Just remember SSA doesn't actually send ANYTHING monthly. They aren't like a utility company sending statements. Online is the way to go now. My parents still get confused about this too

Thank you everyone for your help! I found what I needed by clicking on the actual payment amount in my MySocialSecurity account as several of you suggested. I can now see the breakdown showing my Medicare premium and tax withholding for each month. This will be perfect for our tax planning. I appreciate all the quick responses!

The REAL problem is they got 3 diff computer systems that dont talk to each other!!! The phone ppl use one system, the office people use another, and the payment department uses a completly different one!!! My son works in IT and says its a DISASTER how SSA runs there technology. No wonder we get different answers from everyone!!

To follow up on the questions about RIB-LIM calculations: When your spouse claimed benefits early, the RIB-LIM formula may apply to your survivor benefits. Essentially, your survivor benefit will be limited to the higher of: 1. The benefit your spouse was receiving at death, or 2. 82.5% of your spouse's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) This can be confusing because some SSA representatives might quote you the full PIA amount, while others might be applying the RIB-LIM reduction. The award letter will show the final calculation method used. If you want to get a clearer picture before the letter arrives, I recommend asking specifically about whether the RIB-LIM rule applies in your case when you next speak with an SSA representative.

HOLD UP aren't we mixing up delayed retirement credits and recalculation based on earnings??? I thought once you file for benefits, you CANT earn delayed retirement credits anymore???? OP already started collecting in January!! So confused about all this now...

I want to thank everyone for all the helpful responses! To summarize what I've learned: 1) Yes, my earnings for all of 2025 will count, even after I turn 70 in May. 2) If 2025 ends up being one of my highest 35 years of earnings, it could replace a lower year and increase my benefit. 3) The adjustment should happen automatically through the AERO system around October 2026, but it's good to follow up if I don't see a change. 4) Any increase would be retroactive to January 2026. I feel much better about continuing to work now, knowing it might still boost my monthly check!

One more thing - if you're planning to start benefits immediately after your last day of work on June 30, remember that benefits are paid in the month FOLLOWING the month they're due. So your July benefit (first one) would arrive in August. Plan your cash flow accordingly!

i retired last april but i still did some consulting work afterward and made about $2500 a month for a few months oh man i hope i didnt mess something up!!! nobody told me about any monthly limits!!!

anybody know if the family maximum benefit rules affect this situation? when my husband died the worker told us there was a cap on total benefits for the family and that affected what me and my kids got each month.

Thank you everyone for the helpful information! I had no idea there was such a big difference between taking widow benefits at 62 versus waiting until my full retirement age. I've made an appointment with SSA next month, and I'm going to specifically ask for a written comparison of what I'd receive at different ages. I'll make sure they understand I'm currently on CIC benefits too. It sounds like waiting until my FRA could mean several hundred more dollars each month for the rest of my life, which would make a huge difference for us. I'll update this thread after my appointment in case it helps anyone else in a similar situation.

DONT FORGET that the amount of your SS that's taxable depends on your other income!!! They don't tell you this upfront! If your combined income (adjusted gross income + nontaxable interest + half of SS benefits) is under $25,000 for single or $32,000 for married filing jointly, NONE of your SS is taxable! Up to 50% is taxable if you're between $25K-$34K single or $32K-$44K married. Above that, up to 85% of your SS can be taxable!!! The whole system is UNNECESSARILY COMPLICATED!

To directly answer your original question about the "easiest" way to handle tax withholding: For federal taxes, complete Form W-4V, select one of the four withholding percentages (7%, 10%, 12%, or 22%), and either mail it to your local Social Security office or deliver it in person. For state taxes, check with your specific state tax authority as procedures vary significantly. Some states don't tax Social Security benefits at all (currently 37 states don't tax or have special exemptions), while others have their own withholding forms and procedures. The SSA website has a list of addresses for all local offices where you can send your federal withholding form.

watch out for march payments they sometimes get delayed because of tax season the system gets overloaded

I'm jealous you get the 3rd! It comes earlier than my payment on the 4th Wednesday. I have to budget really carefully at the end of each month. 😩

my son works for ssa. he says apply online its WAY faster than going to the office or calling

To summarize what everyone has shared: 1. The official SSA recommendation is to apply 3-4 months before you want benefits to begin 2. You can't apply more than 4 months before (so your brother's advice about 6 months is incorrect) 3. If you want benefits to start for September (your birth month), applying in June would be ideal 4. Benefits are paid the month after they're due, so your September benefit will arrive in October 5. Applying online is typically faster than other methods 6. Having all your documents ready will help speed up the process Since you're reaching FRA and have a straightforward case, 3-4 months should be sufficient.

make sure u prepare for the WORST wait times ever if u go in person!!! bring a book, phone charger, snacks etc... i waited 3.5 HOURS past my appointment time last time i went in for something. the employees were nice but system is just so overwhelmed right now

One last piece of advice: Get the name and direct extension of the person who helps you at the in-person appointment. This is invaluable if you need to follow up later. Also, I recommend checking your Medicare.gov account about 4-6 weeks after your appointment to see if your premium amount has been adjusted, as you might not receive a formal letter right away. If nothing changes after 6 weeks, that's when you should follow up.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS RIDICULOUS!!! I applied for disability in January and STILL haven't gotten through to anyone who can tell me the status!!! They make it IMPOSSIBLE to talk to a human being on purpose!!! My congressman's office finally helped me after I couldn't get answers for 4 months. Try calling your rep's office - they have special liaisons with SSA.

One more tip that might help - if you're dealing with retirement benefits specifically (which it sounds like you are), you can sometimes get better service by making an appointment through the online scheduler: https://www.ssa.gov/appointments/ Unlike walk-ins, scheduled appointments are assigned to specific technical experts who are more likely to give you their direct contact information for follow-ups. Make sure to specify that your issue requires local office expertise when describing your reason for the appointment.