This thread has been incredibly informative! I'm also dealing with the FRA timing issue - mine is in October 2025 and I've been stressing about whether to reduce my work hours beforehand. One thing I wanted to add that might help others: I called my local SSA office directly instead of the national 800 number and had much better luck getting through. The local office staff seemed more knowledgeable about these timing scenarios too. They confirmed what everyone here is saying - once you hit FRA, the earnings test is completely done. No more monthly limits, no more worrying about overpayments. But they also emphasized checking your exact FRA date like Ana mentioned - mine is actually October 14th, not my birthday on October 15th. For anyone still worried about the calculations, the SSA representative told me they have internal systems that automatically handle the month-by-month calculations for your FRA year, so you don't need to do complex math. They'll send you a clear explanation if any adjustments are needed. Thanks to everyone who shared their real experiences - it's so much more helpful than trying to decode the official SSA publications!

This has been such a helpful thread! I'm facing a similar situation - my FRA is in July 2025 and I've been really anxious about how my current earnings might affect things. One question I haven't seen addressed yet: what if you have irregular income? I work as a freelance consultant and some months I might earn $1,000 while others I could make $5,000 depending on projects. Do they look at each individual month's earnings separately, or do they somehow average it out? Also, for those who mentioned calling local SSA offices - did you just Google your local office number, or is there a specific way to find direct contact info? The main website seems to only list the general 1-800 number. Thanks to everyone sharing their real experiences here. It's so much more valuable than the confusing official guidance!

I'm going through this exact same situation right now! Just turned 63 last month and finally managed to create my mySocialSecurity account after several verification attempts. Like everyone else here, there's absolutely no "Apply for Benefits" button anywhere on my dashboard - just calculators, account info, and messaging center. My husband started collecting his retirement benefits about 6 months ago, and I've been trying to figure out how to apply for spousal benefits since I only worked part-time for about 12 years and don't qualify for my own retirement benefits. Reading through all these responses has been such a relief - I was convinced I was missing something obvious! It's really frustrating that the SSA website doesn't clearly explain upfront when online applications aren't available. Based on what everyone is saying about being under full retirement age, that's definitely why we don't see the application option. I'm going to try the Monday morning 8 AM calling strategy that multiple people have recommended. Thank you all for sharing your experiences - this thread has been way more helpful than the actual SSA website!

I'm experiencing this exact same frustrating issue! Just turned 62 and created my mySocialSecurity account last week, but like everyone else here, there's absolutely no "Apply for Benefits" button anywhere on my dashboard. My husband has been collecting his retirement benefits for about 10 months now, and I need to apply for spousal benefits since I only worked part-time for a few years and don't have enough work credits for my own retirement. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful - it's now clear that the SSA system doesn't allow online applications for spousal benefits when you're under full retirement age, but they do a terrible job explaining this limitation upfront! I was starting to think I was completely technologically incompetent. The website really should have a prominent notice explaining when you need to call instead of wasting people's time searching for non-existent application links. Based on everyone's advice here, I'm definitely going to try that Monday morning 8 AM calling strategy that so many people have had success with. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences - this thread has been far more informative than hours of searching the actual SSA website!

This has been such an educational thread for me as well! I'm currently helping my elderly father navigate his Social Security decisions, and while he doesn't have a disabled adult child, reading through all these detailed explanations about DAC benefits, concurrent payments, and the various support programs has really opened my eyes to how complex the Social Security system can be. What strikes me most is how many protective measures and programs exist that people simply aren't aware of - ABLE accounts, 1619(b) Medicaid status, protective filing dates, and all the different state supplemental programs. It really highlights the importance of communities like this where people can share real experiences and practical knowledge. For Dylan and others in similar situations, it's clear from everyone's responses that while this transition requires careful planning and documentation, there are genuine safeguards in place. The recurring theme of people ending up in better financial positions with more opportunities afterward is really encouraging. Thank you to everyone who shared their personal stories - that kind of firsthand experience is invaluable for families trying to navigate these decisions.

