After seeing your responses, I want to add: when you call back, specifically request to speak with someone in the SSI department who specializes in childhood disability claims. General representatives sometimes don't have specific training on these cases. For the expedited installment exception (to get the full backpay for medical equipment), you'll need: 1. Form SSA-5002 completed 2. Doctor's letter specifically stating what equipment is needed and why it's urgent 3. Cost estimate/invoice for the equipment 4. Statement explaining the hardship of waiting for installments Keep detailed notes of all conversations including the date, time, representative's name, and what was discussed. This documentation will be invaluable if there are further issues.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this confusion - unfortunately it's way too common with SSA representatives giving incorrect information. Just wanted to add that when you do call back, you might also want to ask about the "presumptive disability" rules that can sometimes apply to children. If your granddaughter's condition qualifies, you might be entitled to benefits going back even further than the application date (up to 3 months prior). Also, regarding the medical equipment - document EVERYTHING about what she needs and why the delays are harmful to her development/health. The more medical documentation you have showing urgency, the stronger your case for getting the full backpay amount upfront rather than in installments. Some conditions qualify for "compassionate allowances" which can expedite the whole process. You're doing an amazing job advocating for her - don't let one misinformed rep discourage you from getting what she's entitled to!

I'm dealing with this exact same frustrating situation right now! Filed my retirement application two weeks ago and was completely blindsided when they told me about the payment delay. Like so many others here, I had no clue about the month-behind payment system and was counting on that income to start right away. What's really frustrating is that I spent months researching Social Security benefits online, read through tons of their materials, and this critical timing information was nowhere to be found in anything that was easy to access. You'd think something that affects literally every single retirement applicant would be explained more clearly! I've had to completely rearrange my budget for the next 6 weeks and dip into my emergency fund to cover the gap. At least reading through everyone's experiences here makes me feel less alone in being caught off guard by this. Definitely going to set up my online account to track the payment status and get that exact payment date. Thanks to everyone for sharing - it's so helpful to know this is completely normal even though it feels anything but normal when you're going through it!

I'm so glad I found this discussion! I'm planning to file for my retirement benefits in the next couple of months and had no idea about this payment delay situation. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly valuable - it's clear that SSA really needs to do a better job communicating this timeline upfront. The fact that so many people are getting caught off guard by the same issue shows this is a systemic communication problem, not just individual confusion. I'm definitely going to build this 6-week gap into my retirement budget planning now. Does anyone have tips on the best questions to ask during the application call to make sure I get all the timing details straight? I want to go in fully prepared so I don't end up scrambling like some of you had to. Thanks for sharing your experiences - this is exactly the kind of real-world information that should be easily available but apparently isn't!

One additional point that might be helpful - if you're concerned about being near a bend point, you can actually estimate the impact of your additional earnings before the year ends. Log into your my Social Security account and look at your earnings record to see what your lowest earning year is among your highest 35 years. If your 2025 total earnings (including the $42k from July-December) would be higher than that lowest year when adjusted for wage inflation, then you'll definitely see a benefit increase. The Social Security Administration has bend point calculators available, though they can be a bit complex to use. But given that you're specifically mentioning being near a bend point, that extra $42k could potentially push you into a higher benefit calculation tier, which would be even more beneficial than a simple year replacement.

I just wanted to add one more practical tip that helped me when I was in a similar situation. Since you're planning to file in June but continue working through December, make sure to keep detailed records of your monthly earnings after you start receiving benefits. While the recalculation happens automatically, having your own records can be helpful if you need to follow up with SSA or if there are any discrepancies in their calculations. Also, don't be surprised if you don't see the benefit increase right away - from what I've experienced and read here, it typically takes until the following spring for the adjustments to show up in your payments. The wait can be nerve-wracking, but it's just part of their standard processing timeline. Your situation sounds very similar to mine from a few years ago, and it definitely worked out well in the end!

To answer your follow-up question about documentation - yes, you should also include proof of your current marriage even if you're taking widow's benefits from your first husband. Here's why: SSA needs to verify that you remarried after age 60, which preserves your eligibility for widow's benefits. Without proof of when your current marriage occurred, they might incorrectly assume you're ineligible for the first husband's benefits. This is especially important in cases involving both GPO and multiple potential benefit sources. The more complete your documentation is upfront, the less likely you'll face delays or incorrect determinations.

I'm in a similar boat with the GPO mess! Worked for the state for 30 years and couldn't get my late husband's benefits even though I paid into SS for 15 years before switching to government work. One thing I learned from my local SSA office visit last week - they said to NOT file any new applications right now because it could mess up your existing file. Since you already have an approved application from 2019, you're in good shape. They'll just need to recalculate your benefit amount without the GPO offset. The agent told me they're expecting to start processing GPO adjustments in batches starting around May, with payments potentially beginning in June. She said people with existing approved applications (like you) will likely be processed first before new applicants. Also heard from someone at my retirement group that the retroactive payments might go back to January 2025 when the law took effect, but that's not confirmed yet. Cross your fingers! Hang in there - we've waited this long, we can wait a few more months to finally get what we deserve!

Just to add one more important consideration - taxes. Survivor benefits are potentially taxable depending on your other income. If your provisional income (adjusted gross income + nontaxable interest + 1/2 of Social Security benefits) exceeds certain thresholds, up to 85% of your benefits may be taxable. With your strategy of claiming survivor benefits now and switching to your own at 70, consider how your income might change over time and whether it makes sense to have additional tax withholding from your benefit payments. Form W-4V allows you to request voluntary withholding from Social Security.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Yara. What you're going through is unfortunately very common - the SSA system is complex and they don't do a great job of proactive outreach to eligible survivors. A few additional points that might help: **On retroactive benefits:** When you apply, specifically ask about "protective filing date" - sometimes if you made any inquiry about survivor benefits (even a phone call where you asked questions), that date can be used to extend your retroactive period slightly beyond the standard 6 months. **Documentation to bring:** In addition to what others mentioned, bring your husband's most recent Social Security statement if you have it, and any Form 1099-SSA from his benefits. This will help them calculate your exact benefit amount more quickly. **Local office vs phone:** Definitely go in person if possible. The representatives there have more tools and authority to resolve complex situations. Call ahead to make an appointment - walk-ins can mean very long waits. **One thing to verify:** Make sure to confirm whether your survivor benefit will be reduced for early claiming. Since you're past 60, you might be eligible for an unreduced survivor benefit depending on your full retirement age. The strategy of taking survivor benefits now and switching to your own at 70 is solid if your projected age-70 benefit will be higher. Don't let anyone pressure you into claiming your own benefits early - those delayed retirement credits are valuable! You've got this. It's overwhelming now, but once you get through the application process, you'll have clarity on your situation.