

Ask the community...
Not sure if anyone said this but don't forget that SS checks are TAXED too!!! Up to 85% of them depending on your other income!! The govt gets u coming and going!!!
That's an important point about taxation. If your combined income (adjusted gross income + nontaxable interest + half of Social Security benefits) exceeds certain thresholds, then up to 85% of your benefits may be subject to income tax. For 2025, those thresholds are approximately $25,000 for individuals and $32,000 for married filing jointly. It's definitely something to factor into retirement planning.
One last thing to note - if your husband filed on 2/9/25 and requested benefits to begin immediately, his official month of entitlement will be February 2025. His first payment (arriving in March) will include the prorated February amount. Just be aware that if this is his Full Retirement Age (which sounds likely at 67), there's no advantage to specifying the start date as his filing date vs. the start of the month. If he's at or past FRA, he could actually request retroactive benefits for up to 6 months (depending on when he reached FRA).
I think everyone here is missing the MOST IMPORTANT POINT. Make sure your husband created his my Social Security account online! That's where you can see the status of his application, when payments will arrive, and set up or change direct deposit. The website is ssa.gov/myaccount and it's WAY easier than calling or going to an office.
For those concerned about the potential COLA for 2025, here's some historical context: - 2023 COLA: 8.7% (highest in 40 years due to inflation spike) - 2024 COLA: 3.2% (as inflation began moderating) - Previous 10-year average (2014-2023): approximately 2.6% - Years with 0% COLA: 2010, 2011, 2016 Current inflation trends suggest we'll likely see a COLA in the 1.5-2.5% range for 2025, assuming inflation continues at similar rates through Q3. While lower than recent years, this is actually closer to historical norms. The official announcement will come from SSA in mid-October 2024.
Thank you all for the helpful responses! It sounds like I need to: 1. Let my SSDI automatically convert at FRA 2. Apply separately for spousal benefits (whether married or divorced) 3. Contact SSA 3-4 months before reaching FRA to start this process 4. Watch out for any Medicare premium issues during the transition I feel much better having a plan now. I was so confused by the conflicting information I got from the SSA representatives. Does anyone know if there's a specific form I need to fill out to apply for the spousal benefits when the time comes?
You'll want to file Form SSA-2 (Application for Wife's or Husband's Insurance Benefits) if still married, or Form SSA-1 (Application for Divorced Spouse's Benefits) if divorced by then. However, the easiest approach is to apply online through your my Social Security account or schedule an appointment with your local office about 3 months before your FRA. They'll guide you through all the necessary paperwork for your specific situation.
one more thing!! if u do get divorced make SURE u get a copy of ur marriage certificate AND divorce decree. ssa made me go back and forth 3 times for more paperwork. total nightmare!!!
Nathaniel Stewart
my neighbor got a letter like this but it was acutaly a SCAM!!! check it very carefully, did they ask u to call a number or send money???
0 coins
Ethan Scott
•I checked and it's definitely from SSA - has all the official letterhead and my correct SS number (partially redacted). And no, they're not asking for money, just informing me about a benefit reduction. But thanks for the warning - there are so many scams these days!
0 coins
Lola Perez
I'd like to know what happened after you called SSA. Did you get this resolved? Was it an error as most of us suspect? It would be helpful for others who might face similar issues.
0 coins
Lola Perez
•That's great news! And unfortunately not surprising - data entry errors are one of the most common issues with SSA. I'm glad you got it resolved quickly and that they're making the correction. Thanks for updating us.
0 coins
Santiago Diaz
•TYPICAL government incompetence!!! Glad you got it fixed tho
0 coins