I'm currently going through this process too and wanted to share what I've learned from calling SSA directly about the two-letter system. The representative explained that the first letter (which you received) is generated by the Medicare system confirming your IRMAA appeal was approved. The second letter comes from the Social Security payment processing system and shows exactly how your monthly benefit will change. What's interesting is that these two systems don't always communicate in real-time, which is why there's often a 7-14 day gap between letters. The rep also mentioned that if you don't receive the second letter within 3 weeks of the first one, that's when you should follow up - it usually means there's a processing hiccup that needs manual intervention. One more tip: if you have direct deposit, you can often see the adjustment in your bank account before the second letter arrives. The payment date stays the same, but the amount will reflect your new Medicare premium deduction. Hope this helps ease some of the uncertainty while you wait!

I'm going through this exact same situation right now! Just submitted my SSA-44 form last week after retiring in February, and this thread has been incredibly reassuring. It's so helpful to see that the two-letter process is completely normal - I was starting to worry that something was wrong when I saw that note about a second letter coming. The timeline information everyone has shared is really valuable. It sounds like I should expect the first letter within the next week or two, then the second letter about 7-14 days after that. I'm definitely going to follow the advice about keeping a timeline log and checking both my Medicare.gov account and direct deposit for early updates. One question for those who've been through this - did any of you have to provide additional documentation after filing the initial SSA-44 form? I uploaded my retirement letter and final pay stub when I submitted online, but I'm wondering if they might request anything else during processing. Want to make sure I'm prepared if they reach out for more paperwork. Thanks to everyone for sharing your experiences - it's made this whole process feel much less intimidating!

One other consideration: if you take your benefits at 62 and continue working before your FRA, you'll be subject to the earnings test. In 2025, if you earn more than $22,750, SSA will withhold $1 in benefits for every $2 you earn above that limit. After FRA, there's no earnings test. Just something to factor into your planning if you're still working.

Just wanted to add one more important detail that might help your planning - when you do eventually switch to survivor benefits, you can do it at any time after your husband passes, not just at your FRA. If you're already past FRA when he dies, you'd get the full survivor benefit immediately. But if you're younger than FRA, you can choose to take reduced survivor benefits right away OR wait until your FRA to get the full amount. This gives you flexibility based on your financial needs at the time. Given your age difference, this timing flexibility could be really valuable for your long-term planning.

I'm in a similar situation - just hit FRA last month and still working full-time. Applied online and got the same W-2 request that left me scratching my head! After reading all these responses, I feel much better about the whole thing. It sounds like this is just standard procedure when they don't have our most recent earnings data yet, not some red flag that we messed up the application. I'm planning to try calling early morning like Andre suggested since 25 minutes sounds way more manageable than 2+ hours. If that doesn't work out, the dropbox option Kingston mentioned sounds perfect for those of us who can't easily take time off work. It's frustrating that the online system doesn't make this clearer upfront, but at least we're all in good company dealing with the same confusion!

I'm going through this exact same situation right now! Just reached FRA two months ago and applied online while still working. Got the same confusing W-2 request and was convinced I'd messed something up during the application process. Reading all these responses has been incredibly helpful - it's clear this is just their standard procedure when they need current earnings data that isn't in their system yet. I love that there's a dropbox option at local offices! That would save me from having to schedule time off work or sit on hold for hours. Planning to stop by my local SSA office this week to drop off my recent paystubs. It's frustrating that the online application doesn't explain this better upfront, but at least now I know it's not going to delay my benefits since we're already at FRA. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences!

As a newcomer to this community, I want to echo what everyone else has said about how incredibly helpful this discussion has been! I'm 62 and just started collecting Social Security benefits early, and I was absolutely terrified that my small pension and planned IRA withdrawals would count against the earnings limit. Reading through all these experiences has been such a huge relief. The clear distinction everyone has made between the SSA earnings test (only active work income) and IRS taxation rules (all income sources) finally makes sense to me. I was completely mixing these up and making my financial planning way more stressful than it needed to be. What really stands out to me is how many people went through this exact same confusion initially. It's reassuring to know I'm not the only one who found these rules bewildering at first! The practical tips shared here are invaluable - especially the advice about timing withdrawals, having taxes withheld directly, and the resources for finding qualified financial advisors. I'm definitely going to check out the NAPFA directory and consider getting a professional consultation to help with tax planning. After reading everyone's experiences, it seems like that upfront investment in professional guidance could save a lot of headaches (and potentially money) down the road. Thanks to everyone who shared their real-world experiences and practical solutions. This is exactly the kind of peer support that makes navigating these complex retirement rules so much more manageable!

As a newcomer to this community, I want to express my gratitude for this incredibly comprehensive and reassuring discussion! I'm 64 and recently started collecting Social Security benefits early while also receiving a small teacher's pension. Like so many others here, I was completely overwhelmed by the confusion between earnings limits and taxation rules. This thread has been a lifeline for me - the clear consensus that pension and retirement account withdrawals don't count toward the SSA earnings test has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. I was actually considering delaying my planned IRA withdrawals because I thought they might trigger benefit reductions! What I find most valuable is how everyone has emphasized that we're dealing with two completely separate systems: SSA's earnings test (which only cares about wages from active work) and the IRS taxation rules (which consider all income sources). Understanding this distinction has completely transformed my retirement planning perspective. The practical advice shared here is incredibly valuable - particularly the suggestions about timing withdrawals early in the year, having taxes withheld directly from distributions, and the resources for finding fee-only financial advisors through NAPFA. I'm definitely going to pursue a consultation to help optimize my withdrawal strategy and tax planning. For anyone else feeling overwhelmed by these rules, this conversation demonstrates that while the system is complex initially, it becomes much more manageable once you understand the key distinction between earnings tests and taxation. Thanks to everyone for sharing their real-world experiences - this kind of peer knowledge and support makes navigating retirement income planning so much less stressful!

what about the max family benefit thing? isn't there a limit on how much one family can get from one worker's record? might be something to check into

I'm a case worker at a disability advocacy organization, and I see families in your situation frequently. A few additional points that might help: 1. **Documentation is everything** - Start gathering comprehensive medical records NOW, including any IEPs or 504 plans from school, therapy records, and psychiatric evaluations. The more complete your file, the smoother the process. 2. **Consider getting a disability attorney consultation** - Many work on contingency (they only get paid if you win), and they can help navigate the appeals process if needed. For DAC cases, they're often worth it given the complexity. 3. **Timeline is critical** - As others mentioned, apply 3-4 months before his 18th birthday. But also be aware that if there's ANY gap in benefits, it can create complications. The goal is seamless transition from childhood survivor benefits to DAC benefits. 4. **Work activity matters** - Your son CAN work part-time while on DAC benefits, but keep detailed records of hours and earnings. The SGA limit for 2025 is $1,550/month, but there are work incentives that allow him to earn more in some situations. 5. **College accommodations help your case** - If he needs disability services at college, that documentation actually SUPPORTS his disability claim rather than hurting it. The system is frustrating, but don't give up! Most families eventually get approved with persistence.