Does anyone know if the MEDICARE part changes??? I have Medicare because of my disability and I'm worried that might change when I hit my retirement age next year???

Key points about SSDI to retirement transition: 1. Conversion happens automatically at your Full Retirement Age (67 for those born 1960 or later) 2. Benefit amount remains identical - no recalculation occurs 3. Medicare coverage continues unchanged 4. Work restrictions are removed - you can earn unlimited income without benefit reduction 5. Medical continuing disability reviews are no longer conducted 6. The only real change is administrative - which trust fund pays your benefits No action is required on your part for this transition.

sSA IS A TOTAL MESS!!! i had to deal with them for 6 months to fix my benefits after they miscalculated everything. dont trust anything they tell you the first time. ALWAYS get a second opinion and keep records of EVERYTHING

Just to add a bit more detail for anyone else reading this thread: there are actually three separate concepts people often mix up: 1. The earnings test - applies only to the individual earning the income and only before FRA 2. Taxation of benefits - your combined household income can affect how much of your Social Security is subject to income tax 3. Deemed filing - which can affect spousal benefit strategies For the original question, only #1 is relevant, and as everyone has said, only your own earnings count toward your own earnings test. However, when it comes to how much of your Social Security might be taxed (#2), your wife's business income would be included in your household income calculation.

This whole system is RIDICULOUS!!! I spent HOURS trying to figure this out when I was in your situation. The SSA website is useless and the phone lines are a joke. I ended up talking to THREE different agents and got THREE different answers!! One told me I could get 50% of my husband's, another said I'd get less because I filed early, and a third said I might not get any spousal benefit at all because my own was too high. I STILL don't know if I'm getting the right amount!!! 😡😡😡

To summarize the key points that might help you decide: 1. Filing at 62 means a permanent 30% reduction to your retirement benefit 2. Later, when your husband files, you'll be eligible for spousal benefits equal to the greater of: - Your own reduced benefit, OR - A reduced spousal benefit 3. The reduced spousal benefit would be calculated as: [50% of your husband's PIA - 100% of your PIA] plus a reduction factor based on your age when you first filed (62) 4. Since your husband's benefit is about twice yours, you'll likely get some additional amount when he files, but it won't be the full difference between your benefit and 50% of his If possible, I'd recommend setting up an appointment with an SSA claims specialist who can run the exact numbers for your situation.

Quick question for anyone who knows - does applying for disability affect how much my wife can get in spousal benefits? She's 62 and was planning to apply for spousal benefits on my record when I start my retirement benefits next month.

I want to thank everyone for the helpful responses. I'm going to go ahead with just the regular retirement application since it seems there's no benefit to pursuing disability at my age. It's frustrating that the SSA representatives gave me conflicting information, but I'm grateful for the clear explanations here.

My daughter gets SSDI on my record and her benefits are based on my full amount!!!! The person you talked to is WRONG!!! Talk to a different person!!! The SSA people dont know there own rules half the time!!!!!

To clarify what everyone has said: 1) Your daughter's DAC benefit will be 50% of your husband's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), which is his benefit at full retirement age, regardless of when he actually started collecting. 2) When applying, bring documentation showing disability before age 22 and continuous disability. Medical records from childhood will be very helpful. 3) For Medicaid protection, specifically ask about "Section 1634(c) protected Medicaid status" - this is the provision that allows former SSI recipients who switch to DAC benefits to maintain Medicaid eligibility even if their new income would otherwise make them ineligible. 4) She will need to wait 24 months after DAC eligibility begins before Medicare coverage starts, which is why maintaining Medicaid during this period is crucial. 5) The application for DAC benefits is separate from your husband's retirement application - you need to specifically apply for it.

make sure ur mom keeps the money thats already in their bank account from his last check. SS will prob take back his last payment if he died b4 the 3rd of the month but if it was after she gets to keep it

One other thing - when I went through this, they told me the $255 death benefit could only be paid to a surviving spouse who was living with the deceased at the time of death. If your parents lived together, she'll get it, but if they were separated or living apart for any reason, there might be an issue. Just wanted to mention it so you're prepared.

I retired at 62 and went back to work part-time when I was 65. My benefit increased about $75/month after two years of working, which wasn't huge but definitely added up over time. One thing to remember is that once you reach your Full Retirement Age, there's no more earnings limit, so you can earn as much as you want without having benefits withheld. And yes, those earnings can still increase your benefit through the automatic recomputation. Also, if you had any months where benefits were withheld due to earning too much before FRA, SSA will adjust your reduction factor when you reach FRA, which can also increase your monthly benefit slightly.

Just to add one more thing - if you create a my Social Security account online (ssa.gov/myaccount), you can see your earnings record and make sure all your work is being properly credited. It's a good way to verify everything's in order without having to call SSA directly.

Has anyone tried using the SSA calculators? I found them really confusing when trying to figure out the same thing last year. The retirement calculator doesn't seem to factor in the earnings test properly, or maybe I was doing something wrong?

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! Based on what you're all saying, it sounds like I'd be making a big mistake by claiming now. With my business income well over the limit, I'd get little to nothing now BUT still take that permanent 25% reduction. I think I'm going to wait at least until my FRA when the earnings test goes away, maybe even until 70 for the maximum benefit. Does anyone know if I need to do anything special regarding my investments or business structure in preparation for eventually claiming SS benefits? Or is it just a matter of waiting until the right time to apply?

One thing no one has mentioned is that SSA's processing times vary significantly by field office workload. Each online application gets assigned to a servicing field office based on your zip code. Some offices are severely understaffed while others are catching up after COVID backlogs. This creates major differences in processing times between regions. Also, the time of month matters - applications filed early in the month often process faster than those filed later as end-of-month workloads pile up. If you're concerned about your application status, you can request an update through the Message Center in your my Social Security account. This often gets a faster response than calling.

Just wanted to add - don't panic if it takes longer than 30 days. With staffing shortages, even routine applications can take 6-8 weeks during busy periods. As long as you've submitted all required documents, your benefits will be paid from your entitlement date regardless of how long processing takes.

just remembered something else - when my wife got hers they did back pay too. she applied like 3 months after turning 62 and they gave her a lump sum for those months. might happen for u too

Just watch your first few payments CAREFULLY!!! Make sure the amount matches what they TOLD you it would be! I got underpaid for MONTHS because they didn't add the spousal portion correctly! Don't assume the computers get it right!!