Just wanted to add one more resource that might help - the VA has Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) that can assist with both VA and Social Security disability claims at no cost. Organizations like DAV, VFW, and American Legion have trained representatives who understand how both systems work together. They can help ensure your husband's SSDI application includes all the right medical evidence from his VA records and is properly formatted. Since he's already service-connected at 80%, having that established medical history will be valuable for the SSDI claim. Good luck with the application process!

I just wanted to share my experience as someone who successfully navigated both systems. My husband had a 90% VA rating and we went through the SSDI process last year. A few additional tips that really helped us: 1. When you apply for SSDI, make sure to specifically request they pull your husband's C&P (Compensation & Pension) exam records from the VA. These are incredibly detailed medical evaluations that SSA can use, and it saves time vs having to do all new medical exams. 2. The VA disability rating percentages don't directly translate to SSDI approval, but the underlying medical conditions and functional limitations documented in his VA file are exactly what SSA needs to see. 3. If he has any mental health conditions rated by the VA (PTSD, depression, anxiety), make sure those are included in the SSDI application too. Sometimes people focus only on physical disabilities but mental health conditions can be just as disabling for work purposes. 4. Consider applying online at ssa.gov rather than trying to call - the online application saves all your progress and you can complete it at your own pace with all his military and medical records in front of you. Best of luck with the process! The wait can be frustrating but it's definitely worth pursuing given his rating level.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! To summarize what I've learned: 1) My son's DAC benefit should stay at 50% of my PIA when I transition to retirement at FRA, 2) My PIA shouldn't change at transition, but might be recalculated through AERO if my part-time work increased my average earnings, 3) I need to verify my son remains coded as DAC during the transition, and 4) I should bring all my earnings documentation to my appointment. This has been so much more helpful than my calls to SSA! I'll update after my appointment next month to let everyone know what I find out.

I'm dealing with almost the exact same situation! My 35-year-old daughter has been getting DAC benefits since she was 25 due to intellectual disabilities, and I'm currently on SSDI planning for my FRA transition in 2026. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful - especially the point about making sure she stays coded as DAC and not accidentally switched to regular child benefits. I had no idea that could happen! I'm also concerned about the AERO recalculation since I did some consulting work while on SSDI (staying under SGA limits). Did anyone here actually see their DAC dependent's benefits increase due to the earnings recalculation, or does it usually not make much difference? I'm hoping for the best but trying to prepare for any changes to our monthly budget.

After reading through this thread, I think you have all the information you need to proceed. To summarize the best course of action: 1. Call SSA's main line (1-800-772-1213) specifically about a Medicare premium refund due to duplicate payment 2. If you have difficulty getting through via phone, consider using a service to help connect you or schedule an in-person appointment 3. Have all your documentation ready showing both payments 4. Be prepared to be persistent - this is a known issue that requires follow-up 5. If not resolved in 2-3 more weeks, escalate by asking for a supervisor or Technical Expert The good news is that you WILL get your refund eventually. These situations are always resolved, it's just a matter of time and persistence.

One thing I'd add to all the great advice here - if you do end up going the in-person route, try to schedule your appointment for early in the day. The local SSA offices tend to get backed up as the day goes on, and the staff are usually more fresh and helpful in the morning. Also, bring multiple copies of all your documentation - sometimes they need to keep copies for their records. I learned this the hard way when I had to make a second trip because they needed to keep my original proof of payment!

Just to follow up on this thread - it's also worth noting that your Annual Social Security Statement (which you can view or download from your MySocialSecurity account) will specifically state that your most recent earnings may not be shown. This is completely normal and affects everyone. The important thing is ensuring accuracy over the long term. I recommend checking your earnings record annually to make sure previous years are correct. If you find discrepancies after the normal processing time (9-12 months after year-end), that's when you should contact SSA with your documentation.

I went through this exact same situation last year! Was freaking out when my 2023 earnings showed $0 well into 2024. What really helped ease my mind was calling my HR department to confirm they had submitted all the required tax documents to SSA. Most employers are pretty good about confirming this if you ask. Also, if you switched jobs in May like you mentioned, make sure to keep documentation from BOTH employers - sometimes there can be delays or issues with one but not the other. The good news is that once everything does get processed, it all shows up at once and gets properly credited to your record. You're being smart by checking on this now rather than waiting years like some people do!

Just wanted to add one more consideration for your timing - since you're planning to apply in November for February benefits, make sure you're prepared for the "earnings test" question during the application process. Even though you're past full retirement age and the earnings test doesn't apply to you at 70, the SSA application will still ask about your expected earnings for the year you start benefits. Since you've been working full-time through 2024 and potentially into early 2025, just have those earnings figures ready. It won't reduce your benefits, but having accurate numbers helps avoid any follow-up questions that could slow down processing. Also, don't forget that once you start receiving Social Security, you'll need to report those benefits on your tax return - something to keep in mind for next year's tax planning!

One important detail that hasn't been mentioned yet - when you apply online, the system will ask you to select your "retirement date" which is actually when you want your benefits to BEGIN, not when you submit the application. Since you're turning 70 in February, you'll want to select February 1st as your retirement date when filling out the application in November. This trips up a lot of people because they think the retirement date should be when they actually stop working, but for Social Security purposes, it's when you want payments to start. Also, make sure you have your most recent Social Security Statement handy when you apply - it will have your estimated benefit amount and earnings history that you'll need to reference during the application process. You can access your latest statement anytime at ssa.gov by creating a MySocialSecurity account if you don't already have one. Having all this information organized beforehand will make the online application much smoother!