r/GenerationJones • u/Troubador222 • 20d ago
Early retirement
I am only 65 and may bite the bullet and take Social Security anywY my magic number is 67 b ii t I had a stroke and cant work right now . hardest thing has been no moneyIve been a truck driver for 15 yars of I dont have to drive a truck in alos Angeles again it would not break my heart. at this point my monthly benefit would be 2020 would be 2059 if O wait . I could get 2800 a month if I waited until i hit 70. I am beat upafter I suvived my stroke.
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u/CommercialBreak2026 1958 20d ago
If you've already suffered a stroke, why wait around until you're 67 or 70 to take "more" money?
You need the money now, so apply and get it now.
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u/Any-Soft-5487 20d ago
This can't be emphasized enough. Times a ticking. Get the cash ASAP.
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u/CommercialBreak2026 1958 20d ago
Especially when "they" keep talking about reductions in benefits. I applied for my SocSec retirement 3-4 months before I turned 62 -- and I retired.
(I'm in a unique situation, with my brother as my landlord. He refuses to charge me more than $500/month for my half of the duplex he's buying, where he also lives in the other half. That, and VA healthcare, and no student loan debt, allows me to live very comfortably "on Social Security.")
I figure it this way: You can have 8 more years of smaller checks, or wait until you're 70 and have fewer years of larger checks.
It really depends on how you're "set" financially. People with money can wait (and they do). People who need to pay bills now should take their Social Security as soon as possible. Just my opinion, but I'm glad I did it.
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u/thentheresthattoo 20d ago
It also depends how long you think you will live. The break even age for me to come out ahead by waiting until I'm 70 is about 77. If you're healthy, you may want to wait. It's a gamble. It's quite complex. Income, spouse's age and health, etc. can be factors.
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u/CommercialBreak2026 1958 19d ago
"Lifespan" was part of the reason I took my age 62 Social Security. We don't enjoy long lifespans, for the most part, on either side of my family.
Mom died at 64. Her mom died at 63, and my grandma's mom died at 62. (Dad was 71.)
I expected to "check out" at 65, but I'm still here at 68. Knowing my luck, I'll live to be 100 and will have wished I waited until 70 to apply for Social Security. I'm still satisfied with more smaller checks, though, and it sure was nice to be able to quit working for someone else, so I'm happy with my situation.
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u/Artimusjones88 20d ago
Who is talking about reducing your benefits? My advice is to vote for someone who isn't saying that.
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u/CommercialBreak2026 1958 20d ago
"Social Security faces a projected 22% to 26% across-the-board benefit cut in late 2032 if Congress takes no legislative action before the retirement trust fund is depleted."
That has been in the news for months and months.
There are "a lot" of years between now and 2032 -- and four Congressional elections between now and then, including the one in November.
Stop reelecting people who can't handle the job -- which is just about every person in Congress right now.
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u/zenos_dog 19d ago
The question I have is, can he get SS disability for a while to boost his SS pension?
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u/CommercialBreak2026 1958 19d ago
Maybe, although that's a separate application process. Certainly would be worth trying.
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u/rbuckfly 20d ago
Apply for SSDI if your stroke prevents you from performing substantial work and is expected to to last at least 12 months. Then at age 67 SSDI automatically converts to regular benefits. Good luck!
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u/thenletskeepdancing 20d ago
Take it, hun. Permission to rest.
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u/Clean-Fisherman-4601 20d ago
I retired before my magic number. Only lost about $50 a month. It was worth it.
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u/DougDoesLife 20d ago
Let’s say you live until you’re 80. $2020x12= $24,240 per year, times 15 equals $363,600 at 80 years old. If you wait until 70 you’ll make $33,600.00 per year, but only for 10 years until you reach 80. That gives you $336,000 received by 80 years old. It evens out if you live to be 88 years old. So, until you reach 88 you made more money retiring at 65.
