Thank you everyone for all this helpful information! I'm going to try to set up an appointment with SSA to discuss our specific situation. The Medicaid considerations are especially important since my son uses several Medicaid-funded services. It sounds like I should:1. Apply for both DAC and CIC benefits at the same time2. Check with our state Medicaid office about continued eligibility under DAC3. Understand that my son's benefits get priority before mine4. Know that applying for CIC now won't affect my future retirement/spousal benefitsI really appreciate all of you taking time to help me understand this complicated system!

You've got a great plan laid out! Just wanted to add one more thing that might help - when you go to your SSA appointment, bring documentation showing you're your son's caregiver (medical records, care plans, etc.) and ask them to run the exact calculations for your family's situation. They can tell you the precise family maximum amount and how the benefits would be distributed between DAC and CIC. Also, definitely contact your state Medicaid office BEFORE making any changes. Some states have "Medicaid buy-in" programs for disabled individuals who lose SSI eligibility due to other income, but the rules vary widely by state. You want to make sure there won't be any gaps in his healthcare coverage during the transition. Good luck with everything! This system is incredibly complex, but it sounds like you're asking all the right questions.

One important detail I haven't seen mentioned yet - make sure you understand how the suspension process actually works administratively. When you call SSA to suspend at FRA, they'll ask you to confirm the effective date, and there can be some timing nuances. If you suspend mid-month, you might still receive that month's payment depending on when in the month you make the request. Also, keep documentation of your suspension request (date, representative name, confirmation number if given) because SSA's record-keeping isn't always perfect. I've heard of cases where people thought they suspended but payments continued, or vice versa. Given that you're planning a complex 8-year strategy here, having that paper trail will be crucial if any disputes arise later. The whole plan sounds solid though - just make sure the administrative execution matches your financial planning!

As someone new to Social Security planning, this entire discussion has been incredibly eye-opening! I'm 58 and starting to think about my own strategy, and there are so many nuances I never would have considered. The clarification about pre-tax 401k contributions not counting toward the earnings test is huge - that's not something you easily find explained clearly on the SSA website. I'm also fascinated by the suspension strategy discussion. While it's clear the early filing penalty is permanent, it sounds like there are still meaningful ways to optimize benefits over time, especially when combined with strategic work planning to replace low-earning years. The administrative details about documentation and timing that folks have shared are equally valuable. One question I have - for those who've actually gone through this process, how far in advance of your FRA should you start preparing for the suspension? Do you need to give SSA notice, or can you just call them on your 67th birthday? Thanks to everyone for sharing such detailed real-world experiences!

I'm so sorry to hear about your wife's diagnosis and what your family is facing during this incredibly difficult time. As someone new to this community, I've been reading through all the thoughtful and detailed responses here, and I'm amazed by the wealth of knowledge and genuine care everyone has shared. I wanted to add something that might be helpful - when you do schedule your appointment with SSA, consider asking if they can schedule it for earlier in the day or first thing in the morning if possible. From what I've heard from others who've dealt with SSA offices, the staff tends to be less rushed and more thorough earlier in the day, which could be really beneficial when you're dealing with something as important and potentially complex as a DAC benefit conversion. Also, since you mentioned your son has Down syndrome and this income is critical for his care, you might want to ask SSA about setting up automatic notifications or alerts on his account. Some offices can flag accounts to notify you of any changes or issues that might affect his benefits, which could give you peace of mind knowing you'll be informed if anything needs attention. Your dedication to planning ahead and ensuring your son's care continues seamlessly shows what an incredible father you are. The fact that you're handling all of this while also caring for your wife during her illness demonstrates remarkable strength. This community clearly has your back with all the detailed guidance they've provided. Sending you and your family thoughts of strength and peace during this challenging journey.

I'm so deeply sorry to hear about your wife's diagnosis and what your family is going through right now. As a newcomer to this community, I've been reading through all the incredibly detailed and compassionate responses here, and I'm truly amazed by the knowledge and support everyone has shared with you. I wanted to add one small thing that might be helpful during this process. When you do visit the SSA office to handle the benefit conversion, consider bringing a simple one-page summary that outlines your son's current situation - his name, SSN, current benefit amount, your wife's name and SSN, and the key dates (when he started receiving DAC benefits, etc.). Having this information clearly written out can help ensure the SSA representative has all the essential details right away and can also serve as a reference for you if you're feeling overwhelmed during the appointment. Also, since you mentioned the conflicting information you received from different SSA staff members, you might want to ask whoever handles your case to note in your son's file exactly what was discussed and what steps were taken. This creates a paper trail that future representatives can reference if you need to follow up or if there are any questions about the process. Your careful preparation and the love you're showing for your son during this incredibly difficult time is truly admirable. From all the responses here, it's clear you have a solid roadmap for moving forward. This community has your back, and I'm sending you and your family strength and peace during this challenging journey.

also dont forget they only count WAGES and SELF-EMPLOYMENT toward the limit!! investment income, pensions, etc DONT count against the earnings test. that really helped me maximize my survivors check

Just wanted to add one more important point that might help you plan better - Social Security also has what's called a "grace year" provision. In the year you reach Full Retirement Age, the earnings limit is much higher (around $59,520 for 2025) and they only count earnings BEFORE the month you reach FRA. Plus, the penalty is reduced to $1 withheld for every $3 over the limit instead of $1 for every $2. So if you're turning 67 in 2025 or 2026, that could make a big difference in your planning. Also, any benefits they withhold due to excess earnings aren't lost forever - they recalculate your benefit at FRA to give you credit for the months they withheld, which increases your monthly payment going forward.

I'm dealing with almost the exact same timeline as you! Applied in early December with a February 1st start date, and my application has been stuck showing "processing" for over 8 weeks now. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been both reassuring and frustrating - it's clear the SSA is completely overwhelmed right now. I'm encouraged by your successful outcome and the advice about calling the local office directly rather than the national number. Like others have mentioned, I've been hesitant to call because I thought I might be bothering them, but it sounds like being proactive is actually necessary to get any real information. The fact that applications can be approved while still showing "processing" online is something I wish SSA would communicate better. I'm definitely going to try calling my local office this week. Thanks for sharing your journey - it gives those of us still waiting some hope that persistence pays off!

I'm new to this community but have been following this thread closely as I'm experiencing a very similar situation. Applied for my retirement benefits in mid-December with a February start date, and like many of you, I'm still stuck at "processing" status with no communication from SSA. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been both comforting and concerning - it's clear this isn't an isolated issue but rather a systemic problem with processing times. What really resonates with me is how the lack of transparency in their tracking system creates so much unnecessary anxiety. The fact that applications can be approved while still showing "processing" online seems like a major communication failure on their part. I'm encouraged by Emma's success story and the practical advice about calling local offices directly rather than the national number. It sounds like being proactive rather than passively waiting is essential in this system. I'm planning to call my local office next week - hopefully I'll have a positive update to share soon. Thanks to everyone for creating such a supportive space to share these frustrating experiences!