I'm so sorry for your loss, Noah. It's heartening to see how this community has come together to help you navigate such a difficult process during an already challenging time. As someone who works in benefits advocacy, I wanted to add one important point that hasn't been mentioned yet - if you have any minor children or disabled adult children who were dependent on your husband, they may also be eligible for survivor benefits. These are separate from your widow's benefits and can provide additional financial support. Even if your children are away at college (under 19 and full-time students), they might qualify. Also, regarding your MySocialSecurity account - while others mentioned it doesn't always update well for survivor benefits, it will be crucial for managing your benefits once they're established. You'll be able to get benefit statements, change direct deposit information, and request replacement benefit letters through the portal. One last tip for your November 14th call: if the representative seems rushed or you feel like you're not getting clear answers, don't hesitate to politely ask to speak with a supervisor. Survivor benefits are complex, and you deserve to have all your questions answered thoroughly. You're entitled to this benefit - you've earned it through your husband's work history. Best of luck with your appointment, and please do update us afterward. Your experience could help other community members facing similar situations.

Noah, I'm so sorry for your loss. What a journey this has been for you - from that frustrating December appointment to getting the November 14th slot! I went through the survivor benefits process myself about 18 months ago, and I wish I'd had access to a thread like this with all this incredible advice. The community has really covered everything comprehensively. One small thing I'd add to your excellent preparation list: have a quiet, private space set up for your November 14th call. I made the mistake of taking my interview call while my grandkids were visiting, and I had to ask the representative to repeat several important details because of the background noise. These calls can last 45-60 minutes, so you'll want to be somewhere comfortable where you can focus completely. Also, keep a pen and paper handy during the call - not just for the confirmation number, but they'll give you several reference numbers, timeline estimates, and next steps that you'll want to write down. I tried to rely on memory and ended up calling back later to clarify things I'd forgotten. You're going to do great. The fact that you've been so proactive and organized through all of this shows real strength during such a difficult time. Looking forward to your update after the 14th!

My husband and I went through this exact same situation last year. Filed 5 months after his FRA and requested backdating. The Medicare premium refund was a complete nightmare - Social Security and Medicare kept pointing fingers at each other saying the other agency needed to handle it. We finally got it sorted, but it took calling SSA multiple times. Just be persistent!

I just want to add that when my dad applied for his benefits about 3 months after his FRA, the SSA representative he spoke with was really helpful in explaining the Medicare premium situation upfront. She actually made a note in his file about the separate Medicare payments he'd been making, which seemed to speed up the refund process later. So definitely mention those separate payments during the application - it can save you headaches down the road. Also, the online application really is straightforward. Just make sure you have his Social Security card, birth certificate, and tax returns from the last couple years handy before you start.

Just wanted to chime in as someone who works with Social Security cases - this is absolutely normal and happens to nearly every new beneficiary! The proration system can be really confusing when you're not expecting it. One thing I always tell people is to keep your award letter handy and compare it to your payment stub (which you can access through your my Social Security account). The award letter shows your monthly benefit amount, but your actual payments will show all the deductions and prorations clearly itemized. Also, if you're concerned about future payments, you can set up direct deposit notifications or text alerts through your bank so you know exactly when and how much you're receiving each month. Makes it much easier to spot any actual issues versus normal processing quirks like this first payment situation. You're doing everything right by asking questions and getting informed. Once you get through this first payment cycle, everything becomes much more predictable!

This is such a helpful thread! I'm not receiving benefits yet but will be applying soon, and I had no idea about the proration for first payments. Reading through everyone's experiences here is really valuable - I would have definitely panicked like you did if I received a payment that was 1/3 of what I expected without knowing this was normal. It's frustrating that SSA doesn't explain this clearly in their communications, but at least we have communities like this where people share their real experiences. Thanks to everyone who took the time to explain the process - this will help so many people who find this thread in the future when they're going through the same thing! @Liam O'Sullivan - hope your next payment comes through at the full amount and puts your mind at ease!

Congratulations on your Social Security approval! As someone who works with benefits administration, I can confirm that small partial payments like yours are completely standard when benefits begin mid-month or there's a processing timing difference. The $183.75 you received is prorated based on your exact entitlement start date, and it won't affect your full January payment at all. For the Medicare premium transition, here's what I always tell people: Set up a simple tracking system for the next 3 months. Note the date and amount of any Medicare withdrawals from your bank, and compare that to what's deducted from your SS payment. The transition usually takes 30-60 days, but the overlap period is when double-charging happens most often. If you see both charges in the same month, don't wait - call SSA immediately at 1-800-772-1213 and ask for a "Medicare Premium Refund" (use those exact words). Also, your Medicare premium should be $174.70 for 2025 unless you have a higher income. Keep that number handy when checking your statements. The automated phone system others mentioned is great for checking payment details without the long hold times!

Hi Riya! Congratulations on your Social Security approval! 🎉 I'm also navigating the retirement benefits process for the first time, so I really appreciate you posting this question - I learned so much from everyone's responses! That partial payment you received makes total sense now that everyone has explained it. I was wondering about those kinds of timing issues myself since my benefits are supposed to start next month. It's such a relief to know these small "mystery" payments are completely normal. The Medicare transition advice here is gold! I've been stressing about exactly the same thing - how to avoid getting double-charged during the switchover. I'm definitely going to follow Emma's suggestion about setting up a tracking spreadsheet and writing down that "Medicare Premium Refund" phrase. The tip about the SSA mobile app and automated phone line is also really helpful for monitoring everything without the hassle of trying to reach an agent. Thanks for asking the questions so many of us new retirees are probably wondering about but afraid to ask! This community is incredibly helpful. 😊

Just wanted to add that if you're planning to work part-time after claiming at 62, it might be worth calculating whether it makes financial sense. Sometimes the combination of taxes on your SS benefits (since you'll have other income) plus the earnings test withholding can make working less attractive than you'd think. I used the SSA's online calculator at ssa.gov to model different scenarios - you can input your expected earnings and see how it affects your benefits. Also, don't forget that if you're still working, you'll continue paying into Social Security, which could increase your future benefit amount since they recalculate using your highest 35 years of earnings!

I went through this exact situation last year when I turned 62! The $1 withheld for every $2 earned over the limit is correct, and I can confirm from experience that SSA does withhold entire monthly payments rather than reducing each check proportionally. What really helped me was setting up a my Social Security account online at ssa.gov where I could report my estimated earnings for the year. This way they could adjust my payments throughout the year instead of hit me with a big surprise at tax time. Also, make sure you understand that if you have a really good earning month that puts you way over, you can sometimes benefit from the monthly earnings test in your first year of benefits - they'll apply whichever test is more favorable to you. Definitely recommend getting your exact situation reviewed by SSA directly since everyone's case can be a bit different!