Thanks everyone for all the detailed responses! This has been incredibly helpful. Based on what I've learned, I think my best option is to just delay applying until I'm truly ready to stop working. The withdrawal option sounds too restrictive and financially problematic with having to repay all benefits. And I wasn't fully considering the significant permanent reduction for claiming at 62 vs waiting. Great point about the earnings test too - I'd likely exceed that limit with my consulting work anyway, so I'd be giving back a chunk of what I receive. This forum has saved me from making what could have been a costly mistake!

As a newcomer here, I want to thank everyone for this incredibly thorough discussion! I'm actually a Social Security Administration employee (though I can't provide official advice in this forum), and I'm impressed by how accurate most of the information shared has been. A couple of additional points that might help future readers: 1) The "do-over" withdrawal option (Form SSA-521) has a strict 12-month deadline from your first benefit payment, and as mentioned, you can only use it once in your lifetime. 2) For those considering the earnings test strategy that Isabella mentioned - while it's true that benefits are withheld when you exceed the annual limit, those "lost" benefits aren't actually lost forever. At your Full Retirement Age, SSA recalculates your benefit to give you credit for the months benefits were withheld, effectively increasing your future monthly payment. 3) One thing not mentioned yet: if you're married, your claiming decision affects not just your own benefits but potentially your spouse's spousal and survivor benefits as well. This adds another layer of complexity to the timing decision. Malik, it sounds like you've made a wise choice to wait. The patience really does pay off in this case!

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! I'm going to apply in January but select April (my FRA month) as my benefit start date. I'll double-check my earnings record first as suggested and make sure everything is correct. I'm still working part-time but planning to fully retire in March, so I should be under the earnings limit for the first quarter of the year. This has been really helpful in clarifying the timing issues!

Great question! I went through this exact same confusion when I was preparing to retire. To add to what others have said - your benefit amount is locked in based on the month you elect to START receiving benefits, not when you apply or when it's processed. Since you're turning 67 in April 2025, that's your Full Retirement Age month. If you select April 2025 as your benefit start date, you'll get 100% of your Primary Insurance Amount regardless of whether you apply in December 2024 or March 2025. One thing I learned during my process - SSA recommends applying 3-4 months before your desired start date to allow processing time. But here's the key: even if processing is delayed, you'll still receive retroactive payments back to your elected start month (up to 6 months maximum). Also, double-check that your earnings record is complete and accurate in your MySocialSecurity account before applying. I found a missing quarter that added about $40/month to my benefit - it's worth the time to verify everything is correct!

I went through a similar situation about 5 years ago and wanted to share some practical tips that helped me navigate this process: First, definitely apply for retirement benefits in September for your January birthday - don't wait. The processing can take 6-8 weeks even for straightforward cases. Second, when you go to apply for retirement, bring documentation about your pending SSDI case including your attorney's contact information. This helps SSA coordinate between the two systems from the beginning. Third, consider setting up a my Social Security account online if you haven't already. It makes tracking both applications much easier and you can see payment histories, benefit estimates, etc. One thing that really helped me was keeping a detailed log of all my interactions with SSA - dates, times, representative names, what was discussed. When issues came up later (and they did), having that documentation was invaluable. Also, your attorney should be able to help coordinate with SSA if any problems arise with the dual applications. Don't hesitate to loop them in if you run into bureaucratic snags. The financial stress is real, but taking early retirement while waiting for SSDI is a completely legitimate strategy. You're not gaming the system - you're using the safety net as it was designed. Good luck with everything!

I've been following this thread and wanted to add something that might help with the timing aspect. Since you mentioned your birthday is January 22nd, you'll want to be strategic about when exactly your benefits begin. Social Security pays benefits the month after they're due, so if you want your first payment in February 2025 (for January eligibility), make sure to specify that your benefits should begin in January when you apply. If you accidentally say February, your first payment won't come until March. Also, I'd recommend applying online first at ssa.gov and then calling to confirm they noted your pending SSDI case. The online application is often faster than waiting for a phone appointment, but the follow-up call ensures everything is coordinated properly. One more thing - if you have any W-2s or tax documents from recent years handy when you apply, that can speed up the process. They'll need to verify your earnings history anyway, and having those documents ready can prevent delays. The fact that you're thinking ahead and asking these questions shows you're being smart about this whole situation. Don't let anyone make you feel bad about taking benefits you've earned while fighting for the disability benefits you deserve.

Thank you everyone for the incredibly helpful responses! I feel much better knowing that my husband's pension won't affect my Social Security benefits. I'm definitely going to look into creating that my Social Security account to see the exact numbers for claiming at different ages. After reading all your advice, I'm now thinking I should consider waiting until my full retirement age of 66+10 months instead of claiming at 65. The 10% difference in benefits could be significant over time. I appreciate all the personal experiences shared too - it's reassuring to hear from others in similar situations who are receiving both pension and Social Security without reductions.

I'm glad you're feeling more confident about your situation! One thing I'd add - since you mentioned your husband only had about 7 years of Social Security-covered work, you might still want to double-check if there are any survivor benefits available on his record, even if they're small. Sometimes people are surprised by what's available, and you can always switch between your own retirement benefit and survivor benefits if circumstances change. Also, when you do create that my Social Security account, pay attention to the "break-even" analysis. It shows you at what age the total lifetime benefits from waiting longer would exceed taking benefits earlier. For many people, if you're in good health and expect to live into your 80s, waiting until full retirement age (or even longer) often pays off in the long run. Good luck with your retirement planning - you're being smart to research all this ahead of time!

One technical point about MS and SSDI that's important to understand: MS is one of the conditions listed in SSA's "Blue Book" Listing of Impairments (specifically 11.09). However, meeting this listing can be challenging as it requires specific documentation of: 1. Disorganization of motor function in two extremities resulting in extreme limitation in ability to stand up, balance, or use arms, OR 2. Marked limitation in physical functioning AND in one of the following: understanding/remembering/applying information; interacting with others; concentrating/persisting/maintaining pace; or adapting/managing oneself. This is why the consultative exam is important, but also why you should ensure all symptoms are thoroughly documented by your treating neurologist. The CE is one piece of evidence, but your ongoing specialist records often carry more weight.

I've been through the SSDI process with similar conditions and wanted to share a few practical tips for your CE tomorrow. First, wear comfortable clothes you can move in easily - they may ask you to do simple movements like raising your arms or walking. Second, if you take any pain medication, take it as you normally would - don't skip doses to "show how bad it is" because that can backfire. Third, bring a small notebook to jot down the doctor's name and what tests they performed right after your appointment while it's fresh in your memory. Most importantly, remember that this is just one step in the process. Even if the CE doesn't go perfectly, it's not the end of your case. The decision maker will consider all your medical evidence, not just this one exam. Try to get some rest tonight and remember that you're advocating for yourself and your health needs. You've got this!