Finally Made A Decision For A Path Forward

[SiouzQ.]

I have come to the conclusion after doing the research is that the best thing for me to do is to file for my Social Security, even though it is pretty low. I have to come terms that I am pretty much unemployable these days (as I type this using only my right hand - my left arm and hand is pretty useless these days).

So here is how we have figured it out - I went to my local SS office yesterday to confirm what I have read online at the SS website. I can file for my own benefits now, and switch to Spousal Benefits when my husband retires in December 2025. I am also going to to file for Disability at the same time, as recommended by the lady at the window because it can take up to 6 to 8 months.

I spent most of the day pulling together the documents and information needed. Jeezus, I have all the years of my wrist surgeries, x-rays, MRI's EMG's, joint injections, etc, etc. The point is, I have to accept that my metalsmithing career is probably over, I can no longer type using both hands, nor sit for 8 hours a day...My body is worn out at this point. If I get approved for disability, I would get something like $1482/month. My husband has a very good job right now, and with 35+ years of working in IT, his SS payments will be quite a bit higher. When he retires I'll get bumped up to half of his payment as the Spousal Benefits, so when we combine the two it's pretty reasonable.

He's about to sign up for Medicare, and when he does I'll be bumped off the BCBS plan we have. I will be able to go and get back on an ObamaCare plan, possibly Medicaid because I have no income at this point.

Next week I have a bunch research to continue with, calls to make and appointments to set to make sure this all gets set up to plan. I feel relieved that there seems to be a path forward. I have PT to go to (again), another EMG scheduled, an appointment with my hand surgeon for a check-in, plus waiting for a referral to see another doctor to rule out Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, and I'm also waiting to hear back from the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix to find out if they'll accept me as a patient. There is still no consensus on the reason I have lost function in my arm with chronic ulna/median nerve inflammation. It *may* be due to the arthritis in my neck but I am waiting to get any neck surgery until they are satisfied that it is not something else.

As Roseann Roseannadanna said, "It's always something!"

[Tradd]

I’m sorry about all the mess, but glad to hear you’ve made a decision!

Two small suggestions: try voice to text and see if that’s easier than typing with one hand. Also, if you’re trying to type on a smartphone or tablet on screen keyboard, try the small K380 Bluetooth keyboard made by Logitech. Much easier to type on and can even be used with your smartphone. I’ve recommend the keyboard to a few friends with arm/hand issues and it’s made a big difference for them.

[Tybee]

I am not sure how old you are, but does regular disability stop at full retirement age? Do you then just convert to SS? Somehow I thought this was the case.
If you are only 62, then do you get a reduced percentage of half of his social security payments?
Just confused about the interface between SS, disability, and spousal benefits?

I took ss at 63, so I get how complicated these decisions are--I still don't know if I did the right thing for me at the time.

[iris lilies]

I took SS benefits at age 64. My thought was I won’t live a long time, so take the money the government is giving out!

[happystuff]

So sorry you are still dealing with so much, but glad to hear that you are moving forward! Good luck with navigating it all!

[SiouzQ.]

From what I've asked (and I still have lots more questions), is if I take my regular benefits now (I'm 62 and 4 months) I will get $1055/month before taxes. When my husband retires in December 2025, I will then switch to Spousal Benefits and get $1658 (half of his benefits). How getting disability before then is where I still have LOTS of questions. If I actually get approved for Disability, my payments would be $1482 (which is what my benefits would be if I retired at my full retirement age of 67). What I am not sure of is if I can switch from getting Disability payments to Spousal Benefits in Dec. 2025 when my husband retires - I am finding different bits of information, so as of today, I'm still not sure. That is a question for when I go in for an appointment or if I want to call them tomorrow and be on hold for two hours.

Maybe I just limp along with my lower payments for the next 23 months. Apparently it takes 6 to 8 months for a Disability claim to go through, and it usually gets denied at least once. So timing-wise there isn't that much time until I qualify for the $1658 I'd get from the Spousal Benefits.

But having less than $1000 coming in per month going forward the next 23 months is a little scary. I need to find some kind of work I can do to bring in another $600 or so per month to cover my personal expenses. I still have a bit of jewelry to sell down, but that income can be unstable from month to month. I would go back to the gallery job one or two days a week, but ONLY if she got a better chair. I'd like to find some under-the-table casual work but with only one useful arm, I'll have to be creative about that.

I do have quite a bit of savings from all my frugal years, but mentally it is going to be hard to see it dwindle down! I'd rather be able to make just enough money to pay for my living expenses without dipping into it.

[Tybee]

From what I've asked (and I still have lots more questions), is if I take my regular benefits now (I'm 62 and 4 months) I will get $1055/month before taxes. When my husband retires in December 2025, I will then switch to Spousal Benefits and get $1658 (half of his benefits). How getting disability before then is where I still have LOTS of questions. If I actually get approved for Disability, my payments would be $1482 (which is what my benefits would be if I retired at my full retirement age of 67).

According to this AARP article, your benefits are reduced due to your age, from 50% of his to 35%? That's what I was wondering?
sorry forgot to add article:
How Does Claiming Social Security Early Affect Spousal Benefits? (aarp.org)

[SiouzQ.]

I wouldn't be switching to the Spousal Benefits until he retires in Dec. 2025, in which I would get half of his. I can start taking my own benefits now, but since I've only always worked in retail my entire working career, they are pretty low, especially now at age 62. Right now my own benefits are $1055/month but at my full retirement at age 67, they will be $1482/month, which is the same amount I would get now if I am approved for Disability. My big question is if I do get Disability now, can I switch to Spousal Benefits when he retires in dec. 2025? So far it doesn't look like it.

[Tybee]

I wouldn't be switching to the Spousal Benefits until he retires in Dec. 2025, in which I would get half of his. I can start taking my own benefits now, but since I've only always worked in retail my entire working career, they are pretty low, especially now at age 62. Right now my own benefits are $1055/month but at my full retirement at age 67, they will be $1482/month, which is the same amount I would get now if I am approved for Disability. My big question is if I do get Disability now, can I switch to Spousal Benefits when he retires in dec. 2025? So far it doesn't look like it.

I think you only get half of his when you reach your own full retirement age. Otherwise, you get a prorated amount less, I think.

[SiouzQ.]

I keep reading different things about this, and the lady at my local SS Office told me otherwise. But now I am on their website and it reads just like you have been saying. I really wish they would use "Spouse A and Spouse B when describing these scenario's. I am definitely going to call SS today and just be prepared to be on hold for a long time.