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Your sister is likely already at the maximum benefit based on her earnings history. There's a cap on how much income is subject to Social Security tax each year ($168,600 in 2025), and earnings above that don't increase your benefit. But for most people who haven't consistently earned at that maximum taxable level throughout their career, additional work can still increase benefits by replacing lower-earning years.
Thanks everyone for the extremely helpful information! To summarize what I've learned: yes, my benefits can increase beyond COLA if my current earnings replace lower years in my top 35, the SSA should recalculate automatically (but I should verify), and the increase will appear the following year. I'll definitely keep an eye on my account to make sure any adjustments are properly applied. This forum has been invaluable!
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Let me add a bit more detail based on our experience: 1. You'll need Form SSA-1372 (Student's Statement Regarding School Attendance) - this is the form that allows benefits to continue past 18 until 19 and 2 months while in school 2. Get a benefits verification letter ASAP showing what her payment amount should be - this will be crucial when she starts receiving payments to ensure the amount is correct 3. If she has significant back benefits, these might be paid in installments rather than a lump sum. SSA often releases large backpay amounts in up to 3 installments 6 months apart. Be prepared for this possibility. Also, one practical tip - when my sister finally became her own payee, we immediately set up direct deposit for her benefits. This eliminated a lot of potential issues with mailed checks.
This is so thorough - thank you! I hadn't even thought about the possibility of installment payments for back benefits. That could really impact her plans since she's counting on those funds for getting established when she turns 18. Is there any way to request a lump sum payment instead of installments?
Regarding your latest question about lump sum vs. installments: Typically, if back benefits exceed 3 times the monthly benefit amount, SSA will pay in installments. However, there are exceptions for immediate needs. Once she's 18 and her own payee, she can submit Form SSA-5002 (Report of Contact) explaining why she needs the full amount immediately (housing security, transportation for school/work, essential items after leaving foster care, etc.). Include supporting documentation if possible. Some offices are more flexible than others, but a well-documented immediate need can often result in a full payment, especially for someone transitioning out of foster care who needs to establish independent living.
That's incredibly helpful information! I'll definitely make sure she knows about Form SSA-5002. She'll absolutely have immediate needs for housing security since she'll be on her own at 18. She's been so worried about how she'll manage financially in those first few months.
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Has anyone else noticed that SS benefit increases never keep up with REAL inflation? My "cost of living adjustment" this year was a joke compared to how much my groceries and medications have gone up. Even with a spousal add-on, we're all falling behind. Sorry for the rant - just frustrated with the whole system lately.
The COLA is based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), which doesn't always reflect the spending patterns of retirees. Many advocacy groups have pushed for using a different index (CPI-E) that would better reflect costs like healthcare that affect seniors disproportionately. It's a valid frustration many beneficiaries share.
Just to clarify something that might be confusing - when we talk about your "spousal benefit" in this scenario, you're not actually switching from your retirement benefit to a spousal benefit. Instead, you'll receive your own reduced retirement benefit PLUS a spousal add-on amount (if you qualify for one based on the calculations). The deemed filing rules mean that when you file for one benefit (retirement), you're deemed to have filed for all benefits you're eligible for at that time. This prevents people from selecting one benefit type now and another later to maximize payments. Definitely contact SSA to see what additional amount you might receive. The application process for the spousal component is relatively straightforward once you get through to a representative.
Thank you for this explanation! I was definitely confused and thought I would be switching from one benefit to another. This makes more sense now - I'll be getting an add-on rather than a replacement benefit. I appreciate everyone's help in understanding this complicated system!
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Is my Social Security online account necessary after benefits start? Lost login access
My father (78) started receiving his Social Security retirement benefits about 9 months ago, but he's completely forgotten his mySocialSecurity login information. I've tried helping him recover it, but he doesn't remember his email password either and his phone number has changed since he set it up. Before I go through the hassle of creating a new account for him (which looks complicated with the ID.me verification), I'm wondering if there's really any NEED for him to access the online portal now that he's already receiving monthly payments? I know you can view/download 1099s for taxes, but those come in the mail anyway. Are there any other important reasons to maintain online access once benefits have started? His direct deposit is already set up and working fine. Would appreciate hearing what features others find useful once they're already receiving benefits!
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my uncle says he only uses it when he needs proof of income for his apartment renewal every year. he prints that benefit letter thing
One more important reason to maintain access: fraud prevention. By regularly checking your account, you can make sure no one has attempted to change your payment information. Unfortunately, Social Security fraud targeting seniors is increasingly common. The online account lets you verify that everything is still set up correctly and no unauthorized changes have been made.
That's a really good point I hadn't considered. With all the scams targeting seniors these days, being able to verify everything is still correct provides peace of mind. I'll definitely work on getting his access restored. Thinking an in-person visit might be easiest as someone suggested.
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Should I claim widow benefits at 64 if SS checks would be withheld due to earnings limit?
