this whole system is rigged to CONFUSE US!! my neighbor got diff advice from EVERY ssa rep she talked to!! good luck figuring it out!!

I'm new to this community but wanted to share my recent experience with survivor benefits timing. I just went through this process last month after my wife passed away two years ago. The key thing I learned is that SSA has a "protective filing" option where you can call and establish your intent to file, which gives you up to 6 months to complete the full application while preserving your benefit start date. This was a lifesaver for me because I was unsure about the exact timing. Given your earnings situation, I'd definitely recommend waiting until after you stop working in September 2025. But consider calling SSA in August to establish a protective filing for October benefits - that way you don't miss any potential benefit months while still avoiding the earnings test complications. Also, get everything in writing when you do apply. I learned this the hard way when there was confusion about my benefit start date, and having the written confirmation from my initial call helped resolve it quickly.

Thank you everyone for the helpful information. My sister-in-law was receiving regular Social Security retirement benefits, not SSI. Based on your responses, it sounds like we should: 1. Not expect any January payment 2. Make sure we notify SSA about her passing (already done) 3. Be aware that even the December payment might need to be returned if it was received after her death I really appreciate all the guidance during this difficult time. Dealing with all these administrative tasks while grieving isn't easy.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Having gone through this myself recently when my father passed, I can confirm what others have said - there's no January payment coming since she passed in December. The "must survive the entire month" rule is strictly enforced. One thing I'd add is to keep detailed records of any communications with SSA and watch the bank account closely for the next few weeks. Sometimes there can be delays in their system stopping payments, and if anything does come through after the death date, you'll need to return it promptly. The funeral home should have already sent the death certificate to SSA, but following up directly as executor was definitely the right move. Wishing you and your family strength during this difficult time.

As someone who just discovered this community while researching SSDI basics, I have to say this thread has been absolutely incredible to read through! I'm in the very early stages of considering applying for SSDI and was completely lost about how the 5-month waiting period actually works. The way everyone broke down that it starts from your onset date rather than approval date was such a crucial clarification - I definitely would have assumed it meant waiting another 5 months after approval, which seemed so unfair! @Amina Diallo huge congratulations on your approval after fighting for 2 years! That must be such an enormous relief. Your question has sparked exactly the kind of comprehensive discussion that people like me desperately need when trying to understand this complex system. What really stands out to me is how supportive and knowledgeable this community is. The way everyone corrected the SSI vs SSDI payment confusion so respectfully, shared practical tips about banking notifications and online account tracking, and provided real-world insights you just can't find in official materials shows what an amazing resource this place is. Reading through all the newcomer responses has been so encouraging - it's clear that many of us have been struggling with the same confusion about SSDI basics. This thread has given me so much more confidence about potentially moving forward with an application. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences and knowledge here - this is exactly what we need to make navigating disability benefits feel less overwhelming!

Just joined this community after stumbling across this amazing thread while researching SSDI! Like so many others here, I was completely confused about the 5-month waiting period until reading through all these detailed explanations. The clarification that it starts from onset date rather than approval date is such a game-changer - I honestly thought it meant waiting another 5 months AFTER getting approved, which seemed incredibly cruel after already waiting years for a decision. @Amina Diallo congratulations on your hard-fought approval! Two years is such a marathon, and your question has created an incredibly valuable resource for newcomers like me. It's amazing how one confused question has turned into this comprehensive guide that's helping so many people understand something the official SSA materials explain so poorly. What really impresses me about this community is the respectful way everyone handles corrections and shares practical knowledge. The SSI vs SSDI payment clarification and all the real-world tips about banking notifications and tracking payments online are exactly the kinds of details that make the difference between feeling lost and feeling prepared. As someone who's been intimidated by the complexity of the SSDI process, this thread has given me so much more confidence about potentially starting my own application journey. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their experiences - this is exactly the kind of support system people need when navigating such an overwhelming process!

I think this shows why it's sometimes better to delay applying for benefits if you can. My financial advisor suggested I wait until this backlog clears before applying for my retirement benefits (I'm affected by WEP). That way my application will include the correct calculation from the start instead of waiting for a recalculation. Of course, not everyone has the luxury of waiting.

This is really helpful information everyone! I'm a recently retired federal employee (not SSA but Department of Education) and I've been wondering if I should reach out to SSA about these temporary positions. I have experience with benefits administration and recalculations from my previous work. Does anyone know if they're only hiring former SSA employees or if they're open to retirees from other federal agencies who have relevant experience? The idea of helping clear this backlog while earning some extra income is appealing, especially since I understand how frustrating these delays must be for people waiting on their recalculations.

one thing nobody mentioned is you get the money back eventually!!! when you hit your FRA they recalculate your benefit and give you credit for all the months they took away. at least that's what the guy told my husband. doesn't help now but at least its not gone forever.

Just wanted to add that you should also check if your state has any additional considerations. Some states don't tax Social Security benefits, but they might treat that bonus differently for state tax purposes. Also, since you mentioned you're doing consulting work, make sure you're setting aside money for estimated quarterly taxes on that income - the IRS doesn't care about the SSA earnings test when it comes to tax obligations. You'll still owe taxes on both the bonus and consulting income regardless of any benefit reductions. Good luck navigating this - the timing rules are definitely frustrating but at least you're getting ahead of it now rather than being surprised later!