Thanks everyone for the helpful answers! I called Social Security using the Claimyr service that someone recommended, and it really did get me through quickly! The representative explained that since this is my first year on benefits, I can use the monthly test for the rest of 2025. That's perfect because I can limit my hours to stay under $1,770 each month, even during holiday seasons when I usually work more. Then next year I'll need to watch my annual total instead. They also told me that if I do go over, they don't immediately take money back - they adjust future payments. And the part about getting credited back after I reach full retirement age was news to me! Makes the whole system seem more fair. Thanks again for all the advice!

I'm glad you got through to SSA and got clarity on your situation! That monthly test for the first year is really helpful for people with variable income. Just wanted to add one more thing - make sure to keep good records of your monthly earnings throughout the year. Even though you're using the monthly test, SSA may still want documentation if there are any questions later. I keep a simple spreadsheet with my hours and gross pay each month, plus copies of all my paystubs. It's saved me headaches during reviews. Good luck with managing your seasonal work schedule!

Daniel, I've been through a very similar situation and want to share what finally worked for me. The death certificate roadblock is incredibly common - SSA has the information but still demands documentation they already possess. Here's what broke through for me: When you call SSA, immediately ask for a "Claims Authorization Representative" and explain that you need to discuss "potential auxiliary benefits on a deceased number holder's record." Use those exact terms - it signals to the system that this is a complex benefits determination, not a simple inquiry. Also mention upfront that "benefits were previously awarded to minor children on this record following the number holder's death in 2012." This creates a paper trail they can follow in their system without requiring external documentation. For the survivor vs. retirement benefit decision, you have a huge advantage being divorced after 19 years. You can potentially use a "claim and switch" strategy: take reduced survivor benefits starting at 60, then switch to your own maximum retirement benefit at 70 if it's higher. This is one of the few scenarios where you can actually optimize both benefits. One often-overlooked point: if you do qualify for survivor benefits, they're calculated differently than spousal benefits and aren't subject to the Government Pension Offset if that applies to your situation. The February appointment is unacceptable given that this should be a straightforward records review. Keep pushing for an earlier date or phone consultation - they often have cancellations that open up sooner slots.

Daniel, I'm really sorry you're dealing with this bureaucratic mess! The death certificate situation is absolutely ridiculous when SSA clearly already has this information in their system. One thing that might help speed up the process: when you call back, try mentioning that you need to discuss "divorced spouse survivor benefits under Section 202(e) of the Social Security Act." Using the specific legal citation sometimes gets you transferred to more knowledgeable representatives who understand these complex cases. Also, since you mentioned your kids received benefits on his record after his death, you might want to have one of their Social Security numbers handy when you call. The rep can look up the family benefit history and see that death benefits were already processed and paid out on your ex-husband's record - that's ironclad proof they have the death information. For what it's worth, you're in a really good position benefits-wise. Being married 19 years gives you strong claim rights, and the fact that you never remarried keeps all your options open. The earnings limit clarification is also huge - having your pension and deferred comp not count toward the limit makes early retirement much more viable. Hang in there - this is definitely solvable, just frustratingly bureaucratic!

This whole thread has been incredibly helpful as someone who's completely new to Social Security benefits! I just started receiving SSDI a few months ago and honestly would have been terrified if I got an unexpected deposit like this. It's amazing how common these mystery payments seem to be based on everyone's experiences here. The fact that the SSA does all these background recalculations and adjustments but provides little to no upfront communication about them seems like such a major oversight in their system. I'm definitely saving this thread for future reference and will remember the key advice: document everything, call to verify before spending, and consider visiting a local office if phone wait times are impossible. Thanks to everyone for sharing their real experiences - it makes navigating this complex system feel much less intimidating!

As someone brand new to this community and Social Security benefits, I can't thank everyone enough for sharing their experiences with these mystery deposits! I literally just applied for benefits last week and had no idea these surprise adjustments were even a thing. Reading through everyone's stories - especially how @Connor Murphy's situation resolved with a legitimate retroactive adjustment - has been incredibly educational. It's both reassuring and frustrating to learn that these payments are routine but so poorly communicated by the SSA. I'm definitely bookmarking this thread and will remember the key advice: document everything, call to verify, and don't panic! This community seems like such a valuable resource for navigating what can be a really confusing system.

As someone who just went through this process myself, I wanted to add one more perspective that might be helpful. My wife's FRA was also January (2025), and we discovered that the Social Security Administration actually recommends applying about 3 months BEFORE you want your benefits to start to avoid any processing delays. So for January 2026 benefits, definitely submit that application by October 2025 at the latest. Also, don't forget that once your husband reaches his FRA and starts collecting benefits, he can actually continue working if he wants to without any earnings penalty - unlike if you claim early. This gives you even more flexibility in your retirement planning. The earnings test disappears once you hit FRA, so if he wants to do some part-time work or consulting after "retirement," it won't affect his Social Security payments at all. The bottom line everyone's been telling you is absolutely correct: he can stop working December 31st, 2025 (or any day before that) and still receive 100% of his benefit starting January 2026. The timing of when you stop working and when you claim benefits are two completely separate decisions!

I'm so glad you asked this question because I was literally wondering the same thing about my own situation! My FRA is coming up in a few months and I've been stressing about whether I need to work right up until that exact month. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly enlightening - it sounds like the consensus is that you can stop working well before your FRA month and still get full benefits as long as you wait to file until you reach FRA. The distinction between stopping work and claiming benefits seems to be the key thing that trips everyone up (myself included!). Thanks for posting this and getting such detailed answers from everyone - you've helped more people than just yourself!

Just to summarize everything for others who might have similar questions: Your pension absolutely does NOT count toward the Social Security earnings limit - only wages and self-employment income count. At $16,000/year from part-time work, you're well under the 2025 limit of $22,680. However, do keep in mind a few things: 1) Your pension WILL count toward determining if your SS benefits are taxable (up to 85% can be taxed), 2) Check if WEP/GPO applies to your state pension as that could reduce your SS benefit amount, and 3) Consider the tax withholding options when you apply. Sounds like you're in good shape to start collecting in June!

Great question! I'm approaching 65 myself and had similar concerns. Just wanted to add that it's worth double-checking with SSA about your specific state pension to make sure WEP doesn't apply. Some state employees paid into Social Security for part of their career and some didn't, which affects whether WEP reduces your benefits. You can use the WEP calculator on the SSA website to get an estimate. Also, since you mentioned your FRA is 66 and 10 months, you might want to run the numbers on waiting vs. taking benefits early - the monthly reduction for taking at 65 instead of FRA could be significant over your lifetime. But sounds like you've got the earnings limit part figured out thanks to everyone's great advice!