I've been through this exact process! I'm 62 and just started collecting benefits last year. My actual benefit amount was within about $75 of what the SSA calculator predicted when I was your age (57). The key things that helped me get accurate estimates were: 1) Regularly checking my earnings record on ssa.gov for errors (found two mistakes over the years), 2) Being realistic about future earnings - I used the detailed calculator and input my actual expected salary changes, and 3) Understanding that the estimates assume you'll work until your stated retirement age with similar earnings. One surprise I wasn't prepared for: even though my benefit amount was accurate, the taxes on Social Security were higher than I expected. The SSA calculators don't factor in federal or state taxes on your benefits, which can be significant depending on your other retirement income. Might be worth running some tax projections alongside the benefit estimates. Also, since you're 57, you still have 10 years to really fine-tune these numbers. Small changes in your earnings or retirement date can make a meaningful difference in your final benefit amount.

I'm in a similar situation at 59 and have been watching my estimates closely for the past few years. From what I've learned, the accuracy really comes down to how predictable your remaining work years are. One thing I discovered that might help - the SSA website has a feature where you can create "what if" scenarios with different future earnings assumptions. I found this super helpful because I'm planning to reduce my hours in my early 60s. When I plugged in more realistic earnings projections (accounting for working part-time), my estimate dropped by about $200/month compared to the default assumption. Also, don't forget that the estimates are in today's dollars, not future dollars. So while your actual benefit will be higher due to cost-of-living adjustments over the next 10 years, the purchasing power should be roughly equivalent to what the calculator shows now. I'd recommend running the numbers with a few different scenarios - continuing at your current salary, reducing hours, or even stopping work a year or two early. It really helped me understand how sensitive the calculations are to those final working years.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Dmitry. It sounds like you've navigated this incredibly difficult process with remarkable grace and thoroughness. As someone who works with families going through similar situations, I want to commend you for being so proactive in handling all these details while grieving. One thing I'd add to all the excellent advice you've received - consider keeping a simple timeline document of all the actions you've taken (reporting the death, applying for benefits, bank notifications, etc.) with dates and reference numbers. This can be incredibly helpful not just for your own records, but if you need to help other family members understand what's been done or if any questions arise months down the road. Also, while you're waiting for the death benefit decision, don't hesitate to call SSA if you have any other questions or if your situation changes in any way. You've clearly established a good working relationship with them, and they're there to help during this transition period. Wishing you peace as you continue to handle your mother's affairs and process your grief.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Dmitry. Reading through this thread, I'm really impressed by how thoroughly and thoughtfully you've handled such a complex situation during an incredibly difficult time. The community here has provided excellent guidance, and it's clear you've taken all the right steps. One additional point I wanted to mention - since you mentioned your mother was on Medicaid in a nursing home, you might want to keep detailed records of the Social Security payment reclaim when it happens. Sometimes state Medicaid agencies need documentation of these transactions for their own record-keeping, especially if there are any estate recovery proceedings later on. Having that paper trail could save you headaches down the road. Also, regarding joint bank accounts and Medicaid estate recovery - each state has different rules about how they handle jointly-owned assets, so definitely follow up with your state's Medicaid office as others have suggested. Some states have lookback periods or exemptions that might apply to your situation. You've really done everything right, and I hope the lump sum death benefit comes through quickly for you. Take care of yourself during this difficult time.

One additional thing to consider - if you received retroactive survivors benefits while also receiving another type of benefit (like retirement on your own record), there might be an offset calculation happening too. Also, I'd recommend checking if the $13,358.20 figure includes any amount they might have withheld for potential tax liability. For larger backpay amounts, SSA sometimes withholds 10% for federal taxes unless you specifically requested otherwise. When you call, ask for a "MACADE" printout (Master Beneficiary Record Computer Access Data Extract) which shows all payment calculations and adjustments. Most representatives don't offer this unless specifically requested.

