I'm so sorry you're dealing with this exhausting process on top of managing such a complex medical condition. Cystinuria requiring 4-5 surgeries annually is absolutely debilitating - the unpredictability alone would make it nearly impossible to maintain steady employment. Based on everything you've shared and the great advice from others here, I'd definitely prioritize the CDB application under your mother's record. Since you were diagnosed at 13 with a genetic condition and your mom has been on SSDI since 2007, this seems like your strongest path forward. A couple of additional thoughts that might help: 1. **When documenting your condition**, emphasize the unpredictable nature - employers need reliability, and when you never know when you'll need emergency surgery, that's a huge barrier to employment that SSA should understand. 2. **For your stalled case**, 13 months at Step 3 suggests they might be waiting for additional medical evidence or there could be a clerical issue. Definitely try the in-person visit to your local office. 3. **Consider keeping a symptom diary** going forward - documenting pain levels, ER visits, work days missed, etc. This can be powerful evidence of how your condition actually impacts daily functioning. The financial stress while waiting is awful, and your partner burning out as sole provider adds another layer of difficulty. You're dealing with so much, and you absolutely deserve support through this system you've been paying into. Don't give up - your claim is legitimate and you will get through this process.

I'm so sorry you're going through this incredibly frustrating situation. Your case highlights everything wrong with how the disability system treats people with legitimate conditions - making you wait over a year while dealing with constant medical emergencies is just cruel. From reading all the excellent advice here, it sounds like everyone is pointing you toward the same strategy: pursue the CDB application under your mother's record immediately while also pushing for answers on your stalled SSI case. Having a genetic condition diagnosed at 13 with such extensive ongoing medical needs should absolutely qualify you for CDB. One thing I'd add that I haven't seen mentioned - when you do get that updated medical documentation focused on functional limitations, make sure your doctors also document the cognitive impact of chronic pain and frequent medications. Many people don't realize that pain conditions also affect concentration, memory, and decision-making abilities, which are crucial for most jobs. Also, the fact that you've been managing this condition for over 20 years shows incredible strength. Don't let the bureaucratic nightmare make you doubt the legitimacy of your needs. A condition requiring 4-5 surgeries per year plus constant ER visits is absolutely disabling, regardless of what some uninformed people might say. Keep fighting - you've got a whole community here rooting for you and providing practical advice. You will get through this process!

As someone who's been researching this exact scenario for my own future retirement, I wanted to thank everyone for sharing such detailed real-world experiences! This thread has been more helpful than anything I've found on official SSA resources. One additional resource I discovered that might be helpful - the American Citizens Services unit at US embassies often hosts informational sessions for American expats on topics like Social Security, Medicare, and tax obligations. The US Embassy in Lisbon apparently holds these sessions quarterly. It might be worth checking their website or calling to see when the next session is scheduled if you're serious about making this move. Also, for those mentioning the complexity of coordinating the move, I found a checklist on the State Department's website specifically for Americans planning to retire abroad that covers everything from notifying SSA to handling voter registration. It's under their "Services for US Citizens Abroad" section. The consistency of everyone's positive experiences with continuing Social Security benefits in Portugal is really encouraging. It sounds like as long as you follow the proper notification procedures and keep up with the annual questionnaires, it's actually pretty straightforward. Portugal seems like it really has positioned itself well for American retirees!

I just wanted to add my perspective as someone who made this exact move to Portugal 18 months ago while receiving Social Security retirement benefits. Everything people have shared here is spot-on, but I'll add a few practical details that might help. First, the notification process with SSA was surprisingly smooth. I called that international number someone mentioned (410-965-0160) about 3 months before my move, and they walked me through everything over the phone. They sent me Form SSA-21 to complete and return, and that was it. My benefits continued without interruption. Regarding banking, I kept my US accounts (Chase and Fidelity) and they work perfectly here. Chase reimburses international ATM fees, and Fidelity has excellent customer service for overseas clients. I tried setting up a Portuguese bank account remotely before moving but found it easier to do in person once I arrived. For the NHR program that @Nadia Zaldivar mentioned - it's absolutely worth it! You apply through Portuguese tax authorities after becoming a resident. For the first 10 years, US Social Security benefits are taxed at a flat 10% rate in Portugal instead of regular Portuguese income tax rates, and you get credit for this on your US taxes to avoid double taxation. One tip: download the MySocialSecurity app before you move. It makes managing everything from overseas much easier than trying to access the website, which sometimes has issues with foreign IP addresses. Portugal has exceeded all my expectations for retirement. The healthcare system is excellent, people are incredibly welcoming to American retirees, and your Social Security dollars go much further here than they would in most parts of the US.

