To clarify some confusion in this thread: Social Security does NOT directly freeze bank accounts upon death. However, several related things do happen: 1. SSA must be notified of death (usually by funeral homes or family) 2. SSA will reclaim payments made for the month of death and after 3. Many BANKS have their own policies about freezing accounts when an account holder dies 4. Joint accounts legally pass to the surviving owner, but banks may still implement temporary holds 5. The probate process may affect certain accounts depending on your state laws If you're concerned, I recommend: 1) Talk to your bank about their specific death policies for joint accounts, 2) Consider keeping some emergency funds elsewhere, and 3) Make sure you both have individual accounts as well.

Based on everyone's experiences here, it sounds like the key is understanding that SSA and your bank are two separate issues. SSA will stop payments and reclaim any benefits paid after death, but they don't freeze accounts. Your bank might have their own policies though. I'd recommend calling your bank directly and asking: "What is your specific policy for joint accounts when one account holder dies? Will there be any temporary holds or restrictions?" Get this in writing if possible. Also consider setting up a small separate account with just your name for immediate expenses if needed. The stories here show it really varies by institution - some people had no issues, others faced weeks of restrictions even on joint accounts. Better to know your bank's policy now rather than find out during an already difficult time.

Just wanted to add something that might help with your budgeting - when Social Security starts deducting your Part B premium, they'll also send you a "Notice of Change in Payment Amount" (usually arrives within a few weeks after the deduction starts). This notice will show your new monthly benefit amount after the Medicare deduction, so you'll have official documentation of the change for your records. Also, since you mentioned the higher premium due to income, keep in mind that IRMAA determinations are based on your tax return from 2 years prior, so if your income has changed significantly since then, it might be worth looking into an appeal or reconsideration once you get everything sorted out.

I'm also approaching 65 and this thread has been incredibly helpful! One thing I wanted to add - if you're still working and have employer health insurance, you might be able to delay Part B enrollment without penalty. But if you're already retired and receiving Social Security like the original poster, you'll definitely want Part B to start right when you turn 65 to avoid late enrollment penalties. The coordination between Social Security and Medicare can be confusing, but it sounds like you're on the right track by enrolling on time. Make sure to keep all your Medicare enrollment paperwork together with your Social Security documents - you'll probably need to reference them later!

Smart move! Just wanted to add one more thing - when you're shopping for high-yield savings accounts or CDs, make sure they're FDIC insured. Since you're on a fixed income, you want to protect that principal. Also, consider laddering CDs (splitting money between different term lengths) so you're not locked into one rate for too long. With interest rates still decent right now, it's definitely better than letting your money sit in a regular checking account earning nothing. Good luck!

I just want to echo what everyone else has said and add my own experience - I've been on SSDI for 5 years and have had money in CDs and high-yield savings the entire time with zero issues. The interest income has never been questioned or counted against my benefits. What really helped me was calling SSA directly early on to confirm this (though I know getting through can be a nightmare). The representative explained that SSDI only looks at "substantial gainful activity" which specifically means work income, not passive income from investments or savings. I've gone through two routine reviews since then and my interest-earning accounts have never even been mentioned. It's such a relief to know we can at least try to keep up with inflation a little bit instead of watching our money lose value sitting in checking accounts!

This is incredibly helpful advice - thank you! I'll absolutely send a certified letter this week to create that paper trail. I've been taking screenshots of the appointment calendar showing no availability and noting down all my phone call attempts, so I'll have that documentation ready too.

I'm a newcomer here but have been reading through all these responses with great interest as I'm facing a somewhat similar situation. I wanted to add something that might help - have you tried contacting your state's Department of Aging or Area Agency on Aging? Many people don't realize that these agencies often have advocates who specifically help with Social Security issues and can sometimes intervene on your behalf with SSA. They're familiar with the system and may be able to help expedite your children's applications or at least ensure you're getting accurate information. Also, regarding the Claimyr service that Liam mentioned - I actually used them successfully about 6 months ago for a different SSA issue. While results may vary as others noted, they did get me connected to an agent much faster than I could on my own. The key is to have all your documentation ready before you use their service so you can make the most of the connection once it's established. Good luck with getting this resolved - it sounds like you're doing everything right and just dealing with typical SSA bureaucracy delays!

To summarize what others have said correctly: 1. After Full Retirement Age (FRA): NO earnings limit whatsoever 2. Before FRA: Earnings limit applies ($22,320/year for 2025, with $1 deduction for every $2 over) 3. Year you reach FRA: Higher limit applies ($59,520 for 2025, with $1 deduction for every $3 over), and only earnings before your birthday month count Since you're 72, you're completely free to earn as much as you want with no impact on your Social Security benefits. The only consideration is potential increased taxation of your benefits if your combined income exceeds certain thresholds.

Great question! I'm 74 and went through this exact same worry when I started working part-time at my local library two years ago. Like others have said, there's absolutely no earnings limit once you're past your Full Retirement Age - I work about 20 hours a week and earn around $15/hour with zero impact on my Social Security benefits. The only thing I'd add is to keep good records of your earnings for tax purposes, since as others mentioned, the additional income might affect how much of your SS benefits are taxable. But from a benefits reduction standpoint, you're completely in the clear! Enjoy the extra income and the satisfaction of staying active in the workforce.