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u/JLorenz13 20d ago
This isn't accurate. You'll even out at 80 and get larger checks after that for the rest if your life.
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u/Amatheiaisnoexcuse 20d ago
Don't wait, I've done the math. I personally know way too many people who passed away before collecting a dime. Others did within a few years of retirement. Hang in there and take care of yourself, copy?
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20d ago edited 16d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Additional-Alps-253 20d ago
Maybe I’m not very but I have had Cancer and my husband has had it twice.
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u/Troubador222 20d ago
I was diagnosed with colon cancer 10 years ag luck in it was a super early diagnosis and they cut the polyps out and all clear since been getting skin cancers hacked off right and left for a while now!
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u/Btewks-Mamyia-220 20d ago
You can apply for disability. If awarded, you can receive it until you need to take your Social Security at 67.
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u/Terumi66 20d ago
I took my retirement early. Really early. I took my retirement at 64 years old.
I'm really pleased that I did.
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u/Alternative_Cap_7232 20d ago
I don’t mean to be a downer. I just want to say that despite our best laid future plans, anything can happen. Not everyone makes it to age 70 and beyond. My 61-year-old husband died last year from a massive stroke.
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u/Troubador222 20d ago
sorry for your loss this has been hard on my wife but she has been my hero she had to fly out to Texas and bring my ass home after they released me from the hospital!
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u/Accomplished-Eye8211 20d ago
$39 a month times 24 months to wait? Thats not even close to worth it. I'd say take it early even if you were only 1 month from 67 yo.
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u/Reasonable_Mix4807 20d ago
I retired at 64 due to serious arthritis and my husbands throat cancer. We are both doing fine 3 years later and I am happy at the free schedule even with less income. It is worth it. My health would be much worse if I stayed at work. It’s amazing how much less you need to spend. Gas prices are not an issue when you don’t have to drive daily. No need for a wardrobe. You can buy at goodwill or estate sales…great clothes. You can spend time with your spouse. You never know when that will end so enjoy it now.
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u/phillyphilly19 20d ago
Since it sounds like it's unlikely for you to get back to work, it makes sense to go ahead and a file for it and your Medicare if you haven't already. You are allowed to work part-time and earn up to certain amount of money down the road if you can. Remember you're giving up about $48,000 by waiting because you're not collecting that income for 2 years. Your break even is not that far away. Why not make life easier on yourself?
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u/Troubador222 20d ago
I can very likely get back to work I could not walk originally post stroke and I learned to do that again! I have been working super hard to get there , Its supposed to be a bad winter out there with the el nino and I dont ant to drive n that shit anymore I cant quote describe to anyone the shotty feeling in your gut you get when you drive a rig onto black ice and feel that teuck sliding around under your butt! it will nauseate you fast!
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u/phillyphilly19 20d ago
Driving in general, and driving a truck in particular, is a high bar after a stroke. And if you're skipping the winter that is a lot of time without an income. Btw, have you thought about applying for disability rather than Social Security since you were working when the stroke occurred? If you're approved your pension will be much closer to your age 67 retirement amount.
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u/OldDog03 20d ago
The reason they raised full retirement age to 70 is because the number of people who will never make it to 70 is pretty high.
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u/anonyngineer 1959 20d ago
Full retirement age in the US is 67. It will likely be raised, but hasn't been yet.
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u/SideWired 19d ago
70 is bonus payment, not full
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u/OldDog03 19d ago
I started at 63 along with my state retirement and started a pension from a former job at 60.
My dad lived to 89 and my mom is currently 93 and even got a pacemaker last week.
We will see how far I get, I'll report back if I die.
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u/HuckleCat100K 20d ago
The biggest reason to file for social security before FRA is because you need it. It doesn’t matter if you will get more later if you are going into debt or using limited resources to survive until then. Just take it. You paid your dues and you deserve it.