This is a really comprehensive discussion! As someone new to survivor benefits, I'm finding all these document names and potential reasons for discrepancies incredibly helpful. One thing I'd add - when you do call SSA, ask them to send you a written explanation of the calculation along with whatever documents people have mentioned. Having it in writing protects you if there are future disputes about overpayments. Also, if you're not satisfied with the first representative's explanation, don't hesitate to call back and speak with someone else. Sometimes different reps have different levels of knowledge about the more complex calculation issues that can affect survivor benefits. Good luck getting this sorted out - it sounds like you're being very proactive about understanding the numbers, which is exactly the right approach!

Great question! I went through a similar situation last year. Your previous marriage shouldn't create any major roadblocks, but I'd recommend gathering all your documentation now to avoid delays. Here's what I needed: - Current marriage certificate (certified copy) - Divorce decree from previous marriage - Birth certificate - Social Security cards for both you and your husband The SSA representative told me they need the divorce decree to verify your previous marriage was legally terminated before your current one began. It's just standard procedure for anyone with prior marriages. One thing that helped me - I called ahead and asked exactly which documents to bring. This saved me a second trip. Also, some local SSA offices are much less busy than others, so it might be worth calling a few locations to see which has the shortest wait times. Since you're planning ahead, you're already in great shape! Most complications happen when people wait until the last minute and can't find their paperwork.

I'm in a very similar situation! I was married for 8 years in my twenties, divorced for over 25 years now, and have been married to my current husband for 28 years. I've been researching this too because my FRA is coming up in about 18 months. From what I've gathered reading through all these responses, it sounds like the key things are: 1. Get both your current marriage certificate AND divorce decree ready 2. Apply 3-4 months before you want benefits to start 3. Make copies of everything before submitting 4. Consider calling different SSA offices to find one with shorter wait times I'm definitely going to start hunting for my divorce papers now rather than waiting! Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this thread has been incredibly helpful for planning ahead. One question for those who've been through this - did any of you have trouble if your ex-husband had remarried? Mine did remarry years ago and I'm wondering if that affects anything on the SSA's end when they're verifying the divorce.

I'm new to this community and wanted to say how incredibly helpful and comprehensive this discussion has been! As someone who may need to navigate similar Social Security benefit questions in the future, reading through all these detailed responses has been so educational. What really impresses me is the consistency across all the responses - from people with direct experience to those with professional expertise. Your Airbnb situation clearly meets all the criteria for passive rental income: minimal services, basic cleaning only between guest stays, limited interaction, and neighbor assistance with maintenance. This distinguishes it completely from self-employment or hotel-like operations. The success stories from community members like Marilyn and Natasha, who actually received written confirmation from SSA about nearly identical situations, really demonstrate the value of getting official documentation. The suggestion to mention Schedule E tax reporting versus Schedule C is particularly smart for reinforcing the rental income classification. It's also really touching to see how this type of income is helping people maintain financial stability during such a difficult life transition. Your tiny house investment sounds like it's providing exactly the kind of financial security that can make all the difference while staying completely within Social Security rules. Thank you for asking such an important question that's clearly helped so many people in similar circumstances. This thread is going to be an invaluable resource for anyone dealing with survivors benefits and rental income questions!

I'm so sorry for your loss, and I think it's wonderful that you're being so proactive about understanding how your Airbnb income might affect your survivors benefits. Based on everything you've described, you should be in great shape! Your situation - basic cleaning between guests, responding to messages, minimal maintenance with neighbor help - sounds exactly like what Social Security considers passive rental income rather than self-employment. The key distinction is that you're not providing "substantial services" like daily housekeeping, meals, or other hotel-like amenities during guests' stays. I'd definitely recommend following the excellent advice others have shared about getting written confirmation from SSA about your specific situation. Given the horror stories about inconsistent phone support, having official documentation seems crucial. When you contact them, be sure to emphasize that you only clean between bookings (not during stays) and that your involvement is minimal. Your tiny house sounds like such a smart investment - generating $1,200-1,500/month in additional income while staying within Social Security rules is exactly the kind of financial stability that can make all the difference during this difficult transition. The fact that you built it together with your husband makes it even more meaningful that it's now helping provide for your future. Keep good records of your activities, get that written confirmation for peace of mind, and you should be all set. Wishing you the best as you navigate this new chapter!