WOW, @Travis55Chevy , that's a lot of difference.
Try setting up a "my social security" account and use the calculator there.
Social Security.gov - Plan for Your Future with Your MY Social Security Account
The paper statements are an estimate of future earnings - it projects
According to SSA
The Statement emphasizes that the actual benefit a worker will receive may differ from the estimated benefit because of a number of factors. In the Statement's own wording (see Appendix A),
The actual benefit amount…may differ from the estimates…because:- Your earnings may increase or decrease in the future.
- After you start receiving benefits, they will be adjusted for cost-of-living increases.
- Your estimated benefits are based on current law. The law governing benefit amounts may change.
- Your benefit amount may be affected by military service, railroad employment or pensions earned through work on which you did not pay Social Security tax.
So you will have a reduction because you are filing for benefits a little early - that's not much.
In the case of early retirement, a benefit is reduced 5/9 of one percent for each month before normal retirement age, up to 36 months.
But do double check on that SS participation in the early to mid-80's and after. It wasn't until January 1984 when SOME government employees were offered participation. But if you have about 30 -years of covered earnings - that should not make any difference either.
It's Always Something . . . . Roseanna Roseannadanna