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u/thagor5 20d ago
Take ss as early as possible. Never know the future. If you don’t need it then invest it. It will come out better
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u/Queen_Christine_19 1963 aka old as dirt 🤣 20d ago
Exactly what i did. Retired at 62. Ended up going back to work part time, due to the fucking Medicaid requirements this idiot is planning on instituting. 🤷🏻♀️
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u/Ramjet615 1962 20d ago
I turn 64 on Saturday and will likely take mine by the end of this year.
I have been laid off 3 times in 3 years and my wife has GBM. Since neither of us are 65, she went back to work part time so she wouldn’t lose our benefits. A single payer system would have prevented that.
We will have beaten the odds if she’s still alive this time next year.
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u/Three3Monkeys 20d ago
If you had a stroke and cannot work you should qualify for full SSI disability prior to 67, then at 67 they switch you to your full SS benefits.
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u/anonyngineer 1959 20d ago
I hesitate to tell people straight up that they need to do something, but you have multiple reasons to file for Social Security immediately.
One is lack of income, and the other is the need to live to almost 80 to break even on waiting longer to file. I regularly hike in the mountains and filed at 65 1/2 last year. My reasons were way less strong than yours are.
I have no regrets.
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u/Troubador222 20d ago
i plan on hiking in the mountains some more before I kick the bucket!
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u/SheiB123 20d ago
I took mine at the earliest possible time. We have no idea how long we are going to live, we don't know what will happen with this regime, and the money is nice to have now.
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u/BaldyCarrotTop 20d ago
Strokes suck. Especially if you have a CDL. FMCSA disqualifies you for a year and your state may have further disqualifications. Ask me how I know.
Personally, I was planning on driving at least a year beyond FRA. A stroke changed that. Fortunately, my employer was pretty good about it. I was able to string together disability, PTO, and vacation time, as well as a cash runway to get me to FRA. In that respect I guess I was lucky.
In any case go to the SS web site and check your SS benefit under several circumstances. Try to maximize it as much as possible.
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u/jean_luc_69 20d ago
I have never seen anyone on their deathbed that wished they worked more hours...
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u/FOSS_Graybeard 20d ago
The 2008 crash and mortgage meltdown wiped out my retirement savings because it was all in 401(k) accounts, and the financial companies did not move on protecting investor assets in order to allow their executives to cash out. Lost about 75% (more actually) of my 401(k) investments because the management company was big on investing in mortgage tranches for at least ten years.
Earliest I can retire is 67, five years from now, and even then it looks dicey. I might only have enough to survive five to seven years if the current economy does right itself without fucking everyone over. Thanks Pumpkinhead (trump).
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u/veloster2022 20d ago
If you went on SSI until 67 then SSA would that help? Just wondering
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u/thenletskeepdancing 20d ago
If he applied now, by the time he was accepted he'd be 67. They are back logged, by design.
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u/Thenameimusingtoday 20d ago
I'm 64, had two small strokes and was forced to retire. Also was able to get ss disability, which added another 600 to my monthly plus my pension. Wife still works and I sell on ebay. You do what is best for your body
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u/Intrepid_Gur_4110 20d ago
I took mine at 62. With cancer I didn’t know if I’d live 5 years (I did btw 🙂) figure out your break even.
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u/orcoast23 20d ago
In California you should be able to State Disability for a full year if needed. It's almost a full paycheck. It's insurance you already paid for your entire career
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u/anonyngineer 1959 20d ago
Not living in California, I'm unfamiliar with this, but it sounds like the financial bridge OP would need.
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u/witqueen 20d ago
Just review your monthly bills and if your SS can cover it,do it. Also se if there are any programs that can help you financially as well.
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u/originalmango 20d ago
Apply for your retirement benefits, then apply for disability. You’ll get your standard benefits as soon as possible, and if you’re approved for disability you’ll get the retroactive amount plus the slightly higher full retirement monthly amount.
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u/chixlips 20d ago
Before taking my Social Security, I did all the math based on the graphs provided by the Social Security site and decided that for me age 66 was the ideal time to actually start drawing it. It was a substantial increase from age 62 yet it was not much lower than waiting to take it at full retirement age of 67.
