I just went through this exact same process a few months ago and can totally relate to the anxiety! Filed my retirement application in early August and it sat on "processing" for what felt like forever. I called multiple times and got the same generic "still processing" response each time. Mine ended up taking about 8.5 weeks total, which the SSA rep said was actually pretty normal for summer/fall applications due to higher volume. What helped me was setting a reminder to check my MySocialSecurity account every morning with my coffee - that way I wasn't obsessively checking throughout the day. The good news is that once it finally switched to "approved" status online, I got my award letter in the mail within about 5 business days, and my first payment arrived exactly when they said it would. Since you filed in November for February benefits, you're actually ahead of schedule compared to most people. Try not to stress too much - 6 weeks is still well within their normal processing window, especially during the busy end-of-year period!

I'm new to this community and currently going through my first Social Security application process, so reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly valuable! I filed my retirement application about 3 weeks ago and was already starting to worry when I saw it just sitting on "processing" with no updates. It's so reassuring to learn that 6-8 weeks is completely normal, especially during this busy time of year. I had no idea there were so many verification steps happening behind the scenes - thank you especially to the retired SSA specialist who explained the whole process! I'm definitely going to start checking my MySocialSecurity account daily (but just once with my morning routine like someone suggested) instead of obsessing over it multiple times a day. And knowing that benefits are calculated from the filing date, not the approval date, takes away a lot of the financial anxiety. This community is such a great resource for navigating these government processes. Thanks to everyone who shared their timelines and advice - it really helps newcomers like me understand what to expect!

I just wanted to add some encouragement as someone who successfully changed from being in your exact situation. I was the custodial parent of two kids whose non-custodial father was receiving their auxiliary benefits while contributing nothing to their daily expenses. The process took about 2 months from filing SSA-11 to getting the benefits switched, but it was absolutely worth it. What really helped was keeping a detailed expense journal for about 3 weeks before filing - I tracked every single thing I spent on the kids, from groceries to gas for school pickup to doctor copays. This created a clear picture of who was actually supporting them financially. Also, don't be afraid to be very direct in your written statement about the financial hardship. I wrote something like "These benefits totaling $X per month should be helping with my children's rent, food, and clothing costs, but instead I'm struggling to afford their basic needs while their father uses this money for his own purposes." SSA responded much better to specific, concrete language than vague complaints. One practical tip: if you have trouble getting an appointment at your local office, try calling different field offices in your area. Some have better availability than others, and this is too important to wait weeks for an appointment. Good luck - you're going to win this!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this frustrating situation! As someone who just went through a very similar experience, I want you to know that you absolutely have the right to become the representative payee as the custodial parent. When I was in your shoes, what really helped was creating a comprehensive packet for my SSA-11 filing that included: detailed custody documentation, school enrollment records showing my address, medical records from appointments I took the kids to, and most importantly - a month-by-month expense breakdown showing exactly what I was spending on housing, food, clothing, and other necessities for the children. One thing I wish I'd known earlier is that you can request an expedited review if you can demonstrate immediate financial hardship affecting the children's wellbeing. Since you mentioned struggling with basic needs like winter clothes while your ex receives $1,850 monthly, definitely emphasize this urgency in your application. Also, document any evidence of your ex using the benefits inappropriately - social media posts about expensive purchases, text messages where he refuses to help with school costs, anything that shows the money isn't being used for the children's benefit. This really strengthened my case. The process took about 10 weeks for me, but it was absolutely worth it. Those benefits are meant to help support your kids where they actually live and receive daily care. Don't let your ex's potential pushback discourage you - you're advocating for your children's wellbeing and that's exactly what any good parent should do. You've got this!

I went through this exact scenario 3 years ago when I was 62 and still working. Like others mentioned, SSA definitely uses your W-2 Box 1 earnings, not AGI. What really helped me was creating a detailed spreadsheet to model different scenarios - full-time work vs. part-time vs. waiting until FRA. One thing I discovered that might help: if you can negotiate with your employer to defer some compensation (like bonuses or accumulated PTO payouts) until after you stop working or reach FRA, those payments won't count toward the earnings test since they're considered "special payments" for work done in prior years. Also, don't forget that once you reach FRA, any months where benefits were withheld due to the earnings test will be credited back to you through a higher monthly benefit for life. It's not lost money, just delayed. But in your case with $85k income, you'd probably be better off financially waiting until at least 66 to file. The math just doesn't work out favorably for high earners filing at 62.

