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I'm 67 and went through this exact situation 9 months ago after my shoulder surgery. I was on paid medical leave for 14 weeks and filed for SS retirement benefits about 6 weeks into my leave. **The short answer is absolutely YES** - you can receive both your employer's PML and SS retirement benefits simultaneously. They're completely separate income sources in SSA's view. **Key steps that made it work smoothly for me:** 1. **Get written documentation from HR** - I asked for email confirmation about how my PML is classified for tax purposes and whether starting SS would affect my leave eligibility 2. **Be upfront with SSA when applying** - I reported my ongoing PML payments during the application process, which they handled without any issues 3. **Understand the earnings test impact** - My PML counted as wages, so my SS was temporarily reduced by about $170/month until my leave ended **My timeline:** I successfully collected both benefits for the remaining 8 weeks of my leave. Once the PML ended, my full SS benefit amount resumed. Given your health situation after surgery and being only 14 months from FRA, the peace of mind of having guaranteed income now might outweigh waiting for the slightly higher benefit later. That's exactly how I felt - the financial security during my recovery was more valuable than maximizing future payments. The process was much smoother than I expected once I had all the documentation in place. Best of luck with both your recovery and your decision!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! As someone new to navigating these benefits, reading through all these detailed accounts has been incredibly reassuring. Your timeline of successfully collecting both benefits for 8 weeks and the specific temporary reduction amount ($170/month) really helps me understand what to expect. I'm starting to see a clear pattern from everyone's experiences - getting written documentation from HR and being transparent with SSA during the application seems to be absolutely crucial for a smooth process. Like you mentioned, given the health concerns after surgery, having that financial security during recovery does feel more valuable than waiting for slightly higher future payments. It's amazing how much more confident this discussion has made me feel about what initially seemed like an overwhelming decision!
I'm 64 and currently on paid medical leave after my recent back surgery, and I'm seriously considering filing for SS retirement benefits rather than returning to work. Reading through everyone's detailed experiences has been incredibly helpful and reassuring! What I'm taking away from all these stories is that: 1. **You CAN receive both PML and SS retirement simultaneously** - multiple people have successfully done this 2. **Getting written documentation from HR is absolutely critical** - everyone emphasizes this point 3. **The temporary earnings test reduction (if PML counts as wages) is manageable** - ranging from $140-180/month that people mentioned 4. **Being transparent with SSA during application makes the process smoother** One additional question for those who went through this: Did anyone have to deal with their employer requiring you to officially declare retirement vs. just being on extended medical leave? I'm wondering if that declaration affects the PML payments or creates any complications with the timing. Also, for those who mentioned the permanent 7.8% reduction for filing early - do you feel like it was worth it given your health situations? I'm struggling with that aspect since I'm relatively close to my FRA too. Thanks to everyone who shared their real experiences. This community has turned what felt like an impossible decision into something much more manageable!
I'm new to this community but wanted to share what I learned from my research on this topic. Regarding your question about declaring retirement vs. extended medical leave - this can definitely matter! Some employers have policies where officially retiring changes how they handle remaining PML payments or affects when your COBRA period starts. I'd suggest asking HR specifically: "If I declare retirement while on medical leave, does that change my PML eligibility or any other benefits?" As for the 7.8% reduction question, I've been wrestling with the same thing. From what I'm reading here, it seems like most people felt the financial security during recovery was worth more than the higher future payments, especially given health uncertainties. The peace of mind factor seems really important when you're dealing with medical issues. Thanks for summarizing all the key points so clearly - it really helps newcomers like me understand the essential steps!
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As a newcomer to this community, I'm really impressed by how comprehensive and helpful this discussion has been! I'm currently 63 and starting to think seriously about my retirement timeline, so reading through Oliver's question and all the detailed responses has been incredibly educational. What really stands out to me is how clear-cut the rules become once you reach Full Retirement Age - the fact that the earnings test completely disappears is such an important distinction that I wasn't fully aware of before. I also appreciate how many people shared their actual experiences with similar vacation payouts rather than just theoretical advice. The tax planning considerations that several members mentioned are definitely something I need to factor into my own retirement planning. This thread is a perfect example of why peer-to-peer knowledge sharing is so valuable - you get real-world insights that you just can't find in official documentation. Thank you to everyone who contributed their experiences and expertise!
Welcome to the community! I'm also new here and found this discussion incredibly helpful. At 61, I'm just starting to think about retirement planning, and the distinction between being under vs. over Full Retirement Age regarding earnings limits was completely new to me. It's reassuring to see so many real experiences shared - like knowing that vacation payouts won't affect benefits once you reach FRA, but the tax implications are definitely worth planning for. This thread has given me a great starting point for my own research and planning. Thanks to Oliver for asking such a practical question and to everyone who shared their experiences!
As a newcomer to this community, I want to echo what everyone else has said - you're in excellent shape since you're past your Full Retirement Age! I'm still a few years away from retirement myself, but this entire discussion has been incredibly educational. What really strikes me is how many people have shared their actual experiences with large vacation payouts, and every single one confirms that once you reach FRA, the earnings test is completely off the table. The consistent advice about tax planning is also really valuable - it's clear that while your Social Security benefits won't be reduced, that $8,700 will definitely impact your tax situation for 2025. I love how supportive and knowledgeable this community is - you asked a great question that's helped not just you, but everyone else planning for retirement. Congratulations on reaching this milestone and enjoy your well-deserved retirement!
Welcome to the community, Mateo! I'm also new here and have been following this discussion closely. As someone just starting to think about retirement planning at 62, this thread has been incredibly eye-opening. The consistency of everyone's advice about the Full Retirement Age threshold is really reassuring - it's such a clear dividing line between having to worry about earnings limits and complete freedom from them. I had no idea that vacation payouts could be such a significant concern for people under FRA, but knowing that Oliver is safely past that point makes his situation so much simpler. The tax planning angle that keeps coming up throughout this discussion is definitely something I need to start researching for my own future retirement. It's amazing how this one question has generated so much valuable real-world insight from people who actually lived through these situations!
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I'm so sorry for your loss, Oliver. This thread has been absolutely incredible to read through - the support and comprehensive advice you've received here really shows the best of what online communities can be. Yes, to confirm what everyone has said, survivor benefits absolutely do receive annual COLA increases just like all other Social Security benefits. Once you start receiving them, your monthly payment will increase each January based on the cost-of-living adjustment that Social Security announces in October each year. What's been most valuable about this discussion is how it's evolved beyond your original COLA question into such detailed guidance about claiming strategies. With your 30-year work history, you have some really powerful options that could make a significant difference in your lifetime Social Security income. The action plan everyone has outlined is perfect: start with creating that online Social Security account to get actual benefit estimates, reach out to your local Area Agency on Aging for free counseling, and then have informed conversations with SSA armed with real numbers rather than trying to navigate abstract rules. I especially appreciate Mateo's suggestion about creating a spreadsheet to compare scenarios - sometimes seeing the different claiming strategies laid out side by side makes the best approach much clearer than trying to keep all the variables straight mentally. Your situation will be such a valuable resource for other community members who find themselves facing similar circumstances. Take your time with these decisions - you have excellent strategies available and this community supporting you through the process. Wishing you strength and peace during this difficult time.
Oliver, I'm so deeply sorry for your loss. As someone who just joined this community, I have to say this thread has been absolutely remarkable to witness - the depth of knowledge and genuine compassion everyone has shown you is truly moving. To echo what everyone has confirmed: yes, survivor benefits absolutely do receive annual COLA increases just like all other Social Security benefits. Your benefits will adjust each January with the cost-of-living increase announced in October, so you can count on that for your long-term planning. What's struck me most about this conversation is how your straightforward question about COLA increases has revealed such a wealth of claiming strategies you might not have known existed. With your 30-year work history, you really do have some valuable options that could significantly impact your financial security for years to come. The roadmap everyone has created for you is so thorough - starting with the online benefit estimates, connecting with free local counseling resources, and then having informed conversations with SSA. Adding that spreadsheet comparison of different scenarios seems like it would really help visualize your best path forward. As a newcomer here, I'm amazed at how this community transforms confusing government bureaucracy into actionable guidance. Your journey through this process will undoubtedly help so many others who find themselves in similar situations. Take care of yourself during this incredibly difficult time. You've got an entire community rooting for you and ready to help as you work through these important decisions.
I'm so sorry for your loss, Oliver. As a newcomer to this community, I've been reading through this entire thread and I'm absolutely amazed by the comprehensive support and guidance you've received here. Everyone has thoroughly confirmed that yes, survivor benefits do receive annual COLA increases just like all other Social Security benefits. Once you start receiving them, your monthly payment will increase each January based on the cost-of-living adjustment announced by SSA in October. So you can definitely count on that inflation protection for your long-term budgeting. What's been most incredible about this discussion is how your simple COLA question has uncovered such valuable claiming strategies that you might not have discovered otherwise. With your 30-year work history, you truly have some powerful options available that could make a substantial difference in your lifetime Social Security income. The step-by-step roadmap this community has developed for you is fantastic: create your online SSA account for benefit estimates, connect with your local Area Agency on Aging for free counseling, use the phone tips everyone shared to reach SSA representatives, and then make informed decisions with actual numbers. The suggestion about creating a spreadsheet to compare different claiming scenarios is brilliant too. As someone new here, I'm really struck by how this community transforms what could be overwhelming government bureaucracy into clear, actionable guidance. Your thoughtfulness in reaching out during such a difficult time, and your willingness to share this journey, will undoubtedly help many other community members who face similar circumstances in the future. Wishing you strength and clarity as you work through these important decisions. This community clearly has your back every step of the way.
Oliver, I'm so deeply sorry for your loss. As someone completely new to this community, I've been reading through this entire thread and I'm honestly overwhelmed by the incredible outpouring of support and detailed guidance you've received here. Everyone has definitively confirmed that survivor benefits do receive annual COLA increases, which must be such a relief for your long-term planning concerns. But what's been truly remarkable is watching your simple question evolve into this comprehensive education about claiming strategies you probably never knew existed. As a newcomer, I'm struck by how this community has taken what seems like an impossibly complex government system and broken it down into such clear, actionable steps. The roadmap everyone has created - starting with online benefit estimates, connecting with free local counseling, and then having informed SSA conversations - seems so much more manageable than trying to navigate this alone. What really moves me is seeing how your willingness to reach out during such a painful time has not only helped you, but will undoubtedly become an invaluable resource for other community members facing similar heartbreaking circumstances. Sometimes the most powerful help comes from people who've walked the same difficult path. I can only imagine how overwhelming it must feel to make these complex financial decisions while grieving, but you've shown such wisdom in seeking guidance before making any irreversible choices. Take comfort in knowing you have time, you have options, and you have an entire community supporting you through this process. Sending you strength during this incredibly difficult time.
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Another thing to keep in mind - if you received a large backpay amount, you might want to consider making quarterly estimated tax payments for next year to avoid another surprise tax bill. Since SSDI doesn't automatically withhold taxes like regular employment, many people get caught off guard. You can set up voluntary withholding from your monthly SSDI payments by filling out Form W-4V, or make quarterly payments directly to the IRS. I learned this the hard way after my first year of benefits!
This is really good advice! I had no idea about Form W-4V for voluntary withholding. After reading everyone's experiences here, it sounds like getting hit with a big tax bill is pretty common with SSDI backpay. I'm definitely going to look into setting up withholding right away so I don't end up in the same situation next year. Thanks for sharing that tip!
Looking at all the helpful advice here, I wanted to add something that might help with the immediate concern about owing a large tax bill. If you do end up owing more than you can pay when you file, the IRS has several payment options available. You can set up an installment agreement online through their website, and if you owe less than $50,000, you can often get approved automatically for a payment plan. Also, don't panic if the tax calculation seems overwhelming - many tax software programs like TurboTax and H&R Block have specific sections for Social Security benefits and can walk you through the lump-sum election calculation. That said, given the amount of your backpay ($31,500), it's probably still worth investing in a tax professional who specializes in Social Security taxation, especially for this first year. They can make sure you're taking advantage of all available strategies to minimize your tax burden.
This is such valuable information, thank you! I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed as someone new to all of this - the tax implications weren't something I was prepared for when I was just focused on getting my disability claim approved. It's reassuring to know there are payment plan options if I do end up owing more than I can handle at once. I think I'll definitely go with a tax professional this year given all the complexities everyone has mentioned. Better to invest in getting it done right than to make mistakes and potentially face penalties later. Has anyone here had experience with finding tax preparers who specifically understand SSDI taxation? I want to make sure I find someone who really knows this area.
CosmicCaptain
Glad to see this got resolved! For anyone else reading this thread, just want to add that if you're having trouble accessing your my Social Security account, you can also request a new SSA-1099 by mail by calling the automated phone system at 1-800-772-1213 and following the prompts (no need to speak to an agent). It usually takes 7-10 business days to arrive, so plan accordingly if you're close to tax deadlines. The online method is definitely fastest when it works though!
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Amara Okafor
•That's really helpful info about the automated phone system! I didn't know you could request it that way without waiting to talk to someone. Good to know for next time - 7-10 days is much better than the horror stories I've heard about trying to get through to a live agent.
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Mateo Sanchez
This is such a helpful thread! I'm in a similar situation - just started receiving Social Security disability benefits last year and had no idea they send a different form than W-2s. I've been checking my mailbox every day wondering where my W-2 was! Going to log into my account right now to look for the SSA-1099. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and solutions.
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Theodore Nelson
•Welcome to the club! It's definitely confusing the first time around. I was in the exact same boat - kept waiting for a W-2 that was never going to come. The SSA-1099 should be in your my Social Security account under "Replacement Documents" if you can access it online. If not, the automated phone line that @CosmicCaptain mentioned sounds like a good backup option. Hope you get it sorted out quickly!
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Jace Caspullo
•@Mateo Sanchez You re'definitely not alone in this confusion! I went through the same thing when I first started getting disability benefits. One tip that helped me - once you get your SSA-1099, make sure to check if any taxes were withheld it (ll'show in Box 3 if so .)Since it s'your first year, you might want to review your withholding settings for next year to avoid any surprises at tax time. The Social Security Administration website has a good calculator to help figure out the right amount.
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