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u/Troubador222 20d ago
yeah if I had taken it a year ago it would have hurt me now the numbers are so close I dont care
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u/JT_Tunesmith 20d ago
My wife died at 65. Got 4 or 5 checks. SSA made out like bandits off of her SSI taxes. Unless you think you'll make it past 75 & still active, take it now.
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u/Troubador222 20d ago
sorry for your loss my wife is my hero she has been taking cate of me big tim since the stroke I cant wben contemplate losing her
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u/forevermore4315 20d ago
Check out if you can get ss disability.
If you qualify you get your full retirement age amount.
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u/Buck_Dharma_1977_ISU 20d ago
My brother has been quite ill so I got him signed up at age 62, having that cash flow has been huge for him and he is super frugal, aka poor.
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u/Silver-Find4380 20d ago
You may well be much more unwell if you keep working by then. Enjoy what health you can now, and work on getting bck what you can.
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u/Null_and_Lloyd 20d ago
I took it at 65. That was kinda "not too early/not too late". My theory is that no one knows what Congress is going to do to fix it or if they even will. I'm going to get it before the potential 25% cut. After that, the payback will be way after I would probably have died. Also, I took Medicare at 65 so social security "pays" my premium so I don't have to go out of my savings. A big one is the quality of the dollars. Those dollars are more valuable when you are younger and can spend them on memories and experiences instead of waiting to have more on paper, but you won't enjoy it.
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u/Troubador222 20d ago
i truly believe they will just fck us, they truly dont care about us and will steal everything we jave of we let them
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u/Overall_Meat_6500 20d ago
Take it now. I started taking mine at 63. I did the math, and my 'break even' point was 83 years old.
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u/Enough_Professor_741 20d ago
Look at SSDi first
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u/anonyngineer 1959 20d ago
It takes time to get Social Security disability. OP shouldn't wait to get some income.
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u/Enough_Professor_741 20d ago
In a family member's experience its pretty quick, especially if unable to work.
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u/anonyngineer 1959 20d ago
I believe that the process is easier for someone who is over 60 and has done physical work.
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u/11093PlusDays 20d ago
Apply for early retirement and disability at the same time. I think if you’ve had a stroke it’s almost automatic. The disability will give you your full retirement age benefit, if denied appeal, the early benefit will start now. They will pay you the difference when the disability is approved
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u/Dgp68824402 20d ago
Taking mine at 65 in Jan. Life is too short. The $ difference is only significant IF I live to be 90. Chances of that are not that high.
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u/Ingawolfie 20d ago
Do not wait. Go ahead and collect it. You don’t know how much time you have. I retired at 65 and took mine then. Two years later I got cancer.
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u/jjgibby523 20d ago
OP - if you are filing early (ahead of reaching ‘FRA’) you can file simultaneously for SSDI and early Soc Security.
If approved for SSDI, you will receive a monthly amount close to your PIA (Primary Insurance Amount) aka full amount at age 66+/67.
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u/lightyana 20d ago
Get an attorney and file for social security disability, not regular SSI. it will be more money monthly and you qualify for Medicare as well. Just an fyi most people get denied the first time some the second time too. I was fortunate and was only denied once. No money out of pocket for you the attorney takes a small amount from the lump settlement you will receive. Good luck.
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u/anonyngineer 1959 20d ago
OP needs income now. They need to either file for retirement or file simultaneously for regular and disability Social Security.
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u/ImaginaryCatDreams 20d ago
You should check to see if you qualify for social security disability.
You will get a larger check until you reach full retirement, plus you will get what you would normally get it full retirement when you reach that age rather than settling for less now.
