Just wanted to update - I called SSA back and specifically asked for a Technical Expert. Had to wait 2 days for a callback, but finally spoke with someone who confirmed what several people here said! After SSDI converts to retirement at FRA, my wife CAN suspend to earn delayed credits until 70. The first representative was completely wrong about having to pay back all disability benefits. They didn't even understand the question correctly. The Technical Expert explained that once benefits convert to retirement, they follow retirement rules, which include voluntary suspension. Thanks everyone for the help! We'll be using this strategy to increase her lifetime benefits.

This is such valuable information! I'm a newcomer to this community and this thread has been incredibly helpful. I'm in a similar situation - my spouse has been on SSDI for about 8 years and will reach FRA in two years. I had no idea that suspension after conversion was even possible. The local SSA office told us the same thing about automatic conversion with no options, but clearly we need to speak with a Technical Expert who actually understands these rules. One question for those who've gone through this - is there any paperwork or documentation you'd recommend keeping during the conversion process? I want to make sure we're prepared when the time comes to request suspension for delayed credits. Thank you all for sharing your experiences and knowledge!

I'm new to this community and in a very similar situation! I claimed at 62 in November 2024 after working full-time for the first 10 months of the year, and like everyone else here, I've been carefully tracking my part-time earnings to stay under the monthly limits since claiming. This entire thread has been absolutely amazing for understanding the AERO process - I honestly had no idea any of this was automatic! I was starting to stress about whether I needed to contact SSA directly or file additional forms to get credit for those pre-claiming earnings. Reading everyone's detailed experiences has been such a relief. The October 2025 timeline makes perfect sense now that it's been explained how SSA needs all the W-2 data from employers first. And learning about the retroactive payments back to January 2025 is incredible - I had no clue about that aspect at all! What gives me the most hope is hearing from people who had lower-earning years earlier in their careers that got replaced. I definitely have a few years from when I was starting out and later when I took time off to care for my aging mother, so I'm really optimistic that my 2024 wages will bump up my calculation meaningfully. The advice about keeping detailed records and monitoring the online SSA account is so practical. I just created my ssa.gov account last week but haven't really used it yet - clearly I need to start checking it regularly to make sure my 2024 earnings show up correctly. Thanks to everyone who shared their real-world experiences and advice. This community has made what seemed like such a confusing, overwhelming process much more understandable. It's so reassuring to know we're all going through this together!

I'm new to this community and facing the exact same situation! I claimed at 62 in October 2024 after working full-time for the first 9 months of the year, and I've been so worried about whether those earnings would count toward my benefit calculation. This thread has been absolutely incredible - I had no idea about the AERO process being automatic! I was starting to panic thinking I'd need to call SSA (those wait times sound horrific) or file special paperwork. Learning that it happens automatically in October 2025 with retroactive payments back to January is such a huge relief. What's particularly encouraging is seeing how many people had similar situations with lower-earning years earlier in their careers. I definitely have a few years from when I was just starting out and later when I took extended time off for family caregiving, so I'm cautiously optimistic my 2024 wages will replace at least one of those and give me a meaningful increase. The practical advice about keeping detailed records and regularly checking the online SSA account is invaluable. I just set up my ssa.gov account but haven't really explored it - clearly that needs to be my next priority to monitor when my 2024 earnings get recorded properly. Thanks to everyone for sharing such detailed real-world experiences. This community has transformed what seemed like an overwhelming, mysterious process into something much more manageable and understandable!

I'm so sorry for your loss, Lindsey. Navigating Social Security decisions during such a difficult time is incredibly overwhelming. I wanted to share something that might help while you're trying to reach SSA - you can create an account on ssa.gov and access your Social Security Statement online, which will show your estimated benefits at different claiming ages. While it won't give you the exact survivor benefit calculations (since that requires your husband's record), it will at least show you what your own retirement benefit would look like at age 70. One thing I learned from my own experience with widow benefits is that timing really matters with the earnings test. If you're planning to work part-time and your income will be close to that $22,320 limit, you might want to consider the timing of when you claim and when you earn that income within the calendar year. Sometimes it's worth adjusting work schedules around benefit claiming to minimize the earnings test impact. Also, don't feel pressured to make this decision immediately when you turn 60. You have flexibility in when you file for survivor benefits - you don't have to claim them the moment you're eligible. Taking a few extra months to get solid information and run the numbers might be worth it for such an important long-term decision. The strategy you're considering is definitely used successfully by many widows, but as everyone has emphasized, the math really depends on your specific situation. Hang in there - you'll figure this out!

I'm so sorry for your loss, Lindsey. Having gone through a similar situation myself, I understand how overwhelming it can be to make these important financial decisions during such a difficult time. One additional resource that might be helpful while you're trying to connect with SSA is your local Social Security office. Sometimes it's easier to schedule an in-person appointment than to get through on the phone. You can find your local office on ssa.gov and many allow you to schedule appointments online now. Also, I wanted to mention something about the strategy you're considering - make sure you understand that if you do switch from survivor benefits to your own retirement benefit at 70, you can't switch back. Once you make that change, you're locked into whichever benefit you choose. So it's really important to be absolutely certain that your own benefit at 70 will indeed be higher than your survivor benefit. The good news is that this strategy has helped many widows maximize their lifetime benefits. Just take your time getting all the information you need to make the best decision for your specific situation. You don't have to rush into anything right when you turn 60. Thinking of you during this challenging time!

One important thing - if you're under Full Retirement Age and still working, make sure to discuss the earnings limit with them ($22,320 for 2025). If you earn over that limit, they'll reduce your survivor benefits by $1 for every $2 you earn above the limit. They should cover this in the appointment, but if they don't, make sure to ask about it specifically if it applies to your situation.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Sofia. I went through this exact same situation about 8 months ago when my mom passed away. The appointment letter wording is confusing, but everyone here is right - they handle both the lump sum AND the monthly survivor benefits in the same visit. One thing I'd add to the great advice already given: if you're feeling overwhelmed during the appointment (which is totally normal), don't hesitate to ask them to slow down or repeat something. The SSA representative I worked with was very patient and understanding about the emotional state I was in. They're used to dealing with people who are grieving and trying to process a lot of information at once. Also, if possible, consider bringing a trusted friend or family member with you for support and as a second set of ears. Sometimes having someone else there to help remember details can be really helpful. Take care of yourself during this difficult time.

As someone who just went through this process myself, I can confirm what others have said - SSA counts wages when earned, not when paid. I retired in February but got my last paycheck in March, and it counted for February earnings. One thing I'd add that might help - when you call to report your estimated earnings for 2025, ask them to send you a written confirmation of what they have on file. I learned this the hard way when there was a discrepancy later and having that documentation saved me weeks of back-and-forth. Also, since you're planning to work part-time after April, consider asking SSA about the "special monthly test" for your first year of retirement. It can be really helpful if you have any months where you earn less than the monthly limit, even if your total yearly earnings would put you over the annual limit. Good luck with your transition to retirement!

This has been such a helpful thread! As someone who's been navigating Social Security for a few years now, I wanted to add one more tip that might be useful for anyone taking benefits before FRA. If you're planning to work part-time after starting benefits, consider setting up a my Social Security account online at ssa.gov if you haven't already. You can report changes in your work status and estimated earnings through the portal, which is often faster than calling. Plus, you can download copies of all your correspondence with SSA, which gives you that paper trail everyone's been talking about. Also, the online account shows your payment history and any adjustments, so you can catch discrepancies early rather than waiting for an annual notice. It's been a lifesaver for me in staying on top of everything! The special monthly test information shared here is gold - I wish I had known about that when I first retired. It really can make a huge difference in that first year.