One important piece of information I'd like to add: regardless of how long the processing takes, your benefits will be paid retroactive to your selected start date (February 1st). So while the delay is frustrating, you won't lose any money you're entitled to. When your application is finally approved, you'll receive a lump sum payment for any months that have passed since your start date, followed by regular monthly payments thereafter. Make sure when you do call that you confirm they have your correct direct deposit information on file, as this will ensure the fastest payment once approved.

Update: I finally got through to someone at my local office this morning! They told me my application is actually complete and was approved last week, but the final processing is taking additional time because of system updates they're doing. They said I should receive my award letter within 10 days and my first payment (including the retroactive amount) within 2-3 weeks. Such a relief! Thanks to everyone for your advice and support through this stressful time!

my cousin works for SS and she says rules are different in each state for medicaid nursing homes so be careful what advice you take online

Thanks everyone for all this helpful information! I've made notes of everything and have a much better understanding of my options now. I'm going to: 1) Look for an elder law attorney for a consultation this week, 2) Try Claimyr to get through to SSA about my specific situation, and 3) Gather ALL my expense documentation for the Medicaid application. I'll update once I know more in case it helps someone else in the future. This community has been a lifesaver!

Something no one has mentioned - if your husband hasn't filed for his benefits yet, and he's already 67, he should consider waiting until 70 to maximize his benefit. This would give you a larger survivor benefit down the road if he predeceases you (which statistics suggest is likely given both the age and gender differences). Each year he delays past FRA adds 8% to his benefit amount.

One other consideration: if you take your benefits at 62 and continue working before your FRA, you'll be subject to the earnings test. In 2025, if you earn more than $22,750, SSA will withhold $1 in benefits for every $2 you earn above that limit. After FRA, there's no earnings test. Just something to factor into your planning if you're still working.

My sister got her first payment like 3 weeks after her application but my neighbor waited 4 months!!!! Its so random!!!

One more thing to know about your first payment - they pay benefits in the month following the month they're due. So November benefits are paid in December, December benefits in January, etc. Something to factor into your planning.

Dont wory about ur documents! I did evrything by phone for my husb survivor benefits in January and they let me take the originals to the office. The lady at the window looked at them, made copies and gave them right back! Took maybe 10 mins. Just remember to bring ur own ID too, they need to see that too.

One important thing to know: the claim process starts from your initial application date, not when they receive your documents. So even if there's a delay with document verification, your potential benefits are protected from your application date. Make sure to complete the phone interview even if you're still figuring out the document submission process.

I've been on this forum for about a year, and I've seen plenty of posts about COLA increases, Medicare premium changes, and even discussions about proposed legislation that might affect benefits. The moderators seem pretty reasonable as long as you stick to the facts and how they impact recipients rather than getting into which political party is better/worse.

I'm so confused about all this already. I'm turning 62 next year and still trying to decide when to claim. If they keep changing the rules, how am I supposed to plan?? Will they at least grandfather in people close to retirement if they make big changes??

I just wanted to update that I called the SSA today and managed to get through after about 45 minutes on hold. The representative said I should definitely come in for an appointment when I retire to compare my own benefit to the widow benefit. She also mentioned something about

Great news! Just so you know, \

My cousin works for SS in the baltimore office and says theyre having major computer issues with the international scheduling system!!! She told me its been broken for months and they keep trying to fix it but it just gets worse!! So its not just you its happening to literally everyone trying to apply from another country right now!!

One more tip since you mentioned you're past your FRA - make absolutely sure you specifically request retroactive benefits back to your FRA date or when you became eligible (whichever is more recent). This doesn't happen automatically with international applications! I almost missed out on 4 months of payments because the representative didn't process this correctly. Also, be prepared for potential issues with international direct deposit. The SSA can deposit to banks in many countries, but sometimes the process requires additional paperwork. If Portugal isn't on their direct deposit program list, you might need to either open a US bank account or receive paper checks.

DONT LISTEN TO ANYONE TELLING YOU THAT YOU CANT GET BOTH!!! The government wants you to think you can only get one benefit but thats NOT TRUE! My cousin gets BOTH her SSI AND her ex's full benefit. You just need to tell them you DEMAND both benefits because its YOUR RIGHT!!!

Thank you everyone for all the helpful advice! I'm going to try setting up an appointment with SSA this week. Based on what you've all told me, it sounds like I should definitely apply for the survivor benefits since they'll likely be higher than my current SSI. I'll gather all my documents and make sure to ask about the Medicare/Medicaid transition to avoid any gaps in healthcare coverage. I really appreciate all your help - navigating this system is so overwhelming, especially during an emotional time.

wait does this mean someone can double-dip on SSDI and social security??

I'm curious - did your SSDI lawyer ever explain any of this to you? When I went through the SSDI process, my attorney never mentioned anything about how it would affect future retirement benefits. Seems like something they should cover.