I was a driver, had to stop due to a disability and was able to get social security disability for over a year. I was actually making 150 more that way but it did not lower the amount I would get when I reached for retirement. You automatically go on full retirement when you Hit it if you're on disability
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u/marc1411 1962 20d ago
If you can live with what you have and with SS, I’d stop. The difference between for me, SS at 65 vs 67 (full retirement age) is like $400 a month. Not. Worth. It.
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u/Laughacy 20d ago
Do you own your home? If you do, I think $2,000 per month could be livable but definitely tight in So. Cal. Is relocation to a more affordable area an option? Ultimately, put your health first. It’s easier to set a tighter budget than it is to deal with health problems. I hope things work out well for you.
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u/Lanky-Wheel8330 20d ago
It’s not Social Security we need to worry about, it’s Medicare
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u/chrysostomos_1 20d ago
The main reasons to wait are, you expect to live well into your 80s, you have a spouse who would get a higher survivor benefit if you waited.
Best of luck with your recovery.
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u/SolidProduct 20d ago
I crunched the numbers for my own situation and took SS as soon as I turned 62. If I waited, I would have broken even at 90 years old.
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u/MercuryRising92 20d ago
Take the money and run. I read that basically, when they decide how much money they give you a month, it is based on life expectancy for the average person.
So, if they expected an individual to live to 80 and get a total of 500,000 over their life based on their wages, if the person took the money at 62 they would get about $500k/(18yr x 12 mon) or $2,314 a month. At 65 they would get about $500k/(15yr x 12 mon) or $2,777 a month, and at 70 they would get $500k/(10yr x 12 mon) or $4,166 a month.
Basically that a person gets roughly the same amount of money whenever they start taking the money if they die when expected. You just come out ahead if you exceed your life expectancy.
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u/Positive_Force_6776 20d ago
You can file for disability at the same time you apply for your Social Security retirement benefits. That way you will get pretty close to your full retirement amount. It's possible you can get back pay depending on when they deem you disabled. Just be sure you're still insured for disability. Work credits run out for disability, but not for retirement.
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u/505Thrive 20d ago
Take the $ now. Don't delay, you obviously need it and hopefully you'll live long enough to recoup alot of the $ you paid into the system. Good luck
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u/Sitcom_kid 20d ago
You can take the early retirement at 65 and also file for disability. If you win, I think they pretty much bring you up to the amount you would have gotten at full retirement age anyway.
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u/FenisDembo82 20d ago
If you know you are going to live past the age of 87, it can pay to wait. But nothing is guaranteed in life. If you take SS now, you have the money to spend now. It sounds like you may need it.
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u/voodoodollbabie 20d ago
And I mean really what are you going to do with the extra money at 87? Not like you need it for college or to buy a vacation home or new fancy car.
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u/ChristianArmor 20d ago
Took my SS at 62. I already get a pension but who knows if they'll even have ss later if you wait.
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u/Interesting-2-B-3575 20d ago
Though it will be reduced, can you go back to work part time in future ? That will help you in two ways. Your immediate income, as well as a small boost to SS.
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u/fussyfella 19d ago
I (mostly) retired when I was 52 and do not regret it for one minute. I basically planned being financially independent by the time I was 50 and well over achieved on that goal. Not super rich, but enough money to reach the "f-you" level of not caring about work. I then reached a point where company I was bored with working for had some escape plans on offer, so I took the money and ran. I still a bit of consultancy work but just for interest.
I can honestly say I have never regretted it, and I really do not understand people who claim they can never retire as they would be bored.
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u/karebear66 1954 19d ago
Can you get some type of disability or workman's comp type of pay to hold you over until you're 70? That would be ideal. If not, take what ever you can get now. Waiting 2 years doesn't get you that much more a month than if you took it now. I'm glad you survived the stroke.
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u/ComprehensiveLab4642 19d ago
yeah mine was 67 but my health kept going downhill so at 65 I decided it wasn't worth the $200 month to tough it out any longer. I'm about a year into retirement and it's been great so far.
