I cannot BELIEVE how complicated they make all this retirement stuff! In my parents day, you just retired and got your check! Now we need spreadsheets and calculations and 50 different scenarios just to figure out when to take OUR OWN MONEY!!

Looking at your situation, I think you're approaching this very thoughtfully. A $50/month reduction on a $2,400 benefit is only about 2%, which is quite reasonable for someone just 4 months from FRA. One thing that might help with your decision: you could also consider a hybrid approach - use some of your savings to bridge part of the gap and take SS maybe 2 months early instead of 4. This would reduce the permanent reduction while still preserving most of your emergency fund. Also, don't forget that once you start receiving benefits, you'll have that guaranteed monthly income stream, which itself provides a form of financial security that's worth considering alongside the dollar amounts. Sometimes the psychological benefit of having that steady payment coming in is just as valuable as preserving cash reserves. Whatever you decide, it sounds like you've done your homework and either choice (early benefits or using savings) seems reasonable given your circumstances.

To tie everything together for your planning purposes: 1. Apply about 3 months before March 2025 (so December 2024 or January 2025) 2. Specifically select March 2025 as your benefit start month on the application 3. Understand your first payment would normally arrive in April 2025, but processing delays might push this to May or even June 4. Budget accordingly, knowing there could be a gap between when you expect payments to start and when they actually begin 5. Remember you'll get back payments for any months you're eligible but haven't received payment for yet 6. Your $68K earnings won't reduce your benefits, but will likely make a portion of your benefits taxable Does this help clarify the timing for your situation?

As someone who just went through this process myself, I wanted to add a few practical tips that helped me navigate the application: 1. Create a my Social Security account online if you haven't already - you can check your earnings record and get benefit estimates before applying. This helps you spot any errors in your work history early. 2. When you do apply in December/January, consider doing it on a weekday morning when their systems tend to be more responsive. I had multiple timeouts trying to apply on a Sunday evening. 3. If you're married, make sure you understand spousal benefit options too. Even if your spouse isn't ready to claim, there might be strategies worth considering. 4. Keep copies of everything you submit. The SSA has been known to ask for the same documents multiple times during processing. The advice about budgeting for delays is spot-on. I ended up needing an extra 10 weeks of savings beyond what I originally planned for. Better to be prepared than scrambling to cover bills while waiting for that first payment!

I'm actually going through a very similar situation right now! I've been on SSDI for about 2 years and my doctor recently cleared me to try part-time work. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful - especially learning about the WIPA counselors and that work incentives hotline. One thing I'm curious about that I haven't seen mentioned: does anyone know if there are any restrictions on the TYPE of work you can do while on SSDI? Like, does it matter if it's completely different from what you did before your disability, or if it's something that accommodates your current limitations? I'm considering remote work options that would be much less physically demanding than my previous job. Also, has anyone had experience with employers who are familiar with disability benefits and actually supportive of keeping you under the earning limits?

Val, you're absolutely right that there are no restrictions on the TYPE of work you can do while on SSDI! The SSA only cares about your earnings, not whether it's similar to your previous job or completely different. Remote work is actually a great option because it often provides the flexibility you need to manage symptoms while staying productive. I've seen several people successfully transition to remote customer service, data entry, virtual assistance, or freelance work that accommodates their limitations. The key is finding something sustainable that you can do consistently without aggravating your condition. Regarding supportive employers - definitely look for companies that have disability inclusion programs or are "disability confident" employers. Some larger corporations like Microsoft, IBM, and many healthcare organizations have specific initiatives for hiring people with disabilities. When you do get hired, being upfront with HR about needing to stay under earning limits can actually work in your favor - many employers appreciate the transparency and are willing to work with your schedule. You might also want to check out remote job boards that specifically focus on flexible/disability-friendly positions. The combination of remote work flexibility plus understanding employers can make this transition so much smoother. Best of luck with your search - sounds like you're approaching this really thoughtfully!

I'm 58 and just went through this exact dilemma! Lost my card decades ago during college moves. What finally pushed me to get a replacement was when I had to update my will and the attorney's office said having the physical card would make the process smoother for identity verification. The online replacement process through ssa.gov was actually pretty straightforward - took about 10 days to receive it. Even though I didn't strictly "need" it for most things, having it now gives me peace of mind for any future paperwork. Plus, like someone mentioned, you're limited to 10 replacements in your lifetime, so getting one now while it's easy online seems smart. But honestly, based on your situation, you could probably wait unless something specific comes up that requires it.

Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through the replacement process last year at age 67. I was in almost the exact same situation - hadn't seen my card since the 1980s! What ultimately convinced me to get a replacement was when my financial advisor mentioned that some estate planning documents and certain investment transfers can be expedited if you have the physical card on hand. The online process through ssa.gov was surprisingly simple - I was worried it would be complicated, but it literally took about 10 minutes to complete the application. The card arrived in about 12 days. Now I keep it in my safe deposit box and honestly feel better knowing I have it if needed. That said, you're absolutely right that you've managed 40 years without it, so it's really a personal choice about peace of mind versus convenience!

my brother is disabled and gets ssi and my dads SS. when my mom retired they just added everything up and divided it and he still got 50%. they don't add them togther for more money they just pick the higher one.

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet: if your son is receiving benefits as a disabled adult child (DAC) on your husband's record, and your PIA is higher, when you file for retirement, his benefit will automatically be recalculated based on your record instead. However, there's an important timing issue to be aware of. If you file for reduced retirement benefits before your FRA, and your son's benefit switches to your record, his benefit would also be reduced proportionally. If you wait until your FRA to file, his benefit would be the full 50% of your PIA. This is one of those situations where waiting until your FRA might be significantly beneficial for both of you, depending on the difference between your and your husband's PIAs.