc.) before going to SSA. The retroactive payment option up to 6 months makes applying quickly even more important. I hope she can get through to someone at SSA without too much hassle during this already stressful time.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! I finally got through to Social Security (used that Claimyr service someone mentioned - worked great). The agent confirmed what you all said - we each get our own benefits regardless of the divorce. She also showed me the difference in my benefit amounts: at 62 I'd get about $1,875 monthly, but if I wait until my FRA at 67, it jumps to around $2,650! That's a huge difference. Since my soon-to-be-ex makes less than me, she might be better off taking the spousal benefit eventually. I'm going to work a couple more years and then decide when to file. Really appreciate all the advice here - saved me a lot of confusion!

That's fantastic that you got through to SSA and got concrete numbers! The difference between $1,875 and $2,650 per month really puts it in perspective - that's almost $800 more monthly or about $9,300 extra per year just for waiting until FRA. And you're absolutely right about your ex potentially benefiting from spousal benefits if your earnings history is significantly higher. One thing to keep in mind as you plan those couple extra working years - your highest 35 years of earnings are used to calculate your benefit, so if you're still earning well, those additional years could potentially increase your benefit amount even further. It sounds like you're making a really informed decision now with all the facts!

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! I think I understand now - the $1,950 monthly limit only applies to what I earn from working, not my SS benefit amount. My benefit check is completely separate from that limit. So I can receive my $1,400 SS benefit AND earn up to $1,950 from my part-time job without any reduction. That's a big relief and makes planning my retirement budget much easier. I'm definitely going to be careful not to exceed that monthly limit during my first year of retirement. After reading your experiences, I'll be tracking my earnings closely to avoid any surprises!

You've got it exactly right! It's great to see you understand the distinction now. Just wanted to add a quick tip from my experience - I keep a simple spreadsheet tracking my monthly earnings to make sure I stay under that $1,950 limit. It's saved me from accidentally going over several times when I was tempted to pick up extra hours. Also, don't forget that if you do accidentally go a bit over one month, those "lost" benefits aren't gone forever. Once you reach your Full Retirement Age, SSA will recalculate and give you credit for any benefits that were withheld due to the earnings test. So while you want to avoid going over the limit, it's not a complete disaster if it happens occasionally. Good luck with your part-time work in retirement!