I've been following this thread closely as someone who works with retirement planning, and I want to emphasize something crucial that hasn't been fully addressed: you mentioned you're 60 now and completely stressed about this decision, but you actually have some time to plan strategically. Since you can't claim Social Security until 62 anyway, use these next two years to your advantage! Consider maximizing your earnings during this time since Social Security benefits are calculated on your highest 35 years of earnings. Even two more years of good earnings can improve your own benefit calculation. Also, I'd recommend creating a comprehensive budget for different scenarios - what would your expenses look like if you claimed at 62 vs 65 vs 67? Factor in healthcare costs (remember Medicare starts at 65), housing, and daily living expenses. Sometimes the peace of mind of having income at 62, even if reduced, outweighs the financial benefit of waiting, especially if you're stressed about making ends meet. The emotional toll of financial uncertainty shouldn't be underestimated. While the math might favor waiting until 67, if claiming at 62 or 65 gives you security and reduces your stress significantly, that has real value too. There's no universally "right" answer - only what works best for your specific situation.

I just wanted to jump in here as someone who went through a very similar situation! I was divorced after 28 years of marriage and had only worked sporadically before that. The uncertainty about Social Security benefits was keeping me up at night. One thing that really helped me was understanding that you have more options than just the "all or nothing" approach at 62 vs 67. I ended up filing at 64 after running the numbers with an SSA representative. While it wasn't the maximum possible benefit, it gave me the financial security I needed while still being significantly higher than what I would have gotten at 62. Also, don't overlook survivor benefits if something happens to your ex-spouse down the road - as his ex-wife, you may be entitled to his full benefit amount rather than just the 50% spousal benefit. This isn't something you plan for, obviously, but it's worth understanding as part of your overall picture. The key thing that gave me peace of mind was getting those exact dollar amounts for different filing ages. Once I saw the real numbers instead of just percentages and estimates, the decision became much clearer. Hang in there - you're asking all the right questions and there are good options available to you!

I just went through this exact same frustrating experience two months ago! Here's what finally worked for me: I called the SSA national number (1-800-772-1213) at exactly 7:59 AM on a Tuesday and got through in about 35 minutes. The trick is to call literally right as they open - even a few minutes later and you're stuck in the endless hold queue. When you do get through, have your Social Security card, birth certificate, and current insurance information ready. The agent was actually able to help me enroll in Medicare Part A and B over the phone without needing an in-person appointment. They explained that since I wasn't taking Social Security benefits yet (like you), I needed to actively enroll rather than being auto-enrolled. One important thing they told me: if you have current health insurance through the marketplace, make sure to coordinate the timing so you don't have a gap in coverage. They can help you figure out the best effective date for your Medicare to start. Don't panic about the penalties - you're still in your Initial Enrollment Period and have time to get this sorted out. Good luck!

I'm dealing with this same frustrating situation right now! I've been trying to get through to SSA for my Medicare enrollment for over a week. The wait times are absolutely insane - I've been disconnected twice after waiting over 2 hours each time. One thing that's helped me stay somewhat organized while going through this process is keeping a call log with dates, times, and how long I waited before giving up or getting disconnected. It's maddening but at least I can track patterns. I'm definitely going to try that 8 AM sharp strategy everyone keeps mentioning. Has anyone had success with the local SSA office phone number instead of the national 800 number? I'm wondering if calling my local office directly might have shorter wait times, though I know they probably route everything through the same system anyway. Also, for anyone else in this boat - make sure you're calling from a phone that won't automatically hang up after a certain time on hold. I learned that the hard way when my cell phone cut me off after 2 hours!

I've been helping people navigate SSDI for years, and your situation is completely normal! You're absolutely right to expect backpay - the 5-month waiting period is unpaid, but you should receive benefits from December 2024 through March 2025 (4 months) for both your husband and daughter. A few things that might help while you wait: 1. Backpay timing varies widely - I've seen it arrive anywhere from 3-10 weeks after the first payment 2. Your daughter's auxiliary benefits will be around 50% of your husband's benefit amount 3. The payments often arrive separately, sometimes weeks apart 4. If you don't see anything by 8 weeks, definitely call SSA One tip: when the backpay does arrive, it might just show as "US TREASURY" on your bank statement without clearly identifying it as SSDI backpay, so keep an eye out for any unexpected deposits. The medical equipment expenses are tough to manage while waiting. You might want to check with local disability resource centers or even contact the equipment suppliers - some offer payment plans or temporary assistance programs while you're waiting for backpay. Hang in there - the money is coming, SSA is just notoriously slow with processing!

