One more important thing - when you fill out the SS-5 form, in Section 10 where it asks for the "FIRST NAME TO BE SHOWN ON CARD" and "LAST NAME TO BE SHOWN ON CARD" make absolutely sure you write the CORRECT spelling that you want on the new card. Some people make the mistake of putting the current (incorrect) name in those fields thinking they're identifying the existing card. Also, in the "OTHER" box at the bottom of the form, write "Correcting spelling of last name" so it's crystal clear what you're doing. And check box #2 for "Correcting information shown on your card" rather than box #1 for replacement. These little details can save you from having to go through the whole process again!

i just remembered something else!!!! if ur kid has any other IDs or documents (like maybe passport?) with the WRONG spelling, you have to fix those separately!!!!! social security doesnt notify other agencies about name changes or corrections. my sister had to deal with this nightmare with my nieces passport too

good luck with SS! bring lots of patience lol

let us know what u find out! im curious what they tell u since ill be in the same boat in a couple years

Has anyone here gone back to work after being on disability for a long time? I'm worried about my skills being outdated. My doc says I can try part time work but I'm scared...

To summarize for the original poster: 1. The conversion from SSDI to retirement benefits will happen automatically in November - no action needed 2. The benefit amount will remain the same 3. Medicare coverage continues unchanged 4. Payment dates might shift slightly (retirement benefits have a different schedule than SSDI) 5. Working now (before FRA) involves navigating Trial Work Period rules and SGA limits 6. Working after reaching FRA in November has no earnings restrictions whatsoever Given these facts, and considering it's only a few months away, waiting until November to begin working is likely the simplest approach. This avoids any potential complications with TWP months, SGA limits, or triggering reviews.

One other thing to know - if you're still working when you reach FRA, the earnings test doesn't apply for the remaining months of that year once you hit FRA. So if you're working in January and February 2025, you might have benefits withheld for those months if you're over the earnings limit. But starting March (your FRA month), the earnings test disappears completely regardless of how much you earn for the rest of 2025.

To summarize everything correctly: 1. You reach FRA on March 8, 2025 2. SSA considers you at FRA for the entire month of March 3. March 2025 is your first month of entitlement 4. You'll receive your first payment in April 2025 (for March) 5. Payment will likely arrive on the second Wednesday of April 6. Earnings limits disappear starting March 2025 This is standard procedure for all Social Security retirement benefits.

What about that thing where they increase ur benefit if they withhold some? My uncle said they recalculated his benefit when he hit retirement age and it went up because of the months they didn't pay him when he was working too much?? Anyone know about this?

Based on everything shared here, it seems your best option is to: 1. Continue working through December 2. Apply for retirement benefits around October (for January start date) 3. Start benefits in January when you're no longer working This avoids the earnings limit issue entirely, prevents possible overpayments, and gives SSA enough processing time. Plus, waiting gives you a slightly higher benefit amount anyway due to delayed retirement credits.

When I started collecting last year I was shocked at how much less I got than expected because of all the deductions! The Medicare part B premium took a big chunk, and since I'm still working part-time I had them withhold federal taxes too. But your actual check will DEFINITELY not have Social Security or Medicare taxes taken out like a paycheck does - that would be paying twice!

Just to clarify what others have shared - here's a simple breakdown: - Social Security benefits: No FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare taxes), but potentially subject to federal income tax - Pension income: No FICA taxes, but subject to federal income tax - Continued employment income: Still subject to both FICA taxes and income tax For your federal income tax withholding on your Social Security benefits, you can request withholding at 7%, 10%, 12%, or 22% using Form W-4V. There are no other percentage options available.

that code idea is actually really smart!! someone should tell ssa about that lol

Good luck getting ANYONE at SSA to listen to suggestions from actual beneficiaries! The whole system is BROKEN!!!

I STILL think this is a TERRIBLE policy!!! Both spouses pay into SS their entire working lives but then one doesn't get squat when the other dies if they already have their own benefit?? How is that fair??? We should all be writing to our congress people about this!!! And don't even get me started on the WEP/GPO penalties that some of us face. The whole system needs to be overhauled!!!

One thing to clarify that might help others reading this thread: for retirement benefits, you can choose between your own benefit OR a spousal benefit (up to 50% of your spouse's FRA amount while they're alive). For survivor benefits after a spouse passes away, you can receive up to 100% of what your deceased spouse was receiving if you're at full retirement age (less if you take survivor benefits early). In both cases, you get the higher of either your own benefit OR the spousal/survivor benefit - never both combined. The OP's situation is unfortunately common - when both spouses have worked and earned their own benefits, sometimes the survivor rules don't provide additional amounts. The $255 death benefit hasn't been increased since the 1950s, which is why it seems so small compared to monthly benefit amounts.

hope ur dad gets something! the rules r so confusing

After you apply, you can appeal if you disagree with their determination. Many people don't realize there's a formal appeals process. The first level is called "Reconsideration" and must be filed within 60 days of receiving their decision. About 15-20% of reconsiderations result in a changed decision, so it's worth trying if you think they made an error in the calculation.

One thing to consider - when you take your retirement at 70, if your benefit amount would be higher than what your son gets from his dad's record, he might be eligible to switch to your record. My neighbor's disabled daughter got a $230 raise when she switched to her mom's record after mom retired with a higher benefit amount. Might be worth asking SSA about!

Thank you everyone for all the helpful responses! I've learned so much: 1. My son's benefits should continue unchanged on his father's record 2. Need to double-check about the family maximum limit 3. Must remember to apply for my own benefits at 70 (not automatic) 4. Will try Claimyr to actually reach someone at SSA 5. Should compare benefit amounts when I turn 70 to see if my record would give him more I feel much more prepared now to make these decisions. I'll update this thread once I talk to SSA if I learn anything else that might help others!