That's fantastic news! So glad to hear they finally called you back and were able to resolve your underpayment issue. Your experience gives me hope - I've been dealing with a similar situation trying to reach them about a disability review that's been pending for months. It's reassuring to know that when you do finally get through, they can actually be helpful and get things sorted out. Thanks for taking the time to update everyone - it really helps to know the callback system does eventually work, even if it takes longer than expected!

On 30th Sep, 2025 they called me exactly as promised in 60 minutes and answered all my questions. So it is not all bad and in my case very good!

Thank you all so much for the helpful explanations! I think I understand now - when answering the 'half support' question, I should include everything I provide (housing, food, clothing, medical expenses, recreation, etc.), but only the food and housing part might reduce his SSI through the ISM rules. I'm going to call SSA tomorrow with a much better understanding of what they're asking. This forum has been incredibly helpful when the official explanations were so confusing!

Just wanted to add that it's worth documenting everything you provide as support - keep receipts for medical expenses, clothing, entertainment, etc. Not just for the half-support question, but also because SSA might ask for proof later. I learned this the hard way when they requested documentation months after my initial application. Also, if your son has a representative payee situation, that can affect how some of these support calculations work, so mention that to the caseworker if it applies to your situation.

Congrats on getting approved! When do you get your first payment? I'm just starting to research all this stuff and the payment timing is confusing me.

This is really encouraging to hear! I'm in a similar situation - born in Italy in 1958 while my father was working for an American company there. I've been putting off applying for retirement benefits because I was worried about potential delays or complications with my foreign birth certificate. Your experience gives me hope that the process might be smoother than I expected. I do have my original Consular Report of Birth Abroad and a current US passport, so it sounds like I have the right documentation. Did you apply online first or go straight to the local office? I'm trying to decide the best approach.

I just wanted to thank everyone for their helpful responses. I'm going to talk to my manager about adjusting my schedule to make sure I stay under the $22,320 annual limit. It's frustrating that retirement contributions still count toward the earnings test, but at least now I understand how it works. I'm also going to try that Claimyr service someone mentioned to get confirmation directly from SSA. Thanks again everyone!

Just wanted to add another perspective from someone who went through this exact situation last year. I'm 64 and was working part-time while collecting early SS benefits. One thing that helped me was keeping a monthly running total of my earnings throughout the year - not just relying on annual projections. This way I could adjust my hours in real-time if I was getting close to the limit. My employer was understanding when I explained the situation. Also, if you do accidentally go over the limit, report it to SSA as soon as possible. They appreciate the honesty and it makes the adjustment process much smoother than if they discover it later during their annual wage review. The whole system is definitely frustrating, but at least there's light at the end of the tunnel when you reach FRA!

I'm so sorry for your loss, Samantha. I went through this same confusion when my husband passed away two years ago. The good news is that everyone here is right - you ARE eligible for 100% of his benefit, not 50%. One thing I want to emphasize that hasn't been mentioned much is the importance of getting your application in SOON. I made the mistake of waiting 4 months because I was overwhelmed with grief and paperwork, and I lost out on those months of benefits permanently since they only go back 6 months. Also, make sure you have his death certificate, your marriage certificate, and his Social Security card when you apply. The SSA office told me to bring tax returns from the last 2 years as well to verify his earnings record. For what it's worth, I ended up taking my survivor benefits at 62 (reduced to about 82%) because I needed the income, and I plan to switch to my own retirement benefit at 70 when it maxes out with delayed credits. The SSA representative helped me run the numbers and this strategy works best for my situation. Don't let the system intimidate you - you've earned these benefits through your husband's work, and you deserve every penny!

I'm so sorry for your loss, Samantha. This is one of the most confusing aspects of Social Security, but you've come to the right place for help. Just to reinforce what others have said - you ARE entitled to 100% of your husband's benefit amount, not 50%. The confusion comes from spousal benefits (50% while both spouses are alive) versus survivor benefits (up to 100% after one spouse passes). Since your husband died at 63 before claiming, your survivor benefit will be based on what he would have received at his full retirement age of 67 - his full Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). A few additional points that might help: - You can claim reduced survivor benefits as early as age 60 (you're there now), but they'll be permanently reduced to about 71.5% - If you wait until your FRA of 67, you'll get the full 100% - You mentioned working part-time - make sure your earnings stay under the annual limit ($21,240 for 2025) to avoid benefit reductions For your divorced friend - yes, she qualifies! 10+ year marriage, neither remarried, and the same 100% survivor benefit rules apply to her. My suggestion: make an in-person appointment at your local SSA office ASAP. They can run actual numbers for your specific situation and help you decide the best claiming strategy. Don't lose any more months of potential benefits while you're figuring this out. You've got this, and you're not alone in feeling overwhelmed by this process!