This is such a valuable thread! I'm in a very similar situation - turning 62 next year and making around $75k while considering early filing. Reading through everyone's experiences has really opened my eyes to how the earnings test actually works. The distinction between W-2 Box 1 earnings vs AGI is crucial information that I don't think SSA makes clear enough on their website. Like the original poster, I was hoping my 401k contributions would help bring me under the earnings limit, but now I understand they're already factored into Box 1. One question for those who've been through this: has anyone had success negotiating a gradual reduction in work hours as they approach retirement? I'm wondering if transitioning from full-time to part-time over a year or two might be a way to bridge the gap between wanting some SS income and avoiding the harsh penalties of the earnings test. Also, for those who mentioned the withdrawal option (Form SSA-521) - is there any impact on your future benefits if you withdraw your application? I want to make sure there are no hidden consequences before I make my decision. Thanks to everyone for sharing their real-world experiences. This kind of practical advice is so much more helpful than trying to decipher the official SSA publications!

I'm so sorry for your loss, Dominique. This has been such an incredibly informative thread and I wanted to add one more practical tip that helped me when I was navigating survivor benefits. When you do visit the SSA office, consider asking them to walk you through the "break-even analysis" for your specific situation. This shows you at what age the total lifetime benefits become equal between different claiming strategies. In most cases like yours where the retirement benefit at 70 is higher than the survivor benefit, claiming survivor benefits early wins out significantly over a normal lifetime. I also wanted to mention that once you start receiving survivor benefits, you'll get an annual statement showing how your benefit amount has changed with COLAs, which helps you track exactly what you're receiving and plan for the future. The fact that an actual SSA employee confirmed all the advice here should give you complete confidence in moving forward. You've done your homework thoroughly and have a solid plan. The claiming strategy of taking survivor benefits now while maximizing your retirement benefit at 70 is exactly what financial planners recommend for situations like yours. You're handling this incredibly difficult situation with such thoughtfulness and care. Your husband would be proud of how well you're planning for your financial security. Best of luck with your SSA visit!

I'm so sorry for your loss, Dominique. This thread has been incredibly comprehensive and I wanted to add one final perspective that might be helpful as you prepare for your SSA visit. As someone who has helped family members navigate these decisions, I'd suggest creating a simple one-page summary of your key questions before you go to the office. Based on this discussion, your main points would be: 1) Confirm COLA increases will apply to survivor benefits during any delay period, 2) Get official benefit estimates for claiming survivor benefits now vs. waiting until 70, 3) Confirm the 6-month retroactivity limit, and 4) Request the break-even analysis showing lifetime benefit comparisons. Having these written down will help ensure you don't forget anything important in what can be an emotionally overwhelming appointment. It also shows the SSA representative that you've done your homework and helps them provide more focused assistance. The consensus from everyone here - including the actual SSA employee who confirmed the advice - is crystal clear: claim your survivor benefits now while letting your retirement benefit grow until 70. You'll maximize your lifetime benefits while not missing out on years of payments you're entitled to receive. You've approached this decision with such careful thought and research. Your preparation and the support from this community should give you complete confidence as you move forward. Wishing you all the best with your appointment!

Just wanted to add one more important detail that might help with your planning - when SSA does the automatic recalculation after you work past FRA, they'll send you a notice called a "Social Security Benefit Adjustment Notice" explaining the change. Keep an eye out for it in your mail because it shows exactly how much your benefit increased and which earnings years were replaced. I saved mine because it's helpful documentation for tax planning. Also, if you're married and your spouse will receive spousal benefits based on your record, their benefit will increase proportionally too when your PIA (Primary Insurance Amount) goes up from the recalculation. Good luck with your strategy - it sounds like you're making all the right moves!

This thread has been incredibly informative! As someone who's 64 and planning a similar strategy, I wanted to share what I learned from my SSA appointment last month. The representative confirmed everything mentioned here - earnings continue counting toward your 35 highest years throughout your entire working life, not just until FRA. One thing that might help others: I asked specifically about the timing of recalculations, and they told me SSA typically processes these adjustments between October and December of the year after you earn the income. So if you work through 2025, expect any benefit increase to show up in late 2026. Also, for anyone worried about the website issues mentioned - you can request a paper Social Security Statement by calling 1-800-772-1213. It takes about 2-3 weeks to arrive but shows all your earnings history so you can verify everything is accurate before making your claiming decision. Thanks to everyone who shared their real experiences - it's so much more helpful than trying to decode the official SSA publications!