I'm in a very similar situation - applied for SSDI 3 months ago for multiple sclerosis and the waiting is absolutely nerve-wracking. What's helped me cope with the uncertainty is creating a backup plan for my finances. I've applied for temporary state assistance programs, reached out to local MS support groups for resources, and started the process of getting all my medical documentation organized in case I need to appeal. One thing I learned from my neurologist is that SSA often requests additional consultative exams for neurological conditions, which can add time to the process but aren't necessarily a bad sign. Have you considered reaching out to a disability attorney for a free consultation? Even if you don't hire them now, many will review your case and give you advice on strengthening your application while you wait. The hardest part is feeling so powerless during this process, but reading everyone's experiences here reminds me that most people do eventually get through it. Hang in there - 4 months feels like forever when you're living it, but you're still well within the normal timeframe.

I went through this exact same situation last year - applied in October and didn't hear anything until February (about 4 months), then got my approval letter in March. The waiting period with no communication is absolutely the worst part because you start imagining all sorts of problems that might not even exist. A few things that helped me during that anxious waiting period: 1. I created a "status check" schedule for myself - instead of obsessively checking daily, I limited myself to checking my online account once per week on Fridays. It helped reduce the constant anxiety. 2. I used the waiting time to gather additional supporting documentation, even though I'd already submitted my application. I got updated letters from my doctors and made sure my medical records were complete and current. 3. I applied for temporary assistance programs in my state while waiting. Even though I didn't end up needing them (thankfully got approved), having those safety nets in place gave me peace of mind. The 4-month mark is actually right in the normal range - I know it doesn't feel normal when you're living it day by day, but you're not behind schedule. The system is just inherently slow. Try to focus on what you can control (like following up on medical records) rather than what you can't (the bureaucratic timeline). You've got this!

heres something nobody mentioned - if ur mom and dad get divorced in future she could lose these benefits!! unless they stay married for at least 10 yrs then she can keep them even after divorce. but if theyre already been separated for decades sounds like theyve passed that 10 yr mark anyway so should be ok

I went through this exact process with my grandmother last year! A few practical tips that might help your mom: 1. Call SSA early in the morning (8 AM sharp) for the best chance of getting through - the phone lines are slightly less busy then. 2. When she applies, ask the representative to calculate her exact benefit amount on the spot. They can run the numbers immediately and tell her what to expect. 3. The effective date will be the month she applies (not retroactive beyond 6 months), so don't delay! 4. If the SSA office requires an appointment, some locations accept walk-ins for "quick questions" - she could try calling to ask if they'll at least let her submit the application paperwork without a full appointment. 5. Keep copies of everything she submits. The SSA sometimes loses paperwork. Even a modest increase would help her situation. The most important thing is getting the process started. Good luck to your mom!

Perfect summary! One additional tip: When your husband applies, he should print or save PDF copies of all confirmation screens and any communication from SSA. This documentation can be helpful if there are any issues with processing his application.

Great advice from everyone here! Just wanted to add that you should also consider setting up direct deposit if you haven't already - it's faster and more secure than waiting for a check in the mail. You can set this up during the application process or through your MySocialSecurity account. Also, keep in mind that your husband's benefit amount might be slightly different from the estimates you've seen online, as the final calculation includes the most recent earnings data. The award letter you'll receive after approval will show the exact monthly amount. Good luck with the application process!

I'm in a very similar situation - turning 63 next year and living in Costa Rica. After reading all these experiences, I'm definitely leaning toward flying back to file in person. The thing that really stands out to me is how many people mention that SSA reps in the US caught errors or complications that could have cost thousands over time. Since we're talking about benefits that will hopefully last 20+ years, even a small mistake in the calculation can add up to huge money. Plus, with the WEP calculations and international agreements, it seems like the FBU staff's expertise varies wildly between locations. At least in a US office, you know they have access to all the systems and can pull up everything immediately. The travel cost is a one-time expense, but benefit errors last forever. Has anyone had experience with the SSA office in Miami? I'm thinking that might be my best bet given the high number of international cases they probably handle.

Reading through all these experiences really reinforces how much the decision depends on your individual situation. For anyone else following this thread who might be on the fence, here's what seems to be the key factors: 1) If you have a straightforward work history with only US earnings, FBU can work fine (though timelines vary widely), 2) If you have foreign earnings, multiple countries involved, or potential WEP calculations, the US route seems overwhelmingly better, and 3) The peace of mind factor is huge - knowing you can get everything resolved in one sitting vs. potentially months of back-and-forth. One additional consideration I haven't seen mentioned much is that if you're planning to travel back to the US anyway for other reasons (family visits, medical appointments, etc.), the timing could work out perfectly. Also worth noting that some of the newer SSA offices have really streamlined their processes - it's not the same bureaucratic nightmare it used to be if you come prepared with all your documents. Thanks to everyone for sharing such detailed experiences!

As someone who's been working in retirement planning for over 15 years, I can confirm everything that's been shared here - you absolutely do get COLA increases while delaying benefits past your FRA! This is one of the most misunderstood aspects of Social Security strategy. The way it works is that your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) gets adjusted annually for COLA regardless of whether you're collecting benefits, and then when you finally claim, the delayed retirement credits are applied to that COLA-adjusted amount. So you're getting compound growth from both sources. What many people don't realize is that this makes delaying even more powerful during periods of higher inflation, like we've seen recently. The 8.7% COLA in 2023 plus the 8% delayed credit meant some people saw their potential benefits grow by over 16% in a single year! For anyone considering delaying, I'd strongly recommend using the SSA's online benefit calculators AND creating your own tracking spreadsheet to see how both factors work together. The decision should always be based on your individual health, financial needs, and family longevity, but understanding that you get BOTH inflation protection AND delayed credits is crucial for making an informed choice.

As a newcomer to this community, I have to say this thread has been absolutely incredible for someone trying to understand Social Security strategy! I'm 64 and was completely confused about whether COLAs apply while delaying benefits - my local SSA office gave me conflicting information when I called last month. Reading through everyone's real experiences here has been so much more helpful than trying to navigate the official website. What really stands out to me is how this COLA benefit while delaying seems to be such a well-kept secret. I've talked to several friends about Social Security planning and NONE of them knew about this! It's honestly a bit frustrating that such important information isn't more widely publicized. I'm definitely going to delay now after seeing the actual numbers people have shared. One question for the group - has anyone dealt with family members or financial advisors who tried to talk you out of delaying because they also didn't know about the COLA protection? I'm getting pushback from my kids who think I should "take the money while it's still there" but after reading this discussion, I feel like delaying is actually the safer long-term strategy. Thanks to everyone for creating such an informative discussion!