IMPORTANT QUESTION - are you still working??? Because that changes everything about when you should apply! If you're earning over the earnings limit before hitting FRA, you might want to time things differently. In 2023 the earnings limit was $21,240 per year before FRA, and I imagine it's a bit higher for 2025.

One last tip - when you actually apply online, have these documents ready: - Your birth certificate (or passport) - Your most recent W-2 or tax return - Marriage certificate if you've been married - Divorce decree if applicable - Military discharge papers if you served Having everything prepared makes the online application process much smoother. The system also lets you save and come back if you need to gather more information.

Based on your situation with SSDI and the Trial Work Period (TWP), here's what you should focus on in your appeal: 1. Verify which months SSA counted as your TWP months (you get 9 within a 60-month period) 2. Check if they correctly calculated your SGA threshold ($1,470/month in 2023 for non-blind individuals) 3. Gather documentation of any Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWEs) that should be deducted from your earnings when determining if you exceeded SGA 4. If you had any subsidized employment (where employer pays you more than the actual value of the work), document this as it reduces countable earnings The fact that you mentioned work accommodations is key - those may qualify as IRWEs if they cost you money. This could potentially bring your countable income below the SGA level for some or all of the months in question.

Update: I went to my local SSA office today with the SSA-561 form and all my documentation. The claims representative actually reviewed everything while I was there and found that SSA had incorrectly recorded my work start date! They had me starting 3 months earlier than I actually did, which is why they thought I had used up all my Trial Work Period months. She's submitting a correction along with my formal appeal. I'm cautiously optimistic but still nervous about the outcome. Thanks everyone for your help and advice!

Since you mentioned you're working part-time and earning about $22,000, here's another consideration: Once you reach your FRA in 10 months, not only will you get the full survivor benefit amount, but the earnings test will no longer apply. So you'd be able to earn unlimited income without any reduction in your SS benefits. Sometimes looking at the total picture (full benefit amount + no earnings test + no permanent reduction) makes the wait more worthwhile, especially if you're not in dire financial need right now.

my sister in law waited 2 extra years for higher benefits and then passed away suddenly. don't mean to be negative but nobody knows how long theyll live! sometimes bird in hand worth two in bush as they say

Has anyone mentioned the tax implications yet? If you're already comfortable with your passive income, taking SS early might push you into a higher tax bracket where up to 85% of your SS benefits become taxable. Sometimes waiting makes sense JUST for the tax planning aspect.

update us on what you decide! im curious what youll choose

To address your vacation payout concern: Yes, lump sum vacation pay counts as earnings in the month received, not when earned. However, you could ask your employer if they'd be willing to spread the vacation payout over multiple months instead of one lump sum. Not all employers will do this, but it's worth asking if it helps you stay under the monthly limit. Also, regarding your spouse's SSDI application - if she's approved, you may become eligible for a caregiver spouse benefit once you're both receiving benefits. This is something to discuss with SSA when the time comes.

For caregiver resources check out the Family Caregiver Alliance and your local Area Agency on Aging. They saved my sanity when I was caring for my dad!!

OK but what about the benefit amount?? When my friend applied for widow benefits it was only like $950 a month!!! Is that even worth applying for?? No one has mentioned how much the OP might actually GET.

Thank you all so much for your helpful responses! I feel much more confident now that applying for my widow benefits won't impact my daughter's SSDI survivor benefits. I'm going to look into both regular widow benefits and possibly the disabled widow option that was mentioned. I'll definitely try that Claimyr service to connect with SSA faster - spending hours on hold only to get disconnected has been so frustrating. And I'll be sure to get the agent's name and ask them to document our conversation in my file. This community has been incredibly helpful! It's such a relief to understand how these benefits work together.

wait im confused... doesnt SSI and SSDI serve different purposes? why cant u get both? my neighbor gets both i think

Just wanted to say - make SURE you don't spend that extra money! My husband had almost the same situation (but with $412 SSDI) and we spent the overpayment not realizing it was a mistake. Six months later we got hit with a $3,600+ bill from SSA. We're still paying it back three years later. The stress isn't worth it. Put it in a separate account if you can.

One more thing regarding your spousal top-off benefits - make sure you understand that if you're under your Full Retirement Age (FRA), the amount will be reduced. The 50% of your spouse's benefit is only if you claim at your FRA. Each month early results in a permanent reduction. Also, if you're still working, be aware of the earnings limit ($22,320 in 2025 for those under FRA). Exceeding this could reduce your benefits temporarily until you reach FRA. As for the phone call issue, another option is to call the SSA yourself at the appointment time if they haven't called within 15 minutes. Sometimes they can transfer you to the person who's supposed to be calling you.

BTW the worst part is even if you miss their call, good luck getting through to reschedule!!!! The phone system is IMPOSSIBLE!!! I spent 4 hours on hold last time before being disconnected!!! The whole system needs to be overhauled!!!

my aunt says you should ask them about the tax withholding cuz sometimes you can do less than 20% if you want. not sure if thats right but might save you some money up front instead of waiting till tax time next year

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! I feel much better now. To summarize what I've learned: 1. The inheritance from my father's retirement account won't affect my Social Security benefits 2. Since I'm at FRA, I don't need to worry about the earnings test regardless 3. The 20% tax withholding is standard but I might be able to adjust it 4. I should keep my SSA appointment to discuss the survivor benefits from my ex-spouse I'll call the retirement plan administrator on Monday to get more details about the account type and tax implications, but I won't stress about it affecting my Social Security. Really appreciate all the insights!

I'm confused about something - does it matter that he's already collecting his SS? I thought once someone starts taking benefits early it reduces what survivors get too??

make sure u keep track of when he dies. my mom had trouble proving her ex died because his new family didn't tell her and she needed the death certificate.