Just want to emphasize something important that others have touched on - make absolutely sure you understand the timeline here. You said you started collecting in December 2024, which means your 12-month window to withdraw closes in December 2025. Don't wait until the last minute to make this decision! The SSA can take several weeks or even months to process Form SSA-521, so if you're serious about this, I'd recommend starting the process soon. Also, keep in mind that once you withdraw, you can't change your mind again - this is truly a one-time opportunity. Given that you're doing well financially with this new contract position, it sounds like you're in a good position to repay the benefits, but just make sure you've thought through all the scenarios before pulling the trigger.

One additional consideration that might help with your decision - since you're 64 now and mentioned you have a family history of longevity, you might also want to factor in potential COLA (Cost of Living Adjustments) when calculating your break-even point. Each year you delay claiming benefits, you're not just getting the delayed retirement credits, but your higher benefit amount will also compound with future COLAs. This can make the long-term financial advantage even more significant than the basic break-even calculation suggests. Also, if you do decide to withdraw, consider setting aside the repayment amount in a high-yield savings account or short-term investment while you're working through the decision process - that way you're earning something on the money rather than just letting it sit idle. The interest won't be much over a few months, but every little bit helps when you're dealing with this kind of financial decision!

As someone who recently navigated this same situation, I wanted to share a few additional insights that might be helpful! The automatic calculation system really does work as described by others here, but I found it helpful to call SSA about a month before I planned to apply just to verify they had my current marital status on file. Sometimes there can be discrepancies in their records that are easier to fix before you apply rather than after. Also, when you do apply online, pay close attention to the questions about when you want your benefits to start - you can choose to have them begin with the month you turn 67 or delay them if you prefer. The online application will give you a summary screen before you submit showing exactly what benefits you're eligible for and which amount you'll receive, so you'll know right away if the spousal calculation worked correctly. One last tip: if you have any name changes from marriage or divorce in your past, make sure SSA has records of all those documents too, as it can affect benefit calculations. Best of luck with your application - you're asking all the right questions!

I'm glad I found this thread! I'm in a similar situation - turning 66 next year and my spouse has been collecting for a while now. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly educational. One thing I'm curious about that I haven't seen mentioned: if my spouse passes away before I apply, would that change how the spousal benefits work? I know there are survivor benefits, but I'm wondering if I should apply sooner rather than later to lock in the spousal benefit calculation. Also, has anyone had experience with how Medicare enrollment timing relates to Social Security applications? I want to make sure I don't miss any important deadlines for either program. Thanks to everyone who has shared their experiences - this community is so much more helpful than trying to decipher government websites!

I'm so glad you asked this question because my husband and I went through the exact same situation two years ago! Reading through all these responses has been really validating - it's clear this is a widespread issue that affects so many couples. We were in your exact position - he's been on SSDI for a neurological condition for about 6 years, and I was making around $55K at the time. We postponed our wedding twice because of these fears, but finally decided we couldn't let the system control our lives anymore. Here's what actually happened: His SSDI stayed exactly the same (as everyone has confirmed), but he did lose Medicaid about 8 weeks after our marriage. However, we had prepared by starting pharmaceutical assistance applications 4 months before the wedding using his individual income status. This was HUGE because three of his medications got approved for full coverage for 12 months, saving us over $600/month. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is looking into your employer's Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Ours connected us with a benefits counselor at no cost who helped us navigate the transition and even found a local nonprofit that provides emergency prescription assistance during coverage gaps. Also, check if your state has a "Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities" program - ours allowed him to buy into Medicaid at a reduced rate based on his individual income rather than our household income. It's not free like regular Medicaid, but way more affordable than private insurance. The system is absolutely broken and unfair, but don't let it steal your happiness. With proper planning and the amazing resources people have shared in this thread, you can make it work. Feel free to message me if you want more details about our specific experience!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this impossible situation - the system really does force couples to choose between love and healthcare, which is heartbreaking. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly eye-opening about just how many people face this exact dilemma. From what I've learned through my work with disability advocacy groups, I want to add a couple of resources that might help: 1. **Look into "Medicaid waiver" programs specifically for people with disabilities** - These sometimes have different income calculation rules than regular Medicaid, and the waiting lists vary by state. 2. **Check if your state participates in the "Money Follows the Person" program** - This federal program sometimes provides transition support for people moving between different types of coverage. 3. **Consider reaching out to local disability rights organizations** - They often have benefits counselors who know the ins and outs of your specific state's programs and can walk you through scenarios before you make any decisions. The timing advice from the benefits counselor above is spot-on - starting applications NOW while your fiancé's individual income status is clear gives you the best chance of maintaining some coverage during the transition. It's infuriating that you have to become benefits experts just to get married, but please don't let this broken system steal your happiness. With all the resources and strategies people have shared here, it sounds like there are definitely paths forward - it just takes more planning than it should. Wishing you both the best as you navigate this!

