yep keep ALL the paperwork! my sister had to show proof like 3 different times cuz they kept losing it or something

This is such a helpful thread! I'm dealing with a similar situation but with one key difference - my disabled adult child is already 25 and has never been on SSI because our income was too high when he turned 18. Will he still be eligible for DAC benefits on my record when I file for retirement? I've heard conflicting information about whether there's an age limit or if prior SSI receipt is required. Also wondering if the timing of when I file matters - should I wait until my FRA to maximize his benefit, or does it not matter since DAC is based on my PIA regardless?

I really appreciate everyone's insights here! I'm feeling much more confident about what will happen when Dad files next month. I'll definitely make sure we keep documentation of everything in case there are any payment delays or calculation issues. One last question - should Dad mention my brother's situation when he files for his own benefits, or will the SSA system automatically identify that my brother should be switched over?

Based on what everyone has shared, it sounds like you're in good shape! Just wanted to add that you might want to call SSA about a week after your dad files to confirm the switch is processing correctly. I've found that being proactive with a follow-up call can help catch any issues early rather than waiting for them to show up in the payment. Also, keep copies of all your dad's filing paperwork - if there are any delays or calculation errors like some folks mentioned, having that documentation makes it much easier to resolve. The switch should definitely result in higher benefits for your brother given the earnings difference you described. Good luck!

Thanks for updating us! This makes much more sense. Yes, SSI does have strict asset limits, so the SSA representative was correct about that program. This is a common area of confusion for many people. If your father's only income is his Social Security retirement benefit and it's on the lower end, it can sometimes be worth looking into SSI as a supplement. But with $300k in savings, he definitely wouldn't qualify until those assets were spent down substantially. Glad you got this sorted out!

This is exactly why it's so important to get clarification when dealing with SSA! The confusion between regular Social Security retirement benefits and SSI happens more often than people realize. Your dad's situation makes perfect sense now - SSI is indeed means-tested and has those strict asset limits ($2,000 for individuals), while his regular retirement benefits that he's been receiving are completely separate and based on his work history. It's actually pretty common for people to explore SSI as a potential supplement if their regular Social Security payments are lower, but with $300k+ in assets, he's way above the threshold. Thanks for following up with the clarification - this thread will probably help other people who might face similar confusion!

Just want to emphasize something important based on my own experience: when you go to apply, make sure you specifically tell them you want to apply for divorced spouse benefits. I made the mistake of just saying I wanted to apply for Social Security, and they only looked at my own record. When I went back later and specifically asked about ex-spouse benefits, they said "Oh, you didn't mention you were applying for that" and I had to start the process over. Be very clear about which benefit you're applying for, and ask them to compare both options for you.

I want to add something that might be helpful - you mentioned your first ex-husband is 65 now. Since men born in 1960 have a Full Retirement Age of 67, he's actually not at his FRA yet, which means he may not have filed for his benefits. This could affect your timing. Also, I'd strongly recommend getting a my Social Security account set up at ssa.gov if you don't have one already. You can get benefit estimates for your own record there, which will help you compare with potential ex-spouse benefits. The online calculators can give you a rough idea, but for divorced spouse benefits you'll need to call or visit SSA since those calculations require your ex's earnings record. One more thing - if you're considering waiting until your FRA to potentially use the restricted application strategy that was mentioned, remember that you'd be giving up 4+ years of benefits. Run the numbers carefully to see if the delayed retirement credits make up for those missed payments. Sometimes taking the reduced benefit early comes out ahead in the long run, especially if you need the income now.

Does your huband have access to his Social Security statement online? The My Social Security account shows your estimated benefits and has a calculator that can help show how different earning levels affect benefits. It might help visualize the impact of different working scenarios.

One thing I'd add that helped me when I went through this with my mom - keep really good records of all earnings throughout the year. SSA sometimes doesn't get updated W-2 or 1099 information right away, so having your own documentation can save a lot of headaches if there are any discrepancies later. Also, if your husband is doing consulting work, remember that quarterly estimated tax payments might be required since taxes won't be withheld automatically. The IRS has a safe harbor rule where you can pay 100% of last year's tax liability to avoid penalties, which can be helpful when income is variable from consulting. Good luck navigating this - it's definitely confusing at first but once you understand the rules it becomes much more manageable!