Just joined this community after reading through this amazing thread! I'm currently in the early stages of considering an SSDI application and was completely lost about how the 5-month waiting period worked. The way everyone explained that it starts from your onset date (not approval date) and how it affects backpay calculations has been so incredibly helpful - this is information I couldn't find clearly explained anywhere else! @Amina Diallo huge congratulations on your approval after such a long battle! Two years is such a marathon, and you must be so relieved. It's wonderful to see how this community rallied around your question with such detailed, practical advice. What really impressed me about this thread is how respectfully everyone handled the corrections (like the SSI vs SSDI payment differences) and shared real-world tips about things like notifying your bank and tracking payments online. These are the kinds of practical details that make all the difference but never appear in official materials. As someone who's been intimidated by the whole SSDI process, seeing this level of support and knowledge-sharing gives me so much more confidence about potentially moving forward. This thread is definitely going into my bookmarks as a reference guide. Thank you to everyone who contributed - this is exactly what people need when trying to navigate such a complex system!

Welcome to all the newcomers who found this thread helpful! As someone who's been in this community for a while, it's so heartwarming to see how this discussion has become such a valuable resource for people trying to understand the 5-month waiting period. @Amina Diallo your original question really sparked something special here - what started as confusion about SSDI timing has turned into a comprehensive guide that's helping so many people feel less overwhelmed about the process. I love seeing how this thread demonstrates the best of what this community offers: real people sharing actual experiences, respectful corrections when needed, and practical tips you just can't find in official materials. The way everyone explained the onset date vs approval date distinction, clarified SSI vs SSDI differences, and shared banking/tracking tips creates exactly the kind of resource newcomers need. To all the new members who joined after reading this - welcome! Don't hesitate to ask questions as you navigate your own SSDI journeys. This community thrives on helping each other make sense of a complex system, and every question helps create discussions like this one that benefit everyone. Looking forward to supporting you all through your processes!

I'm really sorry you're dealing with this complex situation! The remarriage before age 60 rule is unfortunately one of those "gotcha" provisions in Social Security that many people don't learn about until it's too late. Just to add to what others have shared - when you do speak with an SSA representative, it might be worth asking about your options if you were to become widowed from your current marriage. While your current husband took early retirement at 62 (which reduced his benefit), as his widow you would still be entitled to 100% of what he was receiving if you're at your full retirement age when he passes. Also, since you mentioned receiving survivor benefits for your children after your first husband's death, make sure the SSA has accurate records of all your previous benefit history. Sometimes there are administrative details or corrections that can affect calculations, even if they don't change the core eligibility rules. The system really should do a better job educating people about these critical thresholds before major life decisions. I hope the Claimyr service helps you get the detailed answers you deserve. Hang in there - understanding your options fully is the first step to making the best of your situation going forward!

I feel for you - this is such a frustrating situation that affects so many people! The age 60 remarriage rule really is one of Social Security's most unfair "gotcha" provisions. One thing I'd add to the excellent advice already given: when you do get through to an SSA representative (definitely try that Claimyr service!), ask them to provide you with a written summary of your conversation and any benefit estimates they give you. The SSA is supposed to provide written confirmation of important benefit information, and having it in writing protects you if there are any discrepancies later. Also, since you're in your early 70s now, it might be worth asking about Medicare coordination and any potential impacts on your benefits. Sometimes there are small adjustments or supplemental programs that people aren't aware of. The system really failed you by not making these remarriage consequences clear upfront. At minimum, marriage licenses should come with a Social Security impact disclosure! But you're doing the right thing by getting educated now and making sure you understand all your current and future options.

Just to wrap this up with clear action items: 1. Your first payment will come in February for January benefits 2. With a birth date on the 17th, you'll be paid on the third Wednesday of February 3. The award letter should arrive 2-3 weeks before your first payment 4. If you need to know your exact amount before then, you'll need to speak with an SSA representative 5. Your benefit will be your PIA minus Medicare premium ($174.70 standard for 2025) minus tax withholding (percentage you selected on W-4V) If you don't receive an award letter by mid-January, I'd definitely recommend making more attempts to contact SSA directly.

I'm going through this exact same situation right now! Applied in October for January benefits and my MySocialSecurity account is completely blank too. It's so frustrating that in 2025 we still have to wait for snail mail to get basic information about our own benefits. I've been checking my mailbox obsessively every day hoping for that award letter. At least now I know from reading everyone's responses that I should expect my first payment on the second Wednesday of February (my birthday is the 8th). Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - it really helps to know this is normal even though it's anxiety-inducing!

