Have you considered using the SSA's Quick Calculator on their website? It's pretty basic but it does let you plug in different ages to see the benefit amounts. You can manually calculate the monthly differences from there. Another option is to request your full Social Security Statement (Form SSA-7005) which sometimes has more detailed breakdowns than what you see online. You can order it by mail if the online version isn't giving you enough detail. Given your strong family longevity history and the fact that you're financially stable without SS right now, you're actually in a great position to optimize this decision. The 8% guaranteed annual increase is hard to beat in today's market, but as others have mentioned, don't forget about the opportunity cost of those missed payments. Maybe set a specific date to reassess - like your 69th birthday - and see how you feel then about waiting the final year to 70?

I'm in a similar situation and found AARP's Social Security calculator really helpful for this kind of analysis. It lets you input different claiming ages and shows the cumulative benefit differences over time, which helped me visualize the trade-offs better than just looking at monthly amounts. One thing that helped me decide was calculating not just the break-even age, but also looking at the "regret scenarios." For example, if you claim at 67 and live to 95, how much would you "lose" compared to waiting until 70? Then flip it - if you wait until 70 but only live to 80, how much did the delay cost you? With your excellent longevity genes and current financial stability, you have the luxury of optimizing for the long term. But there's also something to be said for enjoying those benefits while you're younger and healthier. Maybe consider a middle ground like claiming at 69 - you'd still get a 16% boost over FRA but reduce your opportunity cost by a full year.

I'm new to this community and dealing with almost the identical situation! Filed my retirement application in late August for a February start date and have been stuck in "processing" status for over 3 months now. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been such a relief - I was starting to think there was something specifically wrong with my application, but it's clear that these 3-4 month delays have unfortunately become the norm. What strikes me most is how many of us have almost identical timelines - August/September applications for February/March start dates, all stuck in processing limbo with zero communication from SSA. It's frustrating that they can't even send a simple automated update acknowledging the delays. The phone system horror stories here have definitely convinced me to avoid calling unless absolutely necessary! I'm going to follow the advice about waiting until I'm within 30 days of my benefit start date before getting worried. It's reassuring to hear from folks like Andre and Zoe that benefits typically start on time even when approval comes late. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences - this community has been a lifesaver for understanding we're all navigating this bureaucratic maze together!

I'm new to this community but experiencing the exact same frustrating situation! Applied for my Social Security retirement benefits in mid-August for a March start date, and I've been stuck in "processing" status for over 3 months now with absolutely no updates from SSA. Before finding this discussion, I was starting to panic thinking I had made some error in my application or that it had gotten lost in the system somewhere. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been both incredibly reassuring and deeply annoying - reassuring to know these 3-4 month delays are apparently the new normal rather than something specific to my case, but annoying that the SSA has become so inefficient with such terrible communication. It's crazy that what used to take 30-45 days now routinely takes 4+ months with zero updates sent to applicants. The phone system horror stories shared here have definitely convinced me to avoid calling - spending hours on hold just to get disconnected sounds like absolute torture! I think I'll follow the advice about waiting until I'm within 30 days of my benefit start date before trying to contact them. It's unfortunate that such an important milestone has become such a stressful waiting game, but I'm so grateful to have found this supportive community. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences - it really helps to know we're all navigating this SSA maze together!

After you figure out why they took the extra money, make sure to document EVERYTHING. Names of reps you talk to, reference numbers for calls, copies of all forms you submit. This has saved me multiple times when dealing with SSA mistakes. Also - when you submit the SSA-44 form, consider taking it to your local office in person and getting a receipt, rather than mailing it. They're notorious for "losing" mailed forms.

I had almost the exact same experience! They took an extra $250 from my October payment with absolutely no warning. Turns out it was retroactive IRMAA collection from earlier in the year - they were "catching up" on what I supposedly owed since January. What helped me was calling early in the morning (around 8:15 AM EST) right when they open. I still had to wait about 45 minutes, but that was much better than the 2+ hour waits later in the day. The rep explained that when they determine IRMAA mid-year, they collect the back-owed amount by taking larger deductions for a few months until they're caught up. In your case, since you retired in 2023, you should definitely qualify for an IRMAA appeal based on "work stoppage." That's exactly the kind of life event that can get your premiums reduced. Just be prepared - they'll want documentation like your final pay stub or retirement letter from your employer. Good luck dealing with this mess! At least you're not alone in fighting these surprise deductions.

For anyone looking for this info in the future, I found the official SSA payment calendar on their website at ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10031-2024.pdf (they update it yearly). It clearly shows all the adjusted dates when regular payment days fall on holidays. Really wish they made this easier to find! Would save everyone a lot of stress and phone calls.

I work at a local Social Security field office and can confirm what others have said - you'll definitely receive your payment on December 24th since Christmas falls on the 25th. We process these early payments automatically, so there's no need to call or take any action on your part. The system is set up to ensure no one experiences delays due to federal holidays. Just wanted to add that this same rule applies year-round for any federal holiday that falls on your regular payment date - Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, etc. The payment always comes the business day before, never after.

I want to add something that might help with your application process - consider requesting a face-to-face appointment at your local SSA office instead of trying to handle everything over the phone. I know it's an extra step, but for complex situations like yours involving CIC benefits for a disabled adult child, having all your documents reviewed in person can prevent delays and misunderstandings. When you go, bring: - Your son's DAC award letter - Your ex-spouse's Social Security number and retirement claim information - Documentation of your caregiving role (medical records showing you as primary contact, etc.) - Your divorce decree showing custody arrangements - Proof that you haven't remarried The in-person representatives tend to be more experienced with unusual benefit combinations, and you can get immediate clarification if there are any issues with your application. Plus, you'll have a paper receipt showing exactly when you applied, which helps with that protective filing date everyone mentioned. I did this for my sister's similar situation last year, and while the appointment took about 2 hours, she walked out knowing her application was complete and correct. Sometimes the extra time upfront saves weeks of phone tag later. Either way though, definitely call Monday to establish that protective filing date first!

I'm also caring for a disabled adult child and went through the CIC application process recently. One thing I want to emphasize that hasn't been fully covered - make sure you understand the difference between "child in care" for CIC benefits versus just being a caregiver. SSA has specific criteria for what constitutes having a child "in your care" for benefit purposes. For a disabled adult child, you generally need to show that you're providing personal services (help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, meal preparation) OR that you're exercising parental control and responsibility for the child's welfare. Since your son has autism and needs constant supervision, you'll likely meet these requirements easily, but be prepared to document this relationship clearly. I had to provide a detailed statement about my daughter's daily care needs and my role in meeting them. Also, something I wish I had known earlier - if you've been informally providing this care without any official documentation, start gathering evidence now. Things like being listed as emergency contact on medical forms, attending medical appointments, managing his benefits or finances, etc. The more you can show an ongoing pattern of care and responsibility, the stronger your case will be. The good news is that once you're approved, the benefits continue as long as you're providing care and remain unmarried (or married only to the child's other parent). There's no age limit where they stop, unlike some other Social Security benefits.