jamies, if you continue to work, you may improve your benefit payout if the amount you earn in those last 11 years exceeds the lowest earnings in your early working years. So, for example, if you work an additional 11 years and make, say $30k per year, but in the first 11 years in your career you made $15k, then your benefit amount will increase because the best 35 years worth of earnings will be higher. Also, you can't collect soc sec until you reach age 62. I think it's important to understand that the calculation is a two-step process. The first is to calculate your benefit based on your best 35 years of earnings. That will give you your benefit amount. The second step is based on when you start collecting. The sooner you collect, the smaller your monthly payment will be as you will be collecting longer. If you postpone collecting, then your monthly payment will rise as you will be collecting for a shorter period of time. So, for example, suppose actuarially you are expected to live to 85 and they calculate your benefit based on that. At 65 they will expect to pay you benefits for 20 years. If you start collecting at 62, then they will expect to pay you for 23 years. If you start to collect at 70, then they will expect to pay you for 15 years. Thus, your benefit payout gets adjusted based on the estimated number of years you will be collecting. But the initial amount of benefit, prior to that adjustment, is based on your 35 years earnings.

cooper and sushipup, Thank you so much for the quick response. Yes, suhipup, I read your posting and others you posted in the past. They are very informative. I also read postings from other folks on this forum regarding the subjects. It made me realize that it would be better for me to find a comprehensive, updated source of information in one place instead of reading piecemeal. I will be back later to ask for inputs after checking out the sources you provided. Cannot focus on this subject since I have to shop for a new car now after the current one just got totalled. Life surely has its twist.

I found the prelim information I wanted, including my monthly benefit options depending on which year benefits were started, was available on the website. I'm a year older than your husband and have decided to start benefits some months from now when I turn 66. I was able to apply online. They telephoned me a few weeks after I completed the online app for a final review of options and to verify the choices I made that couldn't be changed. It was quick and easy. The guy who called me was knowledgeable and friendly, we conducted the 30 minute phone call while I was driving on the freeway while on an out of town trip

Oakley, same thing happened to me. I was told I could walk in, so I did and signed in, Waited a long time until my name was called then the woman at the desk said I didn’t have an appointment so she couldn’t help me. I said but I’m sitting right here and it won’t take long. Nope, no appointment, no help. Then I made an appointment at a different office where the woman was very helpful although since I was applying for my ex’s benefit I needed a divorce certificate so I had to trot to the courthouse and get that. The woman at SS told me where to go and it went smoothly. What a rigamarole! Should be easier. By the way, I collected half of my ex’s benefit until I turned 70.5 and now my monthly payment is much more than if I had begun to collect mine at 65. Something to consider if you can.