Quick question - does anyone know if the extra DRC amount gets added to any COLA increases? Like if there's a 3% COLA next year, does that apply to the basic benefit PLUS the DRC amount?

Thanks everyone for the helpful information! I've decided to select February as my start month to get that additional 2/3% DRC. One month's wait seems worth it for a higher payment for potentially decades. I appreciate all the insights and personal experiences shared here - it really helped clarify my decision.

Wait I'm confused... does this affect everyone on SS or just certain people? I get regular retirement benefits but never worked for the government. Will my check go up too?

No, this only affects people who were subject to the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) or Government Pension Offset (GPO). These provisions reduced Social Security benefits for people who receive pensions from jobs that didn't pay into Social Security (like certain state/local government jobs, federal jobs under the Civil Service Retirement System, or foreign employment). If you never worked in one of these \

That's a common misconception. DAC benefits (officially called Childhood Disability Benefits) are for adults who became disabled before age 22 (not 18). The adult child must be unmarried and have a disability that began before age 22. The parent must be either deceased or receiving retirement or disability benefits. Since OP's daughter became disabled before 22 and her father is now on SSDI, she likely qualifies.

oh ok thanks for clearing that up! social security rules are so confusing sometimes

For what it's worth, I find it's good to have the card stored securely somewhere, even if you rarely need it. I keep mine in a fire-safe box along with other important documents like birth certificates and passports. That way I don't have to worry about carrying it around (which you shouldn't do anyway due to identity theft risks) but can access it on the rare occasions it's needed.

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! Sounds like for my situation (already retired, not changing jobs, have my Real ID license), I probably don't need to rush to get a replacement. I'll keep it on my to-do list for eventually, but won't stress about it for now. Appreciate all the insights!

one thing nobody mentioned yet - check if ur eligible for the public service loan forgiveness program before you retire from govt work. could help with any student loans if u have them

Based on your comments, here's what I recommend: 1. Get an appointment with SSA to calculate your specific WEP reduction based on your earnings history. This will give you a clear picture of what to expect. 2. Since you're at FRA, you can collect full SS benefits (minus WEP reduction) while continuing to work at your government job with no earnings limit penalties. 3. Consider your strategy after leaving your government job - even part-time work in the private sector could help reduce your WEP penalty over time. 4. Request a PEBES (Benefit Estimate) statement from SSA that accounts for the WEP, as the standard statements online don't always factor this in. The combination of your reduced SS benefit and your government pension may still provide good retirement security, especially with the government health benefits you mentioned.

One more thing I forgot to mention - when you do start claiming, make sure you set aside some money for taxes! Depending on your combined income (adjusted gross income + nontaxable interest + half of SS benefits), up to 85% of your benefits could be taxable. Most people don't realize this until tax time and get a nasty surprise. I now have federal taxes withheld directly from my SS payment (you can request this on the SSA website) to avoid a big bill in April.

Let me clear up a few points about the retirement earnings test: 1. For anyone under FRA for the entire year 2025, the limit is $23,400 2. In the year you reach FRA, the limit is $62,640 ONLY for the months BEFORE the month you reach FRA 3. Starting the month you reach FRA, there is NO limit on earnings Regarding withholding: SSA estimates your earnings for the year. If you expect to exceed the limit, they'll withhold benefits proactively. Otherwise, they'll reconcile after the fact when tax data is available, which can result in unexpected overpayments. And yes, absolutely confirmed that 401(k) distributions, regardless of whether they're from interest, earnings, or principal, do NOT count toward the earnings test limit.

not related to the spousal benefit thing but my parents had custody of my nephew and there was something called a "child-only grant" they qualified for through the state. might be worth looking into for extra support for your grandson. it's separate from social security

After seeing the additional details, here's what you should know: Since your grandson's parents are alive (though unable to care for him), he likely wouldn't qualify for benefits on your record as a dependent grandchild. However, there's an important exception: if you've legally ADOPTED your grandson (not just conservatorship), then he could potentially qualify for benefits on your record. At that point, your wife could potentially qualify for child-in-care spousal benefits if your grandson is receiving benefits on your record. This is definitely a situation where you need to speak directly with SSA about your specific circumstances.

Has anyone actually received their adjusted payment yet? I'm seeing a lot of rumors but few confirmed cases. Also, does anyone know if we need to file anything or provide documentation, or is SSA handling this entirely on their end?

UPDATE: I just checked my my Social Security account online and there's a new notice posted! It says my benefit recalculation is scheduled for next month and explains that I'll receive two separate deposits: one for the ongoing adjusted amount and another for retroactive payments going back to my original application date. They're calculating everything with all applicable COLAs! So excited to finally get the full amount I earned after paying into the system for 22 years alongside my teaching career. For those still waiting, keep checking your online account - seems they're updating information there before sending physical notices.

One more thing to consider - you mentioned you're 62 and 5 months now. Remember that your benefit amount increases slightly each month you delay, not just each year. So even waiting a few more months until after your surgeries will give you a slightly higher benefit amount when you do claim. And since you'd likely lose most of your benefit to the earnings test right now anyway, there's little advantage to keeping the application active.

Do you actually NEED to withdraw the application? Can't you just tell them to pause it or something? Seems like a lot of paperwork just to delay things a bit.

my sister gets survivors for her 2 kids and she says you gotta watch the annual earnings limit too if you're under fra and working while getting benefits for taking care of kids. she almost had to pay back a bunch cuz she went over by accident

DONT TRUST THESE CALCULATIONS!!! Every time I've called SSA I get a DIFFERENT answer about benefits!! One person says one thing, another says something else. They don't even know their OWN rules half the time!! Just get the biggest life insurance policy you can afford and DONT rely on the government!!