@OP Yes, there will be a gap. After your youngest turns 16, your caregiver benefits stop, and you won't be eligible again until either your own early retirement age (62) or your full retirement age. This is often called the "caregiver gap" and unfortunately, there's not much you can do about it unless you qualify for some other type of benefit. Many people return to work during this period if possible.

One more important thing: Benefits for children and caregivers may reduce the total family benefits due to the Family Maximum Benefit limit, but they do NOT reduce your husband's own retirement benefit. His check stays the same regardless of how many dependents receive benefits on his record. And yes, you'll have a gap between when your youngest turns 16 and when you can claim retirement benefits (earliest at 62).

Wait I'm confused...if you get approved for disability now, would that mean you get a different amount than if you waited until 60 for regular widow benefits? And does taking disability widow benefits now affect what you can get for retirement later? The whole Social Security system is so complicated!

Thank you all for the helpful responses! I've made an appointment with my doctor to get updated medical records and I'm going to start gathering all my documentation. I think I'll apply for both regular SSDI and the Disabled Widow Benefits as suggested. I'm still nervous about the whole process, but at least now I have a better understanding of my options. I'll definitely use that Claimyr service to speak with SSA directly about my specific situation. Will update when I have news about my application.

one more thing!! make sure u check ur earnings record on the my social security site BEFORE u apply. my wife had missing years and it took MONTHS to fix! better to check now

Just to summarize for you (and anyone else with the same question): 1. For someone born in August 1958, FRA is 66 years and 8 months 2. This puts your FRA in April 2025 3. Your first benefit payment would be received in May 2025 (for April) 4. Apply 3-4 months before April 2025 (so December 2024 or January 2025) 5. Check your earnings record now to ensure it's accurate 6. Sign up for a my Social Security account at ssa.gov if you haven't already Following these steps should ensure a smooth transition to receiving your benefits at FRA.

wait ur saying we can start getting SS at 62? i thought it was 65? this is confusing

Thanks everyone for the helpful info! To summarize what I've learned: 1) Yes, I can withdraw within 12 months, 2) Need to use Form SSA-521, 3) Must repay ALL benefits including what others received on my record, 4) Only get one withdrawal in my lifetime, 5) No interest charged but must repay gross amount including any Medicare/tax withholdings. I'm going to think carefully about whether starting at 62 is right for me with this safety net, or if I should just wait longer from the beginning.

watch out for taxes too!!! up to 85% of ur SS can be taxed if ur combined income is high enough... they dont tell u that part!

One last thing to be aware of: Even though there's no penalty for working at FRA, you should still report any significant changes in your earning situation to SSA. This helps avoid any potential misunderstandings or incorrect benefit calculations. You can report wages through your my Social Security account online or by calling them directly.

my cousin worked for ssa for 30 yrs and she always said the wep is the most complicated thing they deal with!! even the agents get confused about it sometimes lol. just keep working and saving ur money dont count on ss to save u

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! I'm going to try to increase my hours at the bookstore to see if I can get closer to the substantial earnings threshold, though $28,050 might be a stretch for part-time work. Even if I can't eliminate the WEP completely, it sounds like there's still value in continuing to work and pay into Social Security. I'll be keeping track of my earnings more carefully now that I understand how this works. And I might try that Claimyr service to finally speak with someone at SSA and get information specific to my situation. Really appreciate all the advice!

Please update us after your appointment! I'm curious what they say. These situations usually turn out to be nothing major but it's always good to know what triggered it so others can learn what to expect.

UPDATE: I went to the local office this morning and they said since I hadn't responded to their letter in ten days they cancelled my benefit application and suspended my online account. When I explained to the very helpful gentleman that it took three weeks from the date of the letter to when I actually received it, he immediately processed my application again and restored my online access. So grateful for his help! The letter had apparently been sent regarding a question about my work history, but I never got it until after they'd already taken action. Just wanted to update everyone in case someone else experiences this issue.

DONT TRUST SS!!! I told them I retired in July but they still penalized me for money I made earlier in the year!!! They take all your money if you go over the limit!!

My bad on my early response, I think I misunderstood your situation. That monthly earnings test is right - I didn't qualify for it because I worked part-time all year rather than fully retiring at a specific date. Good luck with your retirement!

Something nobody mentioned - when you become payee they'll ask about your brother's BACK payments and if your mom saved any of his benefits! Make sure all that is documented!!! My sister had $7000 in saved benefits in a separate account our dad managed, and SSA wanted proof of EVERY PENNY during the payee change. Your mom needs to have statements ready showing any saved money from his benefits.

just wondering have u talked to ur mom about this yet?? my grandma got SUPER upset when we suggested someone else handle my uncle's benefits. she took it as us saying she was incompetent even tho she totally was making mistakes

Just to follow up on the survivor benefit discussion - that's absolutely correct. Maximizing your individual benefits also maximizes potential survivor benefits, which is an important consideration for married couples. To sum up your situation: 1. The "restricted application" strategy (claiming spousal while letting your own grow) is not available to you since you were born after January 1, 1954. 2. When you file for benefits, you'll be deemed to be filing for all benefits you're eligible for and will receive the highest amount. 3. At your current age of 68, your own retirement benefit has already accumulated significant delayed retirement credits and is almost certainly higher than any spousal benefit you could receive. 4. Both of you waiting until 70 to claim will maximize your individual benefits and also provide the highest potential survivor benefit for whichever of you lives longer. Based on the information you've provided, waiting until 70 appears to be your optimal strategy.

my sister tried to do what ur talking about and SSA said no. but then she went to a different office and they told her something completely different! the right hand doesnt know what the left is doing over there lol