I'm really impressed by how supportive this community has been! As someone who's relatively new to SSDI (about 8 months now), reading through all these shared experiences has been incredibly educational. It's clear that work review letters are much more routine than they initially appear, and the consistent advice about responding honestly and promptly seems to be the key. Your situation with 10 hours of unpaid school volunteering really does seem straightforward - it's exactly the kind of limited community engagement that shouldn't raise any red flags. The fact that you experienced limitations and needed accommodations during even that small amount of activity actually supports your case rather than hurts it. I haven't received one of these letters yet, but when I do (and it sounds like it's a matter of when, not if), I'll definitely remember this thread and all the practical advice shared here. Things like keeping detailed records, responding via certified mail, and being specific about how your disability affects even volunteer activities are all tips I'll keep in mind. Thanks for sharing your experience and for everyone who took the time to offer their advice and reassurance. This is exactly the kind of community support that makes dealing with the stress of disability navigation so much more manageable!

As someone who's been through the SSDI work review process myself, I wanted to add that your proactive approach is exactly right. I received a similar letter about 2 years ago and initially panicked just like you did. The most important thing I learned is that these reviews are actually a normal part of SSA's quality assurance process - they're not necessarily targeting you because they suspect anything wrong. Your 10 hours of unpaid volunteer work at your child's school is well within acceptable limits and actually demonstrates responsible community engagement within your disability constraints. When I filled out my form, I made sure to include details about how my condition still limited me during volunteer activities - things like needing frequent breaks, being unable to lift heavy items, or experiencing increased pain/fatigue afterward. One tip that really helped me: in addition to the certified mail (which you're already planning), I also scanned and saved digital copies of everything before sending it. This way I had immediate access to what I submitted when I called to follow up later. The whole process took about 6 weeks for me, but my benefits continued without any changes. You're handling this exactly right by being honest and meeting their deadline. This community's support is invaluable during these stressful times!

I'm new to this community but wanted to jump in because I'm currently going through almost the exact same situation with my 15-year-old daughter. Reading through all these responses has been both validating and incredibly helpful - it's clear that getting conflicting information from SSA workers is unfortunately the norm rather than the exception. What strikes me most is how many people have mentioned calculation errors with the parental deeming rules. This gives me hope that there might be an error in your case too. The fact that they didn't provide a detailed breakdown of their income calculations when they terminated her SSI is suspicious - in my limited experience, when agencies are confident in their decisions, they show their work. I'm taking notes on everyone's advice here for my own situation: the 60-day appeal window (crucial!), requesting detailed calculations, contacting Protection & Advocacy organizations, and researching the Pickle Amendment process in my state. It's overwhelming but having this roadmap helps so much. One thing I've learned from this thread is the importance of documentation. I'm going to start keeping a detailed log of every interaction like others have suggested. It seems like when you have specific dates, names, and conflicting statements written down, it forces them to take you more seriously and escalate to someone more knowledgeable. Connor, I hope you're able to get this sorted out quickly. Your daughter deserves those benefits and you deserve accurate information to make the right decisions. This community seems like an amazing resource for navigating these impossible systems!

I'm new to this community but unfortunately familiar with these benefit nightmares. Reading your story brings back the panic I felt when dealing with similar issues for my disabled son after my husband passed. A few things that might help based on what others have shared here: First, if you haven't already, PLEASE file an appeal within 60 days of that SSI termination notice - this keeps her benefits flowing while you fight it. Second, definitely demand that detailed income calculation breakdown. The fact that multiple people here have discovered calculation errors gives me real hope for your situation. I want to add something I learned the hard way: when you call SSA, ask for the worker's full name and employee ID number at the start of the call, then take notes throughout. Tell them you're documenting the conversation. It's amazing how much more careful and helpful they become when they know you're keeping records. Also, don't let them rush you off the phone. If something doesn't make sense, ask them to explain it differently or connect you to a supervisor. You have every right to understand decisions about your daughter's benefits, especially ones that affect her healthcare. The Pickle Amendment is definitely worth pursuing - bring printed copies of the relevant laws when you apply. And yes, the Protection & Advocacy organizations others mentioned are absolute lifesavers for navigating these transitions. You're being an incredible advocate for your daughter during an already difficult time. Don't let this broken system wear you down!