Thanks everyone for the clear answers. I'm relieved to know that only the annual limit applies in my second year (2025). I've been stressing about turning down extra hours in certain months, but now I can just focus on staying under the yearly total of $22,320. I'll make sure to report my expected earnings to SSA as suggested to avoid any surprise overpayments. This forum has been so much more helpful than the official publications!

Just wanted to add one more helpful tip for tracking your earnings - I use a simple spreadsheet to track my monthly income throughout the year so I can see exactly where I stand against that $22,320 limit. Since you mentioned your work has seasonal ups and downs, this might help you plan which months to take on extra hours versus when to scale back. I also set myself a buffer of about $1,000 under the limit just to be safe, since unexpected income can sometimes pop up (like a bonus or extra project). Better to leave a little money on the table than deal with SSA overpayment headaches!

Thank you all for the responses! I think I'm going to try to talk to a Social Security rep directly about my specific situation. Then I'll probably wait until 70 to maximize my benefit since I'm fortunate enough to have some savings to tide me over. It's disappointing that the restricted application strategy isn't available to me, but I appreciate understanding my actual options clearly now.

One additional consideration for your situation: since you mentioned being out of the workforce since 2020 due to health issues, you might want to explore whether you qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). If approved, SSDI benefits automatically convert to retirement benefits at your full retirement age without any reduction. This could potentially bridge the gap if you're struggling financially while waiting until 70. The application process can be lengthy, but it's worth investigating if your health condition meets SSA's definition of disability. You can apply online or through that Claimyr service mentioned earlier to speak with an agent about eligibility requirements.

One last strategy to consider: If you're still working part-time and don't urgently need the money, you might file a restricted application for just spousal benefits (if eligible) while letting your own retirement benefit grow until 70. This option is only available to people born before Jan 2, 1954, but it's worth checking if you qualify. Also, remember that delaying benefits acts as a form of longevity insurance. The biggest financial risk for many retirees isn't running out of money in their 70s - it's running out in their 90s when healthcare costs typically increase dramatically.

I'm 72 and claimed at my FRA (66 at the time). Looking back, I think it was the right middle-ground decision for me. I got 4 years of benefits before the "break-even" point, but didn't sacrifice as much monthly income as those who filed at 62. What really helped me decide was thinking about it in terms of guaranteed income vs. investment risk. Social Security is one of the few truly guaranteed income sources we have in retirement - it's backed by the government, gets COLA adjustments, and lasts for life. When I framed it that way, waiting a bit longer for a substantially higher guaranteed monthly payment made sense. That said, your health history and family longevity are huge factors. With parents who lived to their late 80s and your own good health, you're likely looking at 20+ years of benefits. In that scenario, the higher monthly amount from waiting could really add up. But if you're itching to retire fully and enjoy life now, there's real value in that too - you can't put a price on peace of mind and freedom.

Based on all the information shared, here's what you should do: 1. Contact SSA to get exact benefit estimates for both scenarios (your own reduced benefit at 62 vs. divorced spouse benefit) 2. Consider how long you plan to keep working and how that affects the earnings test 3. Think about your longevity - waiting increases your lifetime benefits if you live longer 4. Factor in your current financial needs - sometimes taking reduced benefits early is necessary If the numbers are close, and you can afford to wait, delaying benefits to avoid permanent reductions is often financially advantageous in the long run if you live into your 80s or beyond.

One more thing to consider - since your ex-husband is on SSDI, his benefit amount is essentially fixed and won't grow with delayed retirement credits like regular retirement benefits do. This means that 50% of his SSDI benefit will remain the same whether you claim it now or later. However, YOUR own retirement benefit will continue to grow by about 8% per year if you delay past your Full Retirement Age until age 70. So if your own benefit has the potential to be higher than the divorced spouse benefit, waiting could significantly increase your lifetime income. You might want to ask SSA for projections showing what your own benefit would be at different claiming ages (62, Full Retirement Age, and 70) to compare against the divorced spouse option.

Thank you all for the incredibly helpful responses! I've decided to apply for both early retirement and SSDI. I've gathered all my medical records going back to 2019, created a list of all treatments I've tried, and my doctor has provided a detailed statement about my limitations. I've also started tracking my daily pain levels and how they affect my work capacity. I'm still nervous about the SSDI process, but the potential difference in benefits makes it worth trying. I'll update this thread once I hear something from SSA. Thanks again for all the guidance!

As someone who went through a similar situation at 61, I want to emphasize how important it is to be completely honest about your functional limitations in the SSDI application. Don't downplay your symptoms or try to be "tough" - SSA needs to understand the reality of your daily limitations. A few practical tips that helped me: - Keep a detailed log of activities you can no longer do (lifting, prolonged sitting, walking distances, etc.) - Document any accommodations your employer has made for your condition - Note how often pain interferes with concentration/focus during work - Track any sick days or early departures due to your back issues Also, consider getting a functional capacity evaluation (FCE) from a physical therapist if your doctor thinks it would help. This provides objective data about your physical limitations that can strengthen your case. The wait can be frustrating, but having both applications in the system gives you the best chance at maximizing your benefits. You're making a smart decision by pursuing both options!