As a newcomer to this community, I wanted to share some additional resources that might help with your decision-making process. I recently went through a similar situation and found that the SSA's online Retirement Estimator tool (ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/estimator.html) can give you preliminary estimates for both your retirement benefits and potential auxiliary benefits for dependents. One thing I learned that hasn't been mentioned yet is that you can actually apply for retirement benefits up to 4 months before you want them to start. This gives you more time to gather documentation and plan the timing, especially if you're trying to coordinate with college financial aid considerations. Also, regarding the FAFSA impact that several people mentioned - I discovered that some states have different rules for how Social Security benefits are treated in their state financial aid programs. It might be worth checking with your state's higher education agency to understand the full picture of how these benefits could affect aid eligibility beyond just federal aid. The local SSA offices can provide a personalized benefit statement that shows projections for different claiming ages, including estimates for dependent benefits. When I made my appointment, I specifically asked for a "benefit projection worksheