Based on what you've shared, here's what I recommend: 1. First, verify your husband's claiming history by contacting SSA (whether through regular channels or using a service to help you get through) 2. Ask specifically about: - When your husband began collecting benefits - What his PIA (Primary Insurance Amount) was - How the RIB-LIM rule affects your specific situation 3. Request a benefit calculation for these scenarios: - Taking your survivor benefits now (reduced amount) - Taking your own retirement benefit now, then switching to survivor benefits at your FRA Once you have these specific numbers, you can make an informed decision. The difference could potentially be thousands of dollars over your lifetime, so it's worth doing this research.

I went through this exact situation 3 years ago when I was 64. The misinformation is unfortunately very common - even some SSA representatives don't always have the details right. Here's what I learned the hard way: survivor benefits ARE reduced if you take them before your FRA, period. The reduction is permanent too, so you can't "undo" it later. What saved me financially was doing exactly what Justin suggested - I took my own smaller retirement benefit at 64, then switched to the full survivor benefit when I hit my FRA at 66. This gave me income for those 2 years while preserving the higher survivor benefit amount. The key is getting YOUR specific numbers from SSA because everyone's situation is different based on earnings history and when benefits were claimed. Don't rely on general advice (including mine!) - get your actual benefit estimates in writing before deciding.

Thanks everyone for the helpful information! I'll go ahead and apply in September and make sure to specify December 2024 as my start month. And I'll remember that the first payment will arrive in January. I appreciate all the suggestions and personal experiences shared here.

You're making a smart move applying in September! Just wanted to add one more tip that helped me when I applied - keep a copy of your confirmation number and any emails SSA sends you. I also recommend checking your my Social Security account online periodically after applying to track the status. The online portal will show when your application moves through different stages of processing. Good luck with everything, and enjoy those maximum benefits you've earned by waiting!

There's no specific SSA form for breaking down cross-month earnings. A simple typed or handwritten note attached to your wage report is sufficient. I recommend something like: "For pay period 5/26/25-6/8/25 (paid 6/15/25), earnings were earned as follows: $X.XX earned in May and $X.XX earned in June based on attached timesheet." Keep copies of everything you submit. And when you report through the my Social Security portal, take screenshots as proof of submission. One important point nobody has mentioned: After the 9-month TWP is complete, your son will enter the Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) for 36 months. During EPE, he can still receive SSDI benefits in any month he earns below Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level ($1,550/month for 2025). This is when precise tracking becomes even more important.

Thanks everyone for your helpful responses. It sounds like officially SSA counts when the money is EARNED, but in practice they often go by the pay period end date on the paystub unless there's a specific reason to look more closely at it. I'm going to: 1. Keep detailed records of which hours my son works on which days 2. Submit all paystubs promptly through his my Social Security account 3. Include notes explaining the breakdown for pay periods that cross months 4. Keep all timesheets as backup documentation It's frustrating that something seemingly so simple is actually so complicated! But I appreciate all your insights and experiences.

I was in your exact situation two months ago with my 17-year-old daughter. After wasting days trying to get through on the phone, I tried that Claimyr service someone mentioned above. Got connected to an agent in about 20 minutes and had the whole application done in another 30. My daughter's first payment arrived about 3 weeks later. They backpaid from when I first got my benefits too!

I'm going through the exact same frustrating process right now! Just got my letter about potential benefits for my 15-year-old last week. The phone system is absolutely broken - I've tried calling multiple times and either get disconnected or the wait times are insane. One thing I learned from reading through all these comments is that I need to gather ALL the documents beforehand. I'm going to try the early morning call strategy on Wednesday that someone mentioned, and if that doesn't work, I'll show up at the local office before they open with a folding chair and every piece of paperwork I can think of. It's ridiculous that in 2025 we still have to jump through these hoops for something that should be straightforward. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - at least now I know I'm not alone in this nightmare!

Has anyone mentioned that you need to apply within 60 days? My sister waited too long and had issues. And don't forget there's a one-time death benefit of $255 you might be eligible for too!

I'm sorry for your loss, Selena. I went through something very similar when my ex-husband passed away in 2022. You absolutely need to contact SSA immediately - they don't automatically know about the death or switch your benefits. When I called, my monthly payment increased from around $1,100 to $1,850, which was a huge help during a difficult time. Make sure you have his death certificate, your marriage certificate, and divorce decree ready when you call. The process took about 5-6 weeks for me, but the increased payment was retroactive to the month I reported his death. Don't wait - every month you delay could mean losing money you're entitled to. The survivor benefit should be significantly higher than your current divorced spouse benefit, even with the early filing reduction.