I found that calculator very useful when I was making my decision. It actually validated what I thought was the best option for us, so that gave me the encouragement I needed to take it.
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I used it too. At FA meeting, our advisors recognized the printout and acknowledged its usefulness. (They had more sophisticated analysis that included more of our individualized factors, but we still ended up with same answer. Hubby defers to 70, I take at 62.)
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Wanted to comment here about the mechanics of my recent application for Social Security:
3/24/25 - Applied online for benefits to start for the month of April (first benefit expected the middle of May). Online site stated which location was processing my request, with an estimate of 30 days to process.
4/24/25 - Benefits approved.
4/25/25 - Benefit direct deposited into my account (A notification from my financial institution was my first indication that my benefit was approved.). I had been periodically checking my online account, the only change was that I was unable to access a statement.
4/25/25 - Email received informing me that there was updated information on my online account. The online information included the ability to obtain a confirmation of benefits, and that a letter would be mailed in 10-15 days. A statement is still unavailable.
5/2/25 - The letter is in my informed delivery for today.
Note that my application was probably pretty simple. Married, but only my benefit. Been “quote” retired for more than a few years. Already had online account set up.
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Hmm, I applied for Social Security on 2/11/25 and my application is still processing. Filed under my own work record, should be uncomplicated. Luckily, I am still employed so not in need.
That’s odd. DH and I sat at the computer together on March 30 to apply for his benefits to begin in March. It only took about 15 minutes and he had a benefits letter and his first payment on April 11. I was very surprised how quickly this was done.
I reach FRA in June and I suspect mine might take longer since I’ll be claiming half of DH amount rather than what I earned from my own work record. Those of you who have done this - will I need to mail in our marriage certificate or can they verify my spousal eligibility in some other way?
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You won’t be mailing your marriage certificate. IIRC, there is some way to now convey that online. If not, you take it to your local SS office…and they scan it into their system. They don’t keep your marriage certificate!
I recently applied for spousal benefits as I only became eligible to collect this in January. I did NOT apply online. I had a phone call with the national SS 800 number and then they scheduled my phone interview with my local office. When I had THAT interview, I was told when to bring my marriage certificate to the local SS office.
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They process applications based on the benefit start date, not the date of application. So if you apply 3 months before you want benefits to start, you may not hear anything for a couple of months.
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If you want to collect SS starting when you reach FRA, you can apply to do so 90 days before that date.
So…if you reach FRA in June…you either should have applied already, or can do so now.
Since your husband is already collecting his SS, you are entitled to 1/2 of his benefit at his FRA…unless your benefit on your earnings is higher.
I mailed a certified marriage license with a piece of cardstock and a printed copy of the application when H applied for spousal benefits. It was returned via mail stamped on date received on paper application. Marriage license still in pristine condition. Had to make appointment and go into office to have H and me present realID. Shortly after we came in person with realID, we got letters with our SS info and payment amounts.
H’s was wrong as they wanted to deduct his Medicare B premiums (which he’s been having deducted from fed pension for over a decade), so they’ll send a refund and stop deducting from Medicare.
Didn’t save much by mailing marriage license, since they made us make an appt and bring realIDs in person anyway.
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Maybe that’s why my application hasn’t processed yet. Good to know.
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To follow up on my post: I received the letter today, and it was much as expected.
It did itemize the benefits I’m receiving. Using a fake number for the benefit, it reads something like this:
————-
Your regular monthly payment May 2025:
You are entitled to a monthly benefit of $500.80
Premiums for medical insurance $185.00
This equals $315.80
The benefit amount is always rounded down .80
Regular monthly payment $315
Your payment of $500
Benefits due for April 2025 with premiums for medical insurance deducted $685
Additional amount we subtracted for medical insurance premium due one month in advance $185
This equals the amount of your first payment $500
—————
I paid the medical insurance premiums for April, May, and June at the end of March.
Edited to say that the next deposit I receive will be in June with a deduction for July’s medical premium.
So aside from a bit of weirdness in the math in calculating the first benefit payment…
They miscalculated my son’s benefits and now they’re deducting money out of his monthly checks until he repays $943.
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If a person is still working, how would that affect things? Open SS had always said I should collect my lower amount at 62, but then i took a “surprise” W2 job that is increasing my future benefit amounts. But I am not sure how to factor all that in. I guess I cannot claim now (62) and also see the amount increase as I continue to contribute, right?
Note: found the answer is, “NO” don’t claim when still working
- Benefits Reduction:
If you claim Social Security before your full retirement age and continue working, your benefits can be reduced if your earnings exceed a certain annual limit. This reduction applies until the month you reach your full retirement age.
- Annual Earnings Test:
Before reaching full retirement age, you’re subject to an annual earnings test. In 2024, the limit was $22,320. If your earnings exceed this limit, your benefits will be reduced by $1 for every $2 you earn above the limit.
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You can continue to increase your SS bank, but you will always receive the percentage that you’d get at the beginning age (so if 62, 75%).
So you can continue to earn and increase your payments, but make sure you aren’t earning too much.
Edited as above comment had a more complete answer.
So one more update, and a correction to a misunderstanding in my prior post:
6/7/2025 I received a check in the mail for $185 (Medicare monthly premium amount for 2025) with a comment of “SOC SEC FOR INS”
After some research, here’s what I understand:
Medicare premiums are paid through a Social Security benefit payment in the month that Medicare premiums are due. The Social Security benefit payments are for the prior month.
In the much more eloquent words from a poster on Boggleheads:
you are paying in advance since they are deducting the premium for Month N from the benefit payment for Month N-1, that is paid to you in Month N
You got a check…from whom? Could you clarify this?
My Medicare payment is deducted from my SS benefit every month. I’ve never gotten a check from anybody at SS for insurance.
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I just started Social Security, with my first benefit payment for April. I was already on Medicare, so had paid (manually) for April, May and June. And many months beforehand.
First check (April) (due in May) was for full benefit amount, no (May) Medicare deduction.
Second check, (May, paid yesterday), had (June) Medicare deduction.
So, the “second” June Medicare payment was refunded by check.
The check was from the department of the treasury.
Does that help? It’s as clear as mud to me, but the math works when I trace it all back.
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Thanks for the clarification. Hopefully moving forward, there will be no issues!
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That’s what I’m hoping, too. And documenting every step along the way…
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