I think ur misunderstanding how this works. If ur kids r on SSDI from their dad then u can still get full survivors without being affected by the maximum. My neighbor's situation is like this and she gets the full amount. The max only applies to minor kids not disabled adults I'm pretty sure.

Im confused about something... you said ur reaching FRA in 4 years but ur husband already died. Are you not getting any social security now? Shouldnt you be getting survivors benefits already? Or are you still working?

One important thing to note: You should receive Form SSA-L9790 every December. This is your annual GPO/WEP notice that shows how your benefits will be calculated for the coming year. It will include your reported pension amount, the 2/3 offset calculation, and the resulting SS benefit amount. This form is your opportunity to verify SSA has the correct pension amount. If there's an error, contact SSA immediately. Filing it away without checking can lead to those overpayment situations others mentioned. You can also check your current calculation anytime in your my Social Security account.

One more thing - don't assume SSA gets automatic pension updates from your pension system. Some pension systems report regularly to SSA, but many DON'T! In my case, my state teacher retirement system doesn't report to SSA at all. I have to report any pension changes myself by calling SSA or visiting the office. If you don't report increases and SSA finds out later (which they eventually will), you'll face an overpayment situation. They can take your entire SS benefit until it's repaid!

my friend says if u go to the SS office in person instead of calling u can get better answers faster!!! worth a try

After reading through all these comments, I want to clarify: The most accurate approach is to contact SSA directly for your specific situation. The rules around dependent benefits are complex and have changed over the years. What was true pre-2015 is different now, and what works for one family might not apply to another based on various factors including age, disability status, and family composition. Document everything when you speak with them, including the name of the representative, date and time, and what you were told.

To the person who asked if Claimyr works - yes, it definitely did for me. After weeks of frustration trying to get through to SSA about my WEP calculation, I was connected in about 15 minutes. The agent was able to pull up my record and give me exact benefit amounts with WEP reductions for ages 62, FRA, and 70. Made my decision so much clearer having the real numbers. For the original poster, having those exact figures from SSA is really valuable for WEP situations since the reductions can vary based on your specific earnings history.

my moms friend waited til 70 to get the maximum and said its the best decision she ever made. but she didn't have WEP so idk if that applies to you

Look all i know is my friends wife gets less SS wen he works more so SOMETHING is affecting it maybe not earnings test but SOMETHING!!

One thing nobody's mentioned yet - have you considered whether claiming YOUR benefits at 63 might affect potential SPOUSAL benefits later? If your husband's benefit would be much higher than yours, there might be strategies worth looking at for maximizing what you both get. These rules got more complicated after 2015 though. Might want to use one of those SS calculator tools online.

has anyone checked if the state offers additional benefits for blind people? im in california and my cousin gets an extra state supplement on top of his federal SSI because hes blind. its not huge but every dollar helps you know?

Based on what you've shared, your friend needs to take three specific actions: 1. Report his blindness to SSA immediately - this is considered a change in medical condition 2. Request an evaluation for SSDI benefits based on his work history as a janitor for 20+ years 3. Ask specifically about concurrent benefits (receiving both SSI and SSDI) which may apply in his case Arizona does not offer a state supplement to SSI (unlike California mentioned above), so maximizing his federal benefits is especially important. When he speaks with SSA, he should specifically ask about the Blind Work Expense (BWE) exclusions if he has any income, and request information about any additional programs for which his blindness might qualify him. The difference between the standard SSI payment ($943/month) and potential SSDI benefits based on his work history could be substantial, potentially doubling his monthly income if he qualifies for SSDI at a decent rate.

anyone else think its weird they just automatically sign u up for this?? like they don't even ask if u want it or already have something else? social security just decides for u and starts taking ur money

You should check your Medicare paperwork very carefully. When you first signed up for Medicare, you had choices to make about Part D coverage. If you didn't specifically decline Part D, you might have been automatically enrolled in a plan. My advice is to call the number on your Medicare card and ask for clarification about what plans you're currently enrolled in before making any changes.

btw that 73 days felt long to you but my sister waited almost 6 MONTHS for her disability claim (SSDI) to go through. SS retirement is WAY faster than disability. just be thankful you werent applying for that!!

I actually had to adjust all my automatic bill payments when I found out about the payment schedule. Most of my utilities were set to draft on the 5th of each month assuming my SS would arrive on the 1st. Had to change everything to the day after my scheduled payment date. Bit of a hassle but worth it to avoid potential overdrafts.

One thing nobody mentioned - don't forget about the 10% early withdrawal penalty if you're under 59 1/2. But you're 68 so that doesn't apply to you! Just mentioning it for others reading who might be younger. The tax system is so complicated with all these different rules for different ages!

Thank you all SO MUCH for the helpful advice! I feel much better understanding that: 1. My actual monthly SS benefit won't be reduced (huge relief!) 2. The withdrawal will only affect how much of my SS might be taxed 3. I should calculate the total income impact for the year I think I'm going to take the suggestion to split the difference - use about half from the IRA and finance the rest with a small loan. And maybe even split the IRA withdrawal across December/January to spread the tax impact. This community has been incredibly helpful - navigating retirement finances isn't easy!

my sister went thru this last yr. SSA is sloooow to adjust ur benefits when u start working. they kept paying her full amount for 6 months then suddenly wanted ALL that money back when they found out she was working!!! be sure u report ur work right away or ull be in same boat

One more thing to consider: if you return to work, especially at a good salary like $55,000, you'll be adding to your lifetime earnings record. Social Security calculates your benefit amount based on your highest 35 years of earnings. If this new job would replace a lower-earning year or a zero in your calculation, you could actually increase your benefit amount going forward, beyond just the adjustment for withheld benefits.