Based on what you're describing (concerns about back payments and work income), it sounds like you might be dealing with a potential overpayment situation or the earnings test for early retirement benefits. These are complex areas where getting accurate, personalized advice is crucial. While you can get general information anonymously, at some point, you'll need to discuss your specific case with SSA. When you do, remember that being proactive about reporting changes or concerns almost always leads to better outcomes than waiting for SSA to discover issues later.

As someone who's navigated SSA inquiries before, I'd recommend starting with the SSA's Publication 05-10003 "How Work Affects Your Benefits" - it's available online and covers most scenarios without needing to contact anyone. You can also check out the detailed FAQs on their website about the Annual Earnings Test. If you do call, another approach is to frame your questions around helping a family member or friend understand their options. Representatives are usually happy to explain how the rules work in general terms when you position it that way. Just remember that phone calls to federal agencies can be recorded, so there's always some level of tracking involved. The key is getting enough general information to make informed decisions before you need to provide your personal details for case-specific advice.

I'm deeply sorry for what you and your husband are going through. Having navigated the SSA system myself as a benefits counselor for seniors, I wanted to clarify a few key points that might help with your planning. Your survivor benefits will definitely be based on his SSDI amount ($2,700), not any hypothetical early retirement reduction. SSDI is calculated at full retirement age value, so that's your baseline. One thing to keep in mind: you can potentially file for survivor benefits as early as age 60 (or earlier if you become disabled). The reduction schedule is different from regular retirement benefits. At 60, you'd get about 71.5% of his benefit, increasing each month until you reach 100% at your full retirement age. Since you mentioned doing some part-time work, be aware that if you claim survivor benefits before your FRA, there's an earnings limit ($22,320 for 2024). They reduce benefits $1 for every $2 you earn above that limit. I'd also suggest documenting his current SSDI award letter and keeping it with your important papers. Sometimes SSA records can be incomplete, and having that documentation helps establish the correct benefit amount for survivor calculations. Thinking of you both during this difficult time.

I'm so sorry to hear about your husband's diagnosis and what you're both going through. My heart goes out to you during this incredibly difficult time. I wanted to share something that might be helpful - when you do get through to SSA (and you will eventually, though it can take persistence), ask them about the "deemed filing" rules for survivor benefits. Since you're over 62, there are some nuances about how claiming survivor benefits might affect your ability to claim your own benefits later, or vice versa. Also, don't forget that you may be eligible for other survivor benefits beyond Social Security - things like any pension benefits your husband might have through work, life insurance policies, or veterans benefits if he served in the military. It's worth making a comprehensive list of all potential survivor benefits while you have time to plan together. One practical tip: if your husband is up for it, consider having him present when you call SSA or visit the office. Sometimes they can discuss more details about his account when he's there to give permission, which might save you steps later. Wishing you both strength and peace during this time. This community is here for you as you navigate these challenges.

As a newcomer to this community, I'm unfortunately experiencing the exact same situation! Applied in late October for February 2025 benefits and I'm also stuck in processing with no updates since my initial confirmation. The Medicare bills are really causing financial stress - I've already paid close to $900 out of pocket and wasn't prepared for this gap between retiring and benefits starting. It's both comforting and frustrating to read all these similar experiences here. The fact that SSA's website still claims 30-day processing when everyone is reporting 3-6 months is really misleading for people trying to plan their retirement finances. I've tried calling several times but can never reach anyone who can provide actual information about my case status. Like others mentioned, I'm keeping all my Medicare payment receipts and hoping everything gets sorted out retroactively once approved. Thank you all for sharing your experiences - it really helps to know this is a widespread issue and not something wrong with my specific application!

I'm also new to this community but unfortunately dealing with the exact same frustrating situation! Applied in early November for March 2025 benefits and I'm still stuck in processing with absolutely no updates beyond the initial confirmation. The Medicare premium bills are causing serious financial stress - I've already paid nearly $800 out of pocket and wasn't at all prepared for this gap between retirement and when benefits actually start. Reading through all these experiences here is both reassuring (knowing I'm not the only one) and really infuriating (seeing how widespread this problem is). The fact that SSA's website still advertises 30-day processing when the reality is clearly 3-6+ months is so misleading for people trying to plan their retirement transition. I've tried calling multiple times and visiting their website messaging system but can never get any real information about what's actually happening with my case. Like everyone else here, I'm keeping all my Medicare payment receipts and hoping everything gets properly adjusted once this finally gets approved. Thank you all for sharing your stories - it really helps to know this is a systemic issue and not something wrong with my specific application!

As someone who's been through this process, I can confirm that the automatic recalculation definitely works! I started collecting at 66 and continued working for three more years. Each year, I got a modest bump (around $25-40 monthly) beyond the COLA increase. The key thing I learned is to be patient - the recalculation typically doesn't show up until late in the following year, sometimes as late as December. Also, don't forget that if you're still working and earning good money like you are, you might also be subject to taxes on your Social Security benefits depending on your total income. But the recalculation feature is one of the nice perks of delaying retirement while collecting - you get credit for those continued contributions to the system!

This is such a helpful thread! I'm 69 and just started collecting benefits 6 months ago while still working part-time as a consultant. My earnings are irregular - some months I make $15k, other months nothing. Does anyone know if the SSA looks at your total annual earnings for the recalculation, or do they care about the monthly fluctuations? I'm trying to figure out if I should try to smooth out my income somehow or if it doesn't matter as long as the annual total is high enough to replace one of my lower earning years from the past.

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is that you'll want to keep detailed records of all your survivor benefit payments leading up to January 2025. When SSA calculates your retroactive payment, they'll need to verify exactly what you received each month to determine the correct difference. I'd recommend downloading your Social Security statements and keeping copies of your benefit deposit records. Also, if you have any questions during the application process, don't hesitate to ask the SSA representative to walk through the calculation with you step by step - they should be able to show you exactly how they're determining your retroactive amount. Having everything documented will help ensure you get the full amount you're entitled to and can help resolve any discrepancies quickly.

Just wanted to add one more consideration that might be helpful - when you apply in January, make sure to ask the SSA representative about any potential Medicare Part B premium adjustments. Since your monthly Social Security benefit will increase by $1,400, this could affect your Medicare premiums if you're already enrolled or planning to enroll soon. The income increase might push you into a higher IRMAA bracket, but since you're switching from survivor benefits to your own earned benefits (rather than getting a windfall), there may be ways to address this. It's worth asking about during your application appointment so you're not surprised by any premium changes later.