I've been through this exact situation with my own SSDI approval last year, and I can confirm what others have said - you won't get paid for the 5-month waiting period, but you should definitely receive backpay from December 2024 through March 2025 for both your husband and your daughter. One thing that really helped me was setting up online banking alerts for any deposits over a certain amount. That way I got notified immediately when the backpay hit my account (it came as "US TREASURY" like others mentioned). The backpay arrived about 7 weeks after my first regular payment, so you're still well within the normal timeframe. For your daughter's benefits, make sure SSA has all her documentation - sometimes they need updated school enrollment verification or other paperwork that can delay the auxiliary benefits processing. The children's benefits are usually processed separately and can take longer than the primary beneficiary's backpay. Also, if you're struggling with medical equipment costs while waiting, many suppliers will work with you if you can show proof of your SSDI approval. I was able to get a payment plan for a wheelchair by showing my approval letter, even before the backpay arrived. Don't be afraid to ask - the worst they can say is no, but many understand the SSDI payment delays and are willing to help. The waiting is absolutely the worst part of this whole process, but based on your timeline, you should see that backpay very soon!

Carlos, you're getting great advice here! I just wanted to share my experience as someone who went through this exact situation about 18 months ago. I started SS at 62 and continued working part-time at a local library. The key thing that helped me was setting up a "buffer zone" - I aimed to earn about $2,000 LESS than the annual limit just to be safe. This gave me peace of mind and room for any unexpected overtime or bonuses. Also, don't stress too much about the application process - it's pretty straightforward online. Just make sure you have your tax returns from the last couple years handy when you fill it out. One last tip: if your employer offers direct deposit, set that up right away. It makes everything smoother once your benefits start. You're making a smart choice by researching this thoroughly beforehand!

Carlos, congratulations on taking the step toward retirement! Your situation sounds very manageable. At $16,000 annual income, you're comfortably under the 2025 earnings limit of $22,320. I went through something similar when I started collecting at 62 - the key is just staying organized and honest with your reporting. One thing that really helped me was downloading the SSA's annual statements to track everything. Also, don't let the scary stories intimidate you - most of those happen when people don't understand the rules or fail to report changes. Since you're doing your research upfront, you're already ahead of the game. The online application is straightforward, and you can always call if you get stuck (though as others mentioned, getting through can take patience). You're making a smart financial decision by continuing to work part-time while collecting - it keeps you active and provides extra income security. Best of luck with your application!

I'm new to this community but wanted to reach out because your situation really resonates with me. My family went through something similar when we first started navigating SSA benefits, and the learning curve can feel overwhelming - especially when you're already dealing with financial stress. Reading through all the incredible advice everyone has shared here, I'm amazed by how supportive this community is. The strategic approaches people have outlined - like using dedicated funds for legitimate child-related expenses to free up regular income, gathering medical documentation to support housing stability arguments, and connecting with local emergency assistance programs - seem like they could really make a difference. One thing that stood out to me from the responses is how important it is to have multiple approaches rather than putting all your hopes on one solution. It sounds like you now have a comprehensive action plan between the SSA-555 form process, contacting your daughter's caseworker about emergency funding, exploring local assistance programs, and working with advocacy organizations. As someone still learning about these systems, I'm curious - have you had a chance to start reaching out to any of the local resources people mentioned, like the 211 service or your daughter's school counselor for documentation? It seems like those might provide some immediate support while you work through the longer SSA processes. Wishing you and your daughter all the best as you navigate this challenging time. This community has shown me how much knowledge and support is available when families are struggling with these complex benefit systems.

I'm really impressed by how much progress you've made already! It sounds like you've taken the advice from this community and turned it into concrete action steps, which is exactly what you needed. The fact that you already have an appointment with emergency rental assistance tomorrow and are getting documentation from your daughter's school counselor shows incredible follow-through. Your strategic approach of identifying specific legitimate expenses for your daughter (desk setup, sensory tools, winter clothes) to free up regular budget money is brilliant - it's working within the system while solving your immediate cash flow problem. And reaching out to her developmental services caseworker about emergency funding could be a game-changer since they already understand your family's situation. As someone also navigating these systems, I'm curious how the emergency rental assistance appointment goes. Many of us here could probably benefit from knowing what documentation they require or how that process works with SSA benefits involved. You've transformed what seemed like an impossible situation into a multi-pronged action plan. Your daughter is incredibly fortunate to have someone who advocates so persistently and creatively for her needs. Keep us posted on how things progress - this community clearly cares about your family's success!