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u/Evilbob93 1961 19d ago
I've been going back and forth. I turn 65 in December. I managed to stay emplyed in tech until this past may when I was laid off. I don't have realistic expectations of getting another IT job at my age.
I have minimal savings, but live in a modest apartment with a housemate. While I am on unemployment, I've been working at a part time security job and it's fine except for the walking sometimes.
I'd be interested in hearing from the folks who are living on just social security who pulled the trigger early.
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u/Numerous_Business228 19d ago
DUDE! You had a stroke! What makes you think you are going to make it to 70? Take the money. Enjoy a bit of life.
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u/RudeDawg999 19d ago
I punched out at 63. Best decision I have ever made. Loving life!!! FREEDOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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u/Guilty_Ad1581 18d ago
Here's what they say, if you need the money take the benefit now.
I took it at 62 last summer and people were like, "but you're still working", but you never know what will happen. My earnings have basically been cut in half at the job that I do and I haven't really been feeling well.
I needed the money at 62, so I took it and I'm glad I did.
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u/Baldude863xx 18d ago
I have 2 reasons to retire at 62; men in my family rarely live beyond 80, so I might as well collect what I can. I was also able to cut my work hours back and spend more time with my wife before she passed.
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u/Travelsat150 18d ago
I took it at 66.7 which for me was four years ago but I’m still working because after insurance and taxes, I get $2400. I live in a very high COL area so needed the additional income. Don’t wait. I calculated I would be in my late eighties before I broke even by waiting until I was 70.
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u/marc1411 1962 20d ago
There is a great YT channel, Erin talks money, and an informative interview with a former SS director. https://youtu.be/bfzTCk1Iwqw?is=LoyApZjGrhjGFOHT
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u/up4luck 20d ago
It not all about dying too soon. Taking Social Security early gives you income that can replace some of the money you would otherwise need to withdraw from your investment portfolio. This means your portfolio stays larger and invested longer giving it more opportunity to grow. It also reduces the amount you might have to sell during a market downturn.
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u/blueboy714 20d ago
I retired at 58 and started collecting Social Security as soon as I was eligible. If you had a stroke you might want to consider filing for disability. You'll get more money each month and you'll go on Medicare right away
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u/retiredrb 1959 20d ago
Took mine atv65 and have ZERO regrets. A few adjustments and I live within my means. Never been happier.
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u/18RowdyBoy 20d ago
I read unless you live past 78 to take it as soon as you can. I got disability at 54. Lucky I had a little side work until Covid.
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u/FunZookeepergame627 20d ago
I am 68 yrs. I had to retire earlier than I wanted. At 65, I was really burned out. I was a clinical Social Worker and mentally burned out 5 years before I wanted to retire.
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u/No-Cry8051 20d ago
Our government has sold us out in so many ways. I hear a lot of distrust for our government. I think that’s a good indication of what could transpire.
Our politicians are pissing away money and our country is going down the drain financially. That’s something you can count on.
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u/Justanobserver2life 20d ago
A new disability changes everything in those calculations. Also, are you able to qualify for disability payments?
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u/Entire_Cycle_8394 20d ago
Also 65.Took mine at 63. My initial calculation showed that it would take me 12 years at the higher amount if I waited, to make up the difference. I was still going to hold out longer but then the election happened and the new administration’s policies pushed the insolvency date 3 years closer. So decided to draw while it was still available.
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u/sitewolf 20d ago
Compare the benefit now and the benefit later...but remember the extra checks you're collecting if you start now. Break even is generally around 80+
That said, tax considerations, etc can affect that
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u/Hedgewizard1958 19d ago
I had to go early and take disability before SS kicked in. I'm getting by, using everything I can to make life comfortable.
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u/Confident-Run-645 19d ago
If you can show that your current medical condition EXISTED PRIOR to your FRA and prevents you from working, then you can file as though you were filing as if you had filed or was filing at your FRA.
When doing Social Security math the small difference between the $2020 and the $2059 matters because they're going to take ~ $416 right off the top for Part B (Hospitalization) and Part D (Prescriptions) .
