I've been through a similar situation when my spouse started receiving SSDI. One thing that really helped us was requesting what's called a "manual computation" from SSA - basically asking them to recalculate everything step by step while you're there or on the phone. Sometimes their automated systems don't properly account for all the exclusions and allocations, especially the ineligible child piece. Also, make sure they know your exact living situation. If you rent vs own your home, or if there have been any changes in your household composition since your wife first applied for SSI, that could affect the calculation. The representative I worked with found that they had outdated information about our rent amount, which was throwing off the entire computation. Don't give up - even if the math works out that she's technically ineligible now, there might be other factors or exclusions that should apply to your situation. Michigan does have some state supplemental payments in certain circumstances, so definitely mention that when you call.

I went through something very similar when my husband got approved for SSDI last year! The SSA calculations can be so confusing, especially with the deeming rules. One thing I learned is that they sometimes make mistakes with the timing - like they might suspend benefits immediately when your SSDI starts, but then they're supposed to do a proper redetermination within 30 days to calculate the correct reduced amount. In our case, my SSI was suspended for about 6 weeks while they "recalculated," and then I got reinstated at a lower amount with some backpay for the gap period. The key was staying on top of them and calling every week to check status. Also, definitely verify they're using the right numbers for your household size and Michigan's rules. Sometimes they miss the ineligible child allocation or use outdated federal benefit rates. I'd recommend keeping detailed notes of every conversation you have with them - dates, times, representative names, what they told you. It really helped when I had to escalate my case. Good luck getting this sorted out - the money you're owed can really add up while they're figuring it out!

I'm in a very similar boat! Applied in August for January 2025 benefits and mine has been stuck on "processing" for months too. Reading through all these responses is so helpful - I had no idea this was such a common experience. It's frustrating that SSA doesn't communicate better about their timelines, but at least now I know I'm not alone. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences, especially those who confirmed that back pay covers the waiting period. Going to try calling them next week to double check everything is in order, but feeling much more reassured now!

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm a newcomer here but found this discussion through a web search when I was panicking about my own SSA application. Applied in early October for March 2025 benefits and have been checking my account obsessively. Seeing how many people are in the exact same situation really puts things in perspective. The lack of communication from SSA is definitely frustrating - they could save everyone a lot of stress with just a simple status update or timeline estimate. Planning to call them next week armed with all the great advice from this thread. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences!

This has been such an incredibly thorough and helpful discussion! As someone who's still a few years away from FRA but trying to plan ahead, I really appreciate how everyone has consistently confirmed that there is absolutely NO earnings limit once you reach Full Retirement Age. What strikes me most is how this misinformation seems to spread so easily - like what happened with the original poster hearing conflicting advice from coworkers and family. It's clear that having access to accurate information from people who've actually been through this process (and even someone from SSA field offices!) makes all the difference in planning confidently. The practical tips shared here go way beyond just the basic earnings rule too - things like separate bank accounts for tax tracking, timing salary increases strategically, setting up MySocialSecurity accounts early, and understanding the difference between earnings tests and tax implications. These real-world insights are exactly what you need when making these important decisions. Thanks to everyone who took the time to share their knowledge and experiences. This thread should definitely be saved as a reference for anyone navigating retirement planning while considering continued work after FRA!

This thread has been absolutely incredible to read through! As someone who's about 2 years away from my FRA, I came here with the exact same confusion as the original poster. The consistent message from everyone - that there is NO earnings limit whatsoever once you reach FRA - has completely cleared up my concerns. What I find most valuable is seeing so many different perspectives all confirming the same information: people who've actually made this transition, retirement advisors, and even an SSA field office worker. That level of consensus really drives home how definitive this rule is. I'm particularly grateful for all the practical advice that went beyond just the basic earnings rule - the tax planning considerations, the tip about separate bank accounts, the MySocialSecurity account setup, and especially understanding the difference between earnings tests and tax implications. These details will definitely help me plan my own transition more effectively. One thing this discussion has really reinforced for me is how important it is to get information from multiple reliable sources rather than relying on well-meaning but potentially inaccurate advice from friends and family. The misinformation around Social Security rules seems to spread so easily! Thanks to everyone who contributed their knowledge and experience. This thread is going straight into my retirement planning resources folder!

One thing to consider is the tax implications too. If you're making $82K this year, you might be paying more in taxes on that income than you would on Social Security benefits (depending on your other retirement income). SS benefits are only partially taxable for most people, while your work income is fully taxable. So the net difference between working vs. collecting might be smaller than the gross numbers suggest. Just something to factor into your decision along with the benefit increase calculations everyone else mentioned.

I'm in a similar boat right now - considering working one more year past FRA. One thing that's helping me think through this is also considering whether I actually WANT to work another year versus just the financial benefit. Like others mentioned, the monthly increase might be $60-90, which is meaningful over time, but if you're burnt out or ready to retire, that extra year of your life might be worth more than the additional monthly benefit. On the flip side, if you enjoy your work and it gives you purpose/structure, then it's almost like getting paid twice - once through your salary and again through the higher lifetime SS benefits. Have you thought about the non-financial aspects of working another year?

I went through this exact same situation last year with my granddaughter's survivor benefits! The website really is confusing about the owner/co-owner thing. What helped me was understanding that as the representative payee, you ARE the account owner in SSA's eyes, even though it's your daughter's money. When you log into My Social Security, look for the section that shows all the beneficiaries you manage - your daughter should be listed separately from your own benefits. Make sure you select her entry before making any changes. I was so worried about accidentally changing my own direct deposit too, but the systems are completely separate. One tip: I printed out a copy of both my current direct deposit info AND my granddaughter's before making any changes, just to have a record. The change went through smoothly and we got confirmation in the mail about a week later. The whole online process took maybe 10 minutes once I found the right section. Good luck!

I just wanted to chime in as someone who's been managing SSA benefits for my disabled brother for over 5 years now. The representative payee system can definitely be overwhelming at first, but you're asking all the right questions! Just to echo what others have said - yes, as the rep payee you are considered the "owner" of your daughter's account for SSA purposes. The key thing to remember is that when you log into your My Social Security account, you'll see each beneficiary you manage listed separately. Your daughter's benefits and your own benefits are completely isolated from each other in their system. I've changed direct deposit info multiple times over the years (bank mergers, better account options, etc.) and have never had any issues with my own benefits being affected. The SSA website has actually gotten a bit better over the years, though it's still not the most user-friendly. One small additional tip: if your daughter's current account is at a different bank than where you want to switch to, consider keeping the old account open for at least one payment cycle after making the change, just in case there are any delays in the switch. Better safe than sorry! Good luck with the change!