As someone who recently went through the early retirement process at 62, I can confirm what others have said - gambling winnings won't affect your Social Security earnings test! I was worried about the same thing when I won $3,200 at a local casino right after I started collecting benefits. The SSA only counts wages and self-employment income for the earnings limit. However, do keep in mind that large winnings could bump you into a higher tax bracket for that year and potentially make more of your Social Security benefits taxable. But honestly, that's still a good problem to have! Enjoy your cruise and don't let tax worries stop you from having fun - just be prepared to set aside some money for taxes if you do hit it big.

Great question! I just went through this exact situation last year when I started collecting at 62. Won $4,800 on a Caribbean cruise and was panicking about whether it would mess up my benefits. Good news - gambling winnings are NOT counted as "earnings" for the Social Security earnings test, so they won't reduce your monthly payments. The earnings test only applies to wages and self-employment income. However, the winnings ARE taxable income and will be included in determining how much of your Social Security benefits get taxed. If you win big, the cruise ship will give you tax forms (W-2G if over certain thresholds) and they might even withhold federal taxes on the spot. My advice: enjoy the cruise, try your luck, and if you win, just set aside about 25-30% for taxes to be safe. The worst that happens is you have a "good problem" of owing taxes on your winnings! Have fun and good luck!

This is such valuable information! I had no idea that divorced spouses could potentially receive benefits while on SSDI. I'm in a somewhat similar situation - I've been on SSDI for fibromyalgia for about 18 months, and my ex-husband will be eligible for retirement benefits in a couple of years. We were married for 14 years before divorcing. Reading through all these responses, it sounds like I should start preparing now by gathering my documents (marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc.) so I'm ready when the time comes. One thing I'm still unclear on - if my SSDI amount is higher than what I'd get from his divorced spouse benefits, would there be any point in applying? Or do they always supplement to bring you up to the higher amount regardless of which benefit is larger?

I want to add something important that might help others in this thread - make sure you understand the difference between divorced spouse benefits and divorced survivor benefits. While we're all talking about divorced spouse benefits (which you can get while your ex is alive and receiving/eligible for retirement), divorced survivor benefits are typically much higher and available if your ex passes away. The survivor benefit can be up to 100% of what your ex was receiving, compared to divorced spouse benefits which max out at 50% of their benefit. Just wanted to mention this since several people are in similar long-term situations where this distinction could matter down the road. Also, for those having trouble getting through to SSA - try calling right when they open at 7 AM local time. I've had much better luck getting through early in the morning before the phone lines get overwhelmed.

Thank you all for the helpful information! I feel much more confident about my options now. I'm planning to call SSA to confirm everything directly, but having this knowledge beforehand will help me ask the right questions. It seems like taking my reduced benefit at 62 and then switching to the full survivor benefit at 67 (if needed) would be the best financial strategy in my situation. I really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and expertise.

I just wanted to add that you might also want to consider consulting with a fee-only financial advisor who specializes in Social Security planning before making your final decision. While the strategy you're considering (claiming your own benefit at 62 and switching to survivor benefits at FRA) sounds solid based on what others have shared, every situation is unique. An advisor can run detailed calculations considering factors like your life expectancy, current health, other retirement income sources, and tax implications. Some advisors even offer Social Security-only consultations for a few hundred dollars, which could be money well spent given the long-term financial impact of this decision. The peace of mind alone might be worth it!