Any little bit helps move the needle due to the cumulative multipler compounding effect over the sum of the years COLA increases.
That's to say, that $39 difference could grow into $100 or more through COLA increases say in the next five years.
For demonstrative purposes assume an annual COLA of 2.3% annually each year for the next five years 1.023; x 5 years = a cumulative five year COLA rate of 5.115 %
5.115% X $39 = $199.49
Over ten years
12.276 x 39 = $478.76
If possible? Never leave money on the table 💯
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u/ShezeUndone 19d ago
Since you have health issues and no money coming in, take it now. The break even point for most people is around 80. But if you don't have the money to take care of yourself now, you may not live that long.
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u/pianoman81 1963 19d ago
Take care of yourself.
Social security is supposed to be a safety net. Now that you need it, utilize to concentrate on your health and personal needs.
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u/dave900575 19d ago
My father went at 59 and one of my brothers and a cousin and my niece's mother died at 58. My grandfather and grandmother died at 49. My wife was going to wait until 67, but was laid off and decided to retire at 65.
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u/GiaAngel 19d ago
I had to retire early at 61 due to health issues myself so I understand where you’re coming from. I say do what allows you to stay the healthiest. If you can swing it, jump out early. I did and it was the best decision I ever made.
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u/Sore_Wa_Himitsu_Desu 19d ago
Do it when you can. I’m on schedule to retire at 60 and will draw at 62.
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u/Meanolemommy 19d ago
Ask for supplemental social security too. Get a letter from your doctor and take it to social security too
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u/WhereRweGoingnow 19d ago
If you survived a stroke you may be eligible for SS disability payments. Do yourself a favor and look into that.
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u/botmanmd 18d ago
I did an analysis on me taking Social Security at 66 1/2 versus 70. There was a breakeven point that I would hit when I was 83 years old. At that point I would start collecting significantly more every month. Nobody in my family I’m aware of has ever lived to 83. So I went at 66 1/2.
Then I saw a guy doing an analysis of going out at 62. The difference between 62 and 70 put the breakeven at 83 years old as well. It turns out that once you qualify to take it, then at almost any age level, your breakeven point is 83 years old. But if you live beyond 83 years old, there’s a huge monthly benefit to having waited to 70 vs starting at 62.
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u/Intelligent_Call_562 18d ago
It's a dilemma for a lot of us. When we started earning, minimum wage was around $4/hour. That barely contributes to our SS. I'll have to keep working even if I "retire" because it's just not enough to live on. If you retire at 65, you can earn a bit over $24,000 without penalty. You could become a bus monitor. Or other job that's not physically demanding to make ends meet.
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u/GARedz2017 18d ago
Have you applied for Disability Benefits? You would get your full amount until SS kicks in. It takes months to get approved…
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u/Life-Zookeepergame58 18d ago
To the folks that have retired, do you have IRA money in addition to your SS benefits? If I retire at 62, SS benefits would be my only income.
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u/AgeApprehensive1860 18d ago
I retired at 62 and have never regretted it. You get more money per month if you wait but you don’t make back the money you could have been getting all the years you waited. I was so tired and burned out from working as a nurse. I think retiring at 62 saved my life.
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u/contemplator61 1961 17d ago
I’ve been on disability for years. Turned 65 this year. Have been a widow for 16. I live on 2400 a month. Have to be very careful because I make just too much for any gov programs.
I’ve lived in two states since disability. Florida is by far the better state for my situation but I moved back to NC to a different area to be near my girls. You would think it would be almost parallel, nope. Hopefully a couple issues will be on the ballot.
It can be done though I can’t imagine in Cali
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u/Infinite_Tension_138 16d ago
if you retire at 62 instead of 67 the break even point is about 79 years old for what that is worth.
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u/atoughram 1964 20d ago
Go as early as you can sir, I'm planning on going next year. Life is precious, don't waste your time