They are separate benefits, but the SSA systems treat them as choices within your overall record. When you apply for survivor benefits, clearly state that you want to KEEP your retirement benefits suspended. Get the representative to note this in your file. Also request written confirmation of this instruction. Without being explicit about this, there is a risk they could restart your retirement benefits. Document everything - the name of the representative, date, and confirmation numbers for all communications.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Lauren. You're dealing with a lot right now, and I want to add one important point that might help with your immediate financial concerns. Since you mentioned you're worried about managing financially during the survivor benefit application process - you may be eligible for a one-time lump sum death payment of $255 if you were living with your husband at the time of his death. This is separate from ongoing survivor benefits and can be processed much faster. You'll need to apply within 2 years of his death. It's not a huge amount, but every little bit helps when you're facing an overpayment situation. Also, regarding that overpayment - definitely explore the hardship waiver option given your changed circumstances. The loss of your husband's income combined with the suspended benefits could qualify you for relief. Document your current financial hardship thoroughly when you submit the waiver request.

I went through something very similar when I started freelance consulting work after initially reporting zero income. What worked for me was sending a simple letter to my local SSA office with my name, SSN, and updated earnings estimate, along with a statement that I would stay under the monthly limit. I sent it certified mail and got a confirmation letter back within about 3 weeks acknowledging the update. The peace of mind was totally worth it! Since you're only working 35 hours monthly at a bookstore, you should easily stay under the $1,860 threshold. Don't stress too much - SSA deals with these estimate changes all the time, and as long as you stay under the monthly limit, there won't be any benefit reductions.

I just wanted to add another perspective from someone who's been receiving SS benefits for a few years now. The most important thing is to stay organized with your documentation. I keep a simple spreadsheet tracking my monthly earnings to make sure I never accidentally go over the $1,860 limit. When I had to update my earnings estimate two years ago, I called the 800 number early in the morning (around 8 AM) on a Tuesday and got through in about 20 minutes. The representative was very helpful and updated my estimate over the phone - they even sent me a confirmation letter afterward. One tip: when you do get through to someone, ask them to note in your file that you specifically discussed staying under the monthly earnings limit. This can help prevent confusion later if there are any questions about your benefits. Also, make sure your employer understands the monthly limit situation so they can help you manage your hours if needed. Good luck with your new job at the bookstore!

I went thru the same thing!! When my SSDI changed over i was SHOCKED it was the same amount, i always thought SSDI was more. My neighbor said her husband's check actually went DOWN but i think she's confused about something because everything i've read says the amount stays the same?? The whole system is so confusing lol.

I'm in a similar situation - my FRA is coming up in a few months and I've been wondering the same thing! From what I've learned reading through these comments, it sounds like the key factor is whether you would have had higher earning years during those 8 years you were on SSDI. Since Social Security uses your highest 35 years of indexed earnings, if you were in your peak earning phase when you became disabled, you probably would have seen some increase in your retirement benefit. But the disability freeze protected you from having zero-income years hurt your calculation, which is actually a good thing. One thing that might help is looking at your old tax returns from right before you went on disability - that could give you an idea of what your trajectory was earnings-wise. If your salary was trending upward, you might have missed out on some higher benefit calculations. But honestly, the peace of mind from having SSDI during those years when you needed it was probably worth more than any potential difference in monthly benefits.

Regarding sedentary work while on SSDI - there are also programs specifically designed to help SSDI beneficiaries return to work if they're able. The Ticket to Work program provides free employment support services and protection against medical Continuing Disability Reviews while you're participating. Depending on your situation, this might be a good option to explore after you're approved for benefits. You can test your work ability with various supports in place. Look into Benefits Planning Assistance and Outreach (BPAO) services in your area for personalized guidance on how working might affect your benefits.

Just wanted to add one more perspective as someone who went through this exact situation. I was a roofer for 15 years before my back gave out at 48. Got approved for SSDI after 14 months and one appeal. The key thing that helped my case was getting my orthopedic surgeon AND a pain management doctor to both write detailed RFC assessments specifically stating I couldn't sit for more than 20-30 minutes at a time, needed to lie down 2-3 times during an 8-hour period, and would miss more than 2 days of work per month due to pain flares. Those specific functional limitations are what convinced the judge that even desk jobs weren't viable for me. I now do some freelance bookkeeping from home (maybe 10-12 hours a week) staying well under the SGA limit. The flexibility to work when I'm having good days and rest when I'm not has been a lifesaver. My advice: don't let anyone pressure you into thinking you're "too young" for disability if you truly can't work. Document everything thoroughly and consider getting a disability attorney if you get denied initially.

As someone who just recently started navigating the Social Security system myself, this whole thread has been incredibly eye-opening! I had always assumed everyone got their payments on the same day based on birth date, so learning about all these different categories and payment schedules is really helpful. The fact that there are separate rules for pre-1997 beneficiaries, spousal benefits, SSI combinations, and regular retirement benefits shows just how complex the system really is. I'm definitely going to save this thread as a reference and check out that SSA payment calendar that was mentioned. It's so reassuring to see a community where people are willing to share their experiences and help newcomers understand these confusing processes. Thanks to everyone who took the time to explain the different scenarios - it makes the whole system feel much less intimidating!

This thread has been such a goldmine of information! I'm in a similar boat - just received my award letter and was completely puzzled by the payment date. After reading through everyone's experiences here, I finally understand why the system works the way it does. The breakdown of pre-1997 vs post-1997 rules, spousal benefits, and all the different categories really cleared things up. I had no idea the payment system was so complex! I'm definitely going to create that MySocialSecurity account to double-check my direct deposit info like someone mentioned, and I'll be looking up that payment calendar too. It's amazing how much more confident I feel about the whole process after reading real people's experiences rather than just trying to decipher government websites. Thank you to everyone who shared their knowledge - this community is incredibly helpful for newcomers!