I'm so sorry for your loss, Aaron. I went through this exact same frustrating experience when my husband passed away about 8 months ago. The complete lack of online visibility for survivor benefits applications is honestly one of the most broken aspects of dealing with SSA during such a difficult time. What I learned after weeks of anxiety and multiple phone calls is that survivor benefits are processed through a completely separate legacy system that has zero connection to the MySocialSecurity portal. It's not that your application is lost or there's a problem with your account - it's just that their technology infrastructure for survivor claims is stuck in the stone age. Here's what helped me get through this process: - Call SSA at exactly 8:00 AM when they open (much shorter wait times than calling later) - Ask specifically for your "survivor benefits application status" and request your claim control number - Have your late husband's SSN and the exact date you applied ready when you call - Try to get the name and direct contact info for your assigned Claims Representative if possible My application took about 6.5 weeks from submission to receiving the approval letter, then another 10 days for the first payment. Most importantly, I received full backpay covering everything from my application date, so no benefits were lost during the waiting period. At 5 weeks, you're actually well within the normal processing timeframe based on all the experiences shared here. I know how incredibly stressful this uncertainty is when you're grieving and need that financial security, but your application is almost certainly progressing normally through their manual review process - you just can't see any of it. The system is completely broken for transparency, but your claim isn't lost. Hang in there, and definitely call for a status update since you're getting close to the typical approval window.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Aaron. I went through this exact same frustrating situation when my mother passed away last year. The complete lack of online visibility for survivor benefits is honestly one of the most maddening aspects of SSA's system, especially when you're already dealing with grief and financial stress. What I discovered after several anxiety-filled weeks is that survivor benefits applications are processed through a completely separate legacy system called MACADE that has absolutely zero integration with the MySocialSecurity portal. It's not that your application is lost - it's just that their technology for survivor claims is stuck decades in the past. Here's what helped me when I was in your exact situation: - Call SSA at exactly 8:00 AM when they open for much shorter wait times - Ask specifically for your "survivor benefits claim status" and request your application control number - Have your husband's SSN and the exact date you applied ready before calling - Request the name and direct contact info for your assigned Claims Representative if possible My mom's application took about 7 weeks from submission to approval letter, then another week for the first payment. The relief when that letter finally arrived was incredible. Most importantly, she received full backpay covering the entire period from her application date. At 5 weeks, you're definitely within the normal processing window. I know the uncertainty is incredibly stressful when you need that financial security, but based on everyone's experiences here, your application is almost certainly progressing normally - you just can't see it because of their antiquated systems. The lack of transparency is absolutely maddening, but you're not alone in this experience. Hang in there.

Just to provide a bit more context on why this system exists this way: The intention of SSDI is to provide income to those who cannot work due to disability, essentially replacing the income you would have earned until retirement age. The intention of delayed retirement credits is to compensate people for delaying the start of their benefits. Since SSDI recipients already receive benefits early, the system doesn't allow for both advantages (early receipt and delayed credits). There's no way to "pause" SSDI at FRA and then restart as retirement at 70 with increases.

As someone new to this whole SSDI system, I really appreciate this detailed discussion! I'm currently going through the application process and was wondering about these same things. It's disappointing to learn that we can't get those delayed retirement credits, but like others have said, at least we're getting our full benefit amount years earlier than we would otherwise. One question though - does anyone know if there are any other ways our benefits might increase over time besides the annual COLA adjustments? I'm trying to understand what to expect for long-term financial planning.