To answer your specific question about restarting benefits - it's actually quite simple. When you're truly ready to retire, you just contact SSA (preferably 2-3 months before you want benefits to restart) and tell them you've stopped working or your earnings will be under the limit. There's a simple form to complete (SSA-795). The real financial advantage is that at your Full Retirement Age (66+10mo assuming you were born in 1959), SSA will automatically recalculate your benefit amount to give you credit for all the months benefits were withheld due to excess earnings. This effectively increases your monthly payment going forward. So yes, take the job, notify SSA immediately of your expected 2025 earnings, understand your benefits will be withheld, but know you'll get credit for those months later.

Congratulations on the job offer! As someone who went through a similar situation, I'd definitely recommend taking the job. The math works out in your favor even with the earnings test penalties. At $78K income vs whatever your SS benefit amount is annually, you'll still come out way ahead financially. One thing I wish I'd known earlier - when you do reach Full Retirement Age, SSA will increase your monthly benefit amount to account for all those months when benefits were withheld due to excess earnings. So you're not really "losing" that money permanently, just deferring it for a higher payout later. The key is to contact SSA IMMEDIATELY (before your first paycheck if possible) to report your expected annual earnings. This prevents overpayments that you'd have to pay back later - that's a real headache to deal with. Good luck with whatever you decide!

Update for everyone: I appreciate all the advice! I've decided to keep my appointment next month to apply for spousal benefits. Even though the increase might be small, it's still extra money. And if HR 82 or similar legislation passes in the future, I'll still be eligible for any retroactive payments for the period I was collecting my own benefit. Thanks for helping me understand this complicated situation!

Great decision, Daniel! One more thing to consider - when you meet with the SSA representative next month, ask them to pull up your earnings record and verify exactly how many years of "substantial earnings" you have under Social Security. As Matthew and Aurora mentioned, if you're close to 21+ years of substantial earnings, you might qualify for a reduced WEP penalty or even full exemption at 30+ years. This could potentially increase your own benefit significantly, which would also affect your spousal benefit calculation. It's worth double-checking since the substantial earnings threshold changes each year and you might have more qualifying years than you realize from your pre-teaching career.

SSA system is completely broken anyway. Friend of mine tried to do what ur talking about, waited till 70, then the govt changed how they calculate COLA and he barely got more than if hed taken it at normal time. Just take the money now!!!!

Thank you all for the thoughtful responses! After considering everything, I think I'm going to wait until 70 to start my benefits since I'm still earning good income and don't need the SS money right now. The guaranteed 8% annual increase is appealing, and given my family history, I'm likely to live past the break-even point. I appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and knowledge!

update us on what you decide! im curious what youll choose

I appreciate you sharing such a personal and complex decision with the community. Your situation really highlights how Social Security planning isn't just about the math - it's about your unique circumstances, family history, and goals. Based on everything you've shared, it sounds like taking benefits at 65 makes sense for your situation. You've identified some key factors: your family longevity concerns, your desire to ensure something passes to your children, and your wife's need for survivor benefits. The hybrid approach Donna suggested about setting aside part of your early benefits to supplement your wife's future survivor benefits is brilliant. One additional thought: since you mentioned having rental properties, you might want to consider gradually shifting some of that active management to reduce your earned income if it's triggering the earnings test. This could help you keep more of your early SS benefits while still maintaining your passive income stream. Wishing you the best with whatever decision you make. You've clearly done your homework and are thinking through all the angles!

Just wanted to update everyone who's been so helpful. I talked to my SIL yesterday about all this. We're going to help her apply for both SSDI through the Compassionate Allowance program AND Medicaid through her state's emergency provision. She's also going to talk to HR about using sick leave/FMLA to stay technically employed while reducing her hours below the SGA limit. The oncology social worker at her hospital has been AMAZING - connected us with a patient advocate who's helping navigate everything. They also told us about special cancer assistance programs that might help with costs while we're waiting for government benefits to kick in. I'm still terrified about the timing of everything, but at least now we have a plan. Thank you all so much for sharing your experiences and knowledge. It's made such a difference knowing what to ask for and where to start.

I'm a case worker who has helped many families navigate this exact situation. A few additional tips that might help: 1. When applying for SSDI, make sure to check the "Terminal Illness" box if available on the application - this helps flag it for Compassionate Allowance processing immediately. 2. For Medicaid, ask specifically about "Presumptive Eligibility" - many states can provide temporary coverage while your full application is being processed. This can bridge the gap until regular Medicaid kicks in. 3. Contact your state's SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) counselor - they're free and can help navigate both Medicare and Medicaid options. Every state has them. 4. If your SIL has any 401k or retirement savings, she may want to consult with a benefits attorney about asset protection strategies before applying for means-tested programs. The fact that you're helping her navigate this system makes such a difference. Many people in her situation try to handle it alone and get overwhelmed. Keep advocating for her - the squeaky wheel really does get the grease with government agencies.