I'm trying to help my sister figure out her Social Security strategy. She's 64, widowed, and still working (earning about $50k/year). Her full retirement age is 67, but she plans to retire at 65.Here's what's confusing us: If she claims survivor benefits now, she'll likely hit the earnings limit and have some or all of those benefits withheld. I've heard that when benefits are withheld due to earnings, they're somehow 'credited back' later.Would it actually be smart for her to file for survivor benefits now, even if most gets withheld? Would those withheld benefits somehow increase her future monthly payments once she's below the earnings limit? Or should she just wait until she retires at 65 to claim anything?I'm particularly wondering if claiming survivor benefits now and having them withheld would somehow result in higher overall lifetime benefits compared to just waiting a year. Anyone dealt with this situation before?
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I forgot 2 mention that if your sister already submitted her Rrequiest for benefits & wants to change her mind, she only has 12 MONTHS to withdraw the application and it REQUIRES PAYING BACK any benefits she recieved!!! Important to know this before she does anything!!!
Good point about the 12-month withdrawal window. However, in this specific scenario with earnings limit withholding, she might not receive any benefits to pay back if her earnings are high enough to cause 100% withholding. But you're absolutely right that understanding the withdrawal rules is critical before making any filing decision.
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One additional option to consider is whether your husband might qualify for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) in addition to his Social Security retirement. It's possible to receive both if his early retirement benefit is low enough and you meet the resource/asset limits. Regarding the SSDI application, since he has cancer, he may qualify for a Compassionate Allowance as another commenter mentioned. This can significantly expedite the process. Make sure to specifically mention this when applying and have his oncologist provide detailed documentation about how his condition limits his ability to work. The SSDI application process typically takes 3-5 months for initial decisions, but Compassionate Allowance cases can move faster. If approved, there's also a 5-month waiting period before benefits begin, though they would be retroactive to the application date minus those 5 months.
we tried getting SSI while waiting for SSDI and they said we had too many assets cause we owned our trailer and had a second car worth like $5000. its ridiculous what they consider too much money. make sure u check the asset limits before u waste time applying
Just throwing this out there - have u checked if ur state offers paid family leave? Some states like CA, NY, NJ have programs where u can get paid while taking care of a family member. Its not a ton of money but its something. Also check if his cancer treatment center has social workers - they often know about resources that regular people dont know exist.
We're in Missouri, which I don't think has paid family leave, but I'll double-check. That's a great tip about the cancer center social workers though! He gets treatment at a university hospital, and I've only spoken briefly with their social worker during intake. I'll make an appointment to discuss our situation in more detail.
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ok this makes me so MAD!!!! why does the govt make everything so COMPLICATED????!! why would they tell you to apply online if thats not even the right way to do it? and then send a scary rejection letter?? this is why people hate dealing with social security!! its like they TRY to confuse us seniors on purpose!!!!
ikr? my dad spent 3 months trying to get mom's spousal benefits and almost gave up. system is broken
Let us know how it goes after you contact them! I'm curious if they'll backdate her benefits to when you first applied. In my experience, if you specifically mention the date of that phone call as your first contact about spousal benefits, they should establish that as a protective filing date. Document everything going forward - names of representatives you speak with, dates, and what was discussed. The SSA can be a challenge to navigate, but they generally do get things right eventually.
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does anyone know if they backpay from when you apply or from when your spouse passed?
Generally, survivor benefits are paid from the date you applied, not from when your spouse passed away. That's why it's important to apply as soon as possible. There are limited exceptions where you might get up to 6 months of retroactive benefits if you apply after your FRA, but not back to the date of death if that was earlier.
oh wish i had known that sooner... waited 3 months after he passed to apply
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UPDATE: Called SSA this morning and waited 2.5 hours!! They confirmed I was automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A in September 2024 and there's no way to undo it. The rep said my Medicare card was supposedly mailed in September but I never got it. They're sending a new one now. I've also contacted my HSA administrator to figure out how to handle the excess contributions. What a mess!!
Good news on getting confirmation. Make sure to also: 1. Get a copy of your Medicare Benefit Verification Letter (shows exact enrollment date) 2. Notify your employer's benefits department immediately 3. Calculate exactly how much you contributed to your HSA from September-December 2024 4. Consult with a tax professional about Form 8889 and how to report/withdraw the excess contributions The 6% excise tax applies for each year excess contributions remain in your account, so handling this promptly will minimize any penalties.
Did your SS benefit letter show your Medicare number? Mine did, in the top right corner. You can use that number to create a Medicare.gov account and start managing your Medicare online even before your card arrives.
Yes! I just checked and there is a number there. I didn't realize that was my Medicare number. Thank you for pointing that out. I'll set up the online account today.
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MidnightRider
This happened to me last year and I was so stressed I couldn't sleep. I even withdrew cash and kept it at home which was probably a bad idea. In my case, my caseworker eventually told me they really only care about consistent patterns of being over resource limits, not a one-time thing that gets fixed right away. But everybody seems to get different answers from different SSA workers...
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Carmen Ortiz
i'm still confused about something... is SSI the same as SSDI? because my dads on disability and he has like $5000 in his account and nobody said anything
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Andre Laurent
•No, they're completely different programs with different rules. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is needs-based and has the $2,000 resource limit ($3,000 for couples). SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is based on your work credits and has no resource limits at all. Your dad can have any amount in his bank account with SSDI without it affecting his benefits.
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Carmen Ortiz
•oh that makes sense!! thx for explaining!
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