As a newcomer to this community, I'm incredibly impressed by the depth of knowledge and support shown in this thread! Dylan, your situation really highlights how complex these benefit transitions can be, but it's clear from everyone's responses that you're on the right track with your planning. What's particularly valuable is seeing how many people have shared real outcomes from their own SSI to DAC transitions - the consistent theme that people often end up in better financial positions with more opportunities is really reassuring. The practical roadmap everyone has created here (BPQY reports, WIPA counselors, protective filing dates, concurrent benefits) turns what could be an overwhelming process into manageable steps. I'm also struck by how many protective programs and resources exist that aren't widely known - from ABLE accounts to 1619(b) Medicaid protections to state-specific supplemental programs. It really emphasizes how important communities like this are for sharing information that can make such a significant difference in people's lives. Best of luck with your transition planning, Dylan! With all the excellent guidance you've received here, it sounds like you and your daughter are going to be in great shape.

I'm also approaching 65 and this entire thread has been absolutely eye-opening! Like so many others here, I was completely unaware that the retirement landscape had changed so dramatically from what our parents experienced. I was all set to start Social Security at 65 thinking it was just the standard thing to do. The information about needing to select July for a June 28th birthday makes perfect sense now - you have to be 65 for the entire month to be eligible for benefits that month. But honestly, the bigger revelation has been learning about the 13% permanent reduction for taking benefits before Full Retirement Age of 67. That's a huge amount of money to lose over a lifetime! What I find most valuable is the advice about separating Medicare enrollment from Social Security timing. I had no idea these were independent decisions - I thought everything had to happen at once when you turned 65. Knowing I can enroll in Medicare to avoid penalties while taking more time to decide on Social Security timing is such a relief. I'm definitely going to spend time with that SSA retirement estimator tool before making any moves. After reading all these personal experiences and professional insights, it's clear this decision deserves much more careful consideration than I was giving it. Thanks to everyone who shared their knowledge - this discussion has probably saved me from making a very expensive mistake!

I'm turning 65 in a few months and this entire discussion has been incredibly enlightening! Like so many others here, I was planning to start Social Security at 65 thinking that was still the standard retirement age. Reading through all these expert responses has completely changed my understanding. For your June 28th birthday question, everyone's right that you should select July since you need to be 65 for the entire month to be eligible. But the bigger takeaway from all this advice is really considering whether to take benefits at 65 at all given the 13% permanent reduction. I had no idea that Medicare and Social Security were separate programs that could be handled independently. Being able to enroll in Medicare at 65 while delaying Social Security until Full Retirement Age (or even later) seems like such a smart strategy that I wish was more widely known. The SSA retirement estimator tool that multiple people mentioned sounds like a must-use resource. After seeing the financial impact that early filing can have over a lifetime, it's clear this decision deserves much more careful analysis than just assuming 65 is the right time. Thanks to all the SSA professionals, financial advisors, and people who shared their personal experiences - this thread has been more helpful than anything I've found on official websites!

I'm so sorry you're going through this stress! Document issues seem unfortunately common with SSA's system. A few suggestions that might help: First, during your callback tomorrow, ask them to read back the specific document titles/dates they have on file - not just page counts. This will help you identify what's actually missing. Second, if you have any particularly crucial records (like your neurologist reports you mentioned), consider having that doctor's office fax them directly to SSA with your claim number - sometimes this bypasses the portal issues entirely. Finally, keep detailed notes of every conversation including the representative's name and what they tell you. The anxiety around this process is real, but many people have gotten through similar document confusion and still been approved. You're being proactive by following up, which is exactly what you should be doing!

I'm going through something similar right now with my initial application! The uncertainty about whether they have all your documents is absolutely nerve-wracking. One thing that helped me was creating a detailed list of every document I submitted with the file names and dates - that way when I call, I can ask specifically about each one. Also, I learned that you can request a "claims file summary" over the phone which sometimes gives you more detailed information than just page counts. The representative can tell you the document titles and dates they have on file. I know the waiting and uncertainty is brutal when you're already dealing with health issues. Hang in there - it sounds like you're being really proactive about following up, which is exactly what you need to do in this system.