Time, and again, the conversation goes like this:

A. "Christie doesn't stand a chance."
B. "This morning's poll shows him up by 5%."
A. "That poll sucks; it's a right/left wing rag."
B. "You didn't think so when it showed your guy  in the lead."
A. "Now you know what I'm thinking?"
B. "Why do you always say that?
A. "Always?" I Always say that?"

And, off to the races we go......for the next 10-20-30 posts. It's so predictable, and, what makes it even worse is that some really smart commenters here, those that I have a lot of respect for, aren't immune to the bait these trollers toss out there, regardless of what the topic is.

Take Yman, for an example. Lord knows, I think he's one of the smartest, and articulate posters here. But, I ask you, can anyone here point to a "conversation/debate" he's entered into where he's convinced the other party as to the correct facts of that particular subject? He always has his facts correct; he backs up everything with references & links. I'll give anyone here $100 if they can show even one instance where the party he's trying to convince has responded with something like, "Oh, thanks, Yman. I didn't realize the source I was using was lying."

Just once! (and, make that $1000)

And, again, I remind you, Yman is only one of many that get into these absolutely predictable, and, unresolve-able debates. Many, many of our best & brightest get sucked in also.

There used to be a time when a topic came up, and the first couple of comments were on opposite sides, but, stated calmly and honestly. I'd think, "oh, wow, this is going to be interesting." Instead, now, my first thoughts are usually, "oh, no, here we go again."

To simplify the math: Moms benefit at full retirement age at age 66: $1,000. per month.
Number of years deferred (70 - 66) 4
Deferred Payment Credit @ 8%: $80 per month.
Total 4 yr. Deferred Payment Credit: $320 per month.
Moms benefit age 70: $1,320 per month.*

* This amount does not include any COL adjustments which would automatically be included in the amount.

I may be wrong but if her benefits never exceed your dad's even at the age of 70 and she never switches to her own benefits, I doubt there is any advantage to continue working. Why would she want to continue to build up her benefits if she never takes them.

All of this information is based on my circumstance which sound somewhat similar to my own and I do not claim to be an expert. A telephone call to SS agent can get all the answers. Have all the information aThey can run the numbers for all scenarios and give her exact information. I found the agents extremely knowledgeable and helpful. You might want to somehow be there and help her get and understand the information.

Also it is important for your Mom to sign up for Medicare when she reaches 65. From SS.gov website:

Here's An Important Point: If you decide to delay your retirement, be sure to

sign up for just Medicare at age 65.

If you do not sign up, in some circumstances your Medicare coverage may be delayed and cost more.

The fact that it is confusing probably has more to do with my lack of presenting this option properly rather than your intelligence. The people at the SS office went over my options with me in terms that I could understand until I firmly understood what would garner me the highest benefit that would meet my current needs. They will run several different scenarios so that you can explore all your options. Knowing the exact amount of the shekels really makes it all clearer.

Once the information is put into actual dollar amounts it is hard not to understand the idea that if you do X you will receive a certain dollar amount and if you do y the dollar amount is higher or lower.

If you don't sign up for Part B when you're first eligible or if you drop Part B and then get it later, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Medicare. Your monthly premium for Part B may go up 10% for each full 12-month period that you could have had Part B, but didn't sign up for it.

Usually, you don't pay a late enrollment penalty if you meet certain conditions that allow you to sign up for Part B during a Special Enrollment Period.

If you aren't eligible for premium-free Part A, and you don't buy it when you're first eligible, your monthly premium may go up 10%. You'll have to pay the higher premium for twice the number of years you could have had Part A, but didn't sign up.