I've been doing some more research, and it seems like I have two main options: 1) File at my FRA so my wife can get spousal benefits, even though they'll be reduced, or 2) Wait until I stop working to file, which means delaying her spousal benefits too. If I go with option 1, would I be able to earn delayed retirement credits between my FRA and age 70 while still having filed for benefits?

I'm facing a very similar situation with my husband turning 67 next year and me being 4 years younger. From what I've learned through my own research and talking to SSA, here are some key points that might help: 1. The spousal benefit reduction at 63 is significant - you're looking at about 32.5-35% instead of the full 50%. That's a permanent reduction for spousal benefits. 2. One thing to consider is the "break-even" analysis. If you file at FRA so your wife can get reduced spousal benefits, versus waiting until you both reach optimal ages, when does the earlier income stream make up for the lower monthly amounts? 3. For survivor benefits, I was told by an SSA representative that if you delay your own benefits until 70, your wife's potential survivor benefit would also be higher since it's based on what you were receiving (including delayed credits). This could be substantial extra income for potentially 20+ years. 4. Have you considered getting estimates from SSA for different scenarios? They can run projections showing total lifetime benefits under different filing strategies, which really helps visualize the trade-offs. The decision really comes down to your financial needs now versus maximizing long-term benefits. If you need the income, filing earlier makes sense. If you can afford to wait, the math often favors delaying.

For degenerative disc disease specifically, make sure you're emphasizing how it affects your daily functioning, not just the pain. SSA is particularly interested in: - How long you can sit/stand/walk - Whether you need to change positions frequently - If you need to lie down during the day - Upper extremity limitations (lifting, carrying, reaching) - How your concentration is affected by pain and medication Keep a daily journal documenting these limitations. If your claim goes to hearing, this kind of detailed information is extremely valuable. Also, if you haven't already, request a copy of your SSA file through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. This will show you exactly what medical evidence they're reviewing and if anything important is missing.

I'm going through the same process right now - applied in December and still waiting. One thing that's helped me manage the anxiety is setting up a realistic timeline expectation. From what I've learned here and from my research, the initial decision usually takes 3-6 months, so you're right in that window. What really helped me was creating a checklist of proactive steps I could take while waiting: - Following up with all my doctors to ensure their records were sent to SSA - Keeping detailed records of my symptoms and limitations (as others mentioned) - Researching disability lawyers in my area (just in case) - Looking into temporary assistance programs The waiting is brutal, especially when finances are tight, but try to use this time productively to strengthen your case. And definitely try that Claimyr service someone mentioned - I've heard good things about it for actually getting through to SSA. Hang in there!

THE SSA WEBSITE IS SO CONFUSING!!! I spent hours trying to figure out the same thing last year and ended up just going to the office in person. They told me you're eligible the month of your birthday no matter what day it falls on. But I also heard they changed some rules recently so who knows???

Regarding your earlier question about switching from survivor benefits to your own retirement benefits at FRA - this can be a smart strategy in many cases. If your own benefit at FRA would be higher than the survivor benefit at FRA, you could take the reduced survivor benefit at 60 and then switch to your own at FRA. Alternatively, you could take your own reduced retirement at 62 and then switch to unreduced survivor benefits at your FRA. The optimal strategy depends on the relative amounts of each benefit. If you haven't already, I'd recommend requesting your Social Security Statement through your my Social Security account online to see your projected retirement benefit amounts.

I'm glad you trusted your instincts and didn't give them any information! As someone new to this community, I want to emphasize what others have said - the Social Security Administration will NEVER call you asking for banking or personal information. They communicate through official mail and your MySocialSecurity online account. If you're ever unsure about a communication claiming to be from SSA, hang up and call the official number directly (1-800-772-1213) or check your online account. Your SSDI payment should arrive on schedule - the scammers have no connection to your actual benefits. It's also worth spreading awareness about these scams to other family members or friends who might be targets.

As a newcomer to this community, I'm so glad you shared this experience and didn't fall for the scam! Reading through all these responses has been incredibly educational - it's clear these Social Security scams are a widespread problem targeting our most vulnerable community members. What really stands out to me is how sophisticated these scammers have become. They're using spoofed phone numbers, they have access to personal information that makes them sound legitimate, and they know exactly how to create urgency and fear around benefit payments. It's truly predatory behavior. For anyone else reading this thread, I think the key takeaways are: - SSA will NEVER call asking for banking or personal information - Always verify through official channels (ssa.gov, 1-800-772-1213, or your MySocialSecurity account) - When in doubt, hang up and call SSA directly using the official number - Report scam attempts to the Inspector General Your instincts served you well, and your May payment will definitely arrive on schedule. Thanks for helping protect others in our community by sharing this warning!

To answer your follow-up questions: 1. You need a certified copy of the death certificate, not the original (never send originals of important documents) 2. You should call the local office directly rather than the main SSA line for follow-up 3. Each field office has its own direct phone number which you can find on the SSA Office Locator tool Also, when sending the SSA-1724 for survivor benefits, remember that there's a time limit for filing - generally within 2 years of death, though there are exceptions. Since you mentioned it's been 2 months, you're well within the timeframe, but don't delay much longer.

One more thing! Make sure you CALL AHEAD to confirm the mailing address for the SS office. The address listed online might be OUTDATED! I had forms returned to me because I used the address from Google Maps and apparently they'd moved to a new building 6 months earlier! Such a mess!