One more tip from my experience - save/print a copy of your submission confirmation page after you complete the online application. I didn't do this and regretted it later when I needed to reference my application number. Also, set up your my Social Security account online if you haven't already - you can track your application status there.

Just wanted to add another perspective as someone who recently went through this process. I turned 70 in August and applied in April (4 months early, just like you're doing). The online application was actually pretty straightforward once I understood the timing rules everyone has explained here. One thing that helped me was double-checking my earnings record on my mySocialSecurity account before applying - I found a small error from 2019 that I was able to get corrected, which actually increased my benefit amount slightly. Since you've waited until 70 for maximum benefits, it's worth making sure your earnings history is completely accurate before you submit. Also, after you apply, you should receive a letter within a few weeks confirming your application and estimated benefit amount. Don't panic if it takes a bit longer than expected - mine took about 3 weeks to arrive. Good luck with your application!

One thing nobody mentioned - don't forget about the 10% early withdrawal penalty if you're under 59 1/2. But you're 68 so that doesn't apply to you! Just mentioning it for others reading who might be younger. The tax system is so complicated with all these different rules for different ages!

Thank you all SO MUCH for the helpful advice! I feel much better understanding that: 1. My actual monthly SS benefit won't be reduced (huge relief!) 2. The withdrawal will only affect how much of my SS might be taxed 3. I should calculate the total income impact for the year I think I'm going to take the suggestion to split the difference - use about half from the IRA and finance the rest with a small loan. And maybe even split the IRA withdrawal across December/January to spread the tax impact. This community has been incredibly helpful - navigating retirement finances isn't easy!

One more important point: make sure to schedule an appointment specifically for survivor benefits rather than retirement benefits. When you call, be very clear this is for survivor benefits. This increases your chances of speaking with someone familiar with the specific rules. Pro tip: Call early in the morning right when they open (usually 9am local time) to minimize wait times. Have your documents ready: your ID, marriage certificate, spouse's death certificate, both your Social Security numbers, and your recent tax return if you're self-employed. Typically, survivor benefit applications take 2-4 weeks to process if you have all documentation ready.

I'm a newer member here but wanted to share that I went through something very similar last year. The inconsistency in information from SSA reps is unfortunately common, but the advice from others here is spot on - your survivor FRA is what matters for the earnings test, not your regular retirement FRA. One thing that helped me was writing down the specific POMS section numbers and publication references that others have mentioned here before my appointment. I also brought a printed copy of my questions so I wouldn't forget anything during what can be a stressful conversation. Since you're self-employed, make sure you have your Schedule SE handy when you apply - they'll want to see your net earnings calculation. And definitely emphasize when you call that this is specifically for SURVIVOR benefits, not retirement benefits. That seemed to route me to more knowledgeable representatives. Good luck with your application this summer! The community here has been incredibly helpful for navigating these complex situations.

ya i had lawyer. they take 25% of backpay up to $7500. most lawyers dont talk much till theres actual news. they handle 100s of cases. def keep the lawyer cuz appeals council is complicated. btw my CE dr was actually nice but exam was really basic

I went through a similar situation with my disability case about 18 months ago. The CE at the Appeals Council level is definitely unusual, but in my experience it turned out to be a good thing - they ended up remanding my case back to a different ALJ and I was approved at the new hearing. A few practical tips for your brother's exam: Wear shoes that are easy to take off since they'll likely want to check reflexes and look at his feet/legs. Bring a complete list of medications with dosages - they always ask about this. If he uses any assistive devices (cane, back brace, etc.) make sure he brings and uses them during the exam. The key thing is consistency - whatever limitations he describes to the CE doctor should match what's in his medical records and what he told the ALJ. The doctor will be looking for objective signs that support his reported symptoms. For back issues like your brother has, they'll test things like straight leg raises, range of motion, and watch how he moves around the room. One thing that helped me was arriving a few minutes early so the doctor could observe me sitting in the waiting room - it showed I couldn't sit comfortably for long periods without shifting positions. Hope this helps and good luck to your brother!

I'm also trying to navigate Social Security benefits for my family and this thread has been so helpful! For those born in 1952, I can confirm the Full Retirement Age is 66. If you're looking for your husband's exact benefit start date, another option is to call your local Social Security office directly - sometimes they have shorter wait times than the national number. You can also request a copy of his Social Security Statement which will show his complete benefit history. The delayed retirement credits are definitely worth understanding since they can significantly increase monthly payments. Good luck getting everything sorted out!

Welcome to the community! I went through a similar situation with my father who was also born in 1952. Everyone here is absolutely right - his FRA was 66, which would have been in 2018. If he started collecting in 2020, that's fantastic news for you! Those delayed retirement credits are like getting a permanent 16% raise on his Social Security benefits for life. I'd recommend starting with the simplest approach first: check your bank statements from 2020 to see when those Social Security deposits first appeared. That will give you the exact month he started. You can also create an account at ssa.gov/myaccount if you haven't already - it shows a complete payment history and benefit details. One thing I learned is that the delayed retirement credits don't just affect the monthly amount - they also increase the survivor benefits, which could be important for your future planning. The SSA customer service can be frustrating, but if you do need to call, try early morning (around 8 AM) or late afternoon after 4 PM when wait times are usually shorter. Good luck organizing everything!