I actually just completed this process two weeks ago for a different bank bonus and wanted to share my experience! The online process through mySSA was incredibly smooth - much easier than I expected. I was worried about technical issues, but the interface is pretty user-friendly. One thing that really helped me was writing down my current direct deposit details before making any changes, just in case I needed to reference them later. Also, I took screenshots of every step like someone mentioned above, which gave me peace of mind. The timing worked out perfectly - I made the change about a week after my December payment, and my January payment went to the new account without any issues. The new bank even sent me an email confirmation when the deposit posted. For what it's worth, I kept detailed notes of the entire process in case I ever need to do this again. Happy to answer any specific questions about the mySSA portal if anyone needs help navigating it!

I switched my SSA direct deposit about 8 months ago when I moved and had to change banks. The online process through mySSA is definitely the way to go - took me about 15 minutes total, including the time to find my new account information. A couple of things that helped me: First, I called SSA's main number (1-800-772-1213) a few days before making the change just to confirm my account was in good standing and there were no flags that might complicate things. Second, I made sure to do it on a weekday during business hours in case I ran into any technical issues and needed to call for help. The change took effect exactly as expected - my next monthly payment went to the new account on the same date it always arrives (the second Wednesday for me, based on my birth date). One small detail others haven't mentioned: if you have text alerts set up with your old bank for deposits, remember to cancel those and set up new ones with your new bank so you don't get confused about where your payment is going. Good luck with the Chase bonus - that's a nice chunk of change!

Thank you all SO MUCH for the helpful information! I feel much better understanding how this works now. I'm going to keep tracking my hours carefully, make sure I stay under that $1,110 monthly for now, and report everything properly. It's such a relief to know I can work these few hours without risking my benefits entirely. Going to call SSA directly to confirm everything for my specific case just to be 100% sure.

Smart move calling SSA directly to confirm your specific situation! Just a heads up - when you call, have your exact monthly earnings figures ready and ask them to document in your file that you're reporting your work activity. Also consider asking about the Ticket to Work program if you're interested in potentially increasing your hours down the line - it provides additional work incentives and protections. You're doing everything right by staying informed and being proactive about reporting. Keep those pay stubs organized and don't let anyone scare you away from working within the guidelines - the system is actually designed to encourage work attempts when done properly!

I haven't been through this specific process myself, but I wanted to share something that might help with the documentation aspect. When my nephew went through disability determination for a different program, his advocate recommended creating a "typical day" narrative that walks through his actual daily routine and the level of support needed for each activity. For example, instead of just saying "needs help with morning routine," write something like: "Requires verbal prompting every 2-3 minutes to complete each step of getting dressed. Cannot sequence the steps independently and becomes distressed if the routine varies. Takes 45 minutes with constant supervision to complete what a typical person does in 10 minutes." This kind of detailed functional description really helped paint the picture of his actual support needs versus just listing his diagnoses. It might be worth preparing a few of these "day in the life" examples that show how his disabilities impact his ability to function independently in ways that would make employment impossible. You're clearly a dedicated advocate for your son, and all the preparation you're doing shows. Best of luck with the interview on Friday!

I went through this process with my son who has autism spectrum disorder about two years ago. One thing I wish I had known beforehand is to bring a support person if possible - the interview can be emotionally draining when you're discussing your child's limitations in detail. The interviewer will likely ask you to describe a typical week for your son, including any activities, therapies, or programs he participates in. They want to understand his daily functioning level and support needs. Don't be afraid to mention things like: - How long it takes him to complete simple tasks - What happens when his routine is disrupted - His communication barriers and how they affect daily life - Any safety concerns that require supervision Also, if your son has ever had a job coach assessment or participated in any work-readiness programs through school, bring those reports. Even if they show he needs extensive support, that documentation is valuable evidence. The interview itself felt very clinical and focused, which actually helped keep my emotions in check. The representative took detailed notes and asked follow-up questions when she needed clarification. One last tip: after the interview, ask for a timeline of next steps and try to get contact information for checking on status. The waiting period is tough, but having some sense of the process helps. You're doing everything right by preparing so thoroughly!

I'm so sorry for your loss, Theodore. This is such a difficult time, and dealing with bureaucracy on top of grief is truly overwhelming. I went through this exact situation when my stepfather passed away on the 19th of the month last year. Like everyone has said, there's unfortunately no way around the "must survive the entire month" rule - it's federal law and SSA has zero flexibility on this. We were shocked too, especially since his pension from his old job DID prorate the final month. One thing I'd add to all the excellent advice here: if your ex was receiving Medicare, make sure your son asks specifically about any Medicare Part B or Part D premium refunds when he calls SSA. Sometimes there can be small refunds available that aren't automatically processed. It's not much, but every little bit helps with final expenses. Also, document the exact date your son reports the death to SSA - not just for overpayment protection, but because some financial institutions require proof of when government agencies were notified. We needed this information months later when settling accounts. The survivor benefits you might qualify for at 60 won't help now, but they could be substantial given your long marriage. Definitely mark that birthday on your calendar. Hang in there - this administrative maze does eventually end, even though it shouldn't be this complicated during such a painful time.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Theodore. Reading through this thread, it's clear that Social Security's no-prorating policy creates real hardship for families during an already devastating time. The fact that you have to worry about bureaucracy while grieving is just wrong. I lost my brother unexpectedly last March, and we ran into this same wall with SSA. He passed on the 11th, and learning that his "survival" for those 11 days meant nothing to Social Security was like a punch to the gut. Meanwhile, his mortgage company still wanted the full month's payment. A few practical things that helped us navigate the process: - When your son calls SSA, ask for the representative's name and employee ID for your records - Request a "Notice of Death" letter from SSA confirming they've processed the death report - If your ex had direct deposit, contact his bank immediately to alert them that SSA payments should be returned if any arrive after his death date The $255 death benefit is insulting compared to funeral costs, but definitely apply for it. Also, since others mentioned VA benefits - if your ex served, the VA offers burial allowances that are separate from Social Security and might be more substantial. This whole system needs reform. No family should have to become experts in government bureaucracy while they're mourning. I'm thinking of you during this difficult time.

just go in person its the only way to get anything done with these people trust me

I'm dealing with a similar situation as a newcomer to all this! My husband passed away 2 years ago and I'm approaching retirement age myself. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea about the BRIEF report or that Congressional representatives could help expedite requests. One thing I learned from a financial advisor is that if you're really stuck on timing, you might want to consider filing a protective application. This essentially holds your place in line for benefits while you're still gathering information. You can withdraw it later if needed, but it protects your filing date. Not sure if this applies to your specific situation, but might be worth asking about when you do get through to someone at SSA. The whole system really does seem designed to make us give up! But don't let them wear you down - you deserve to have all the information you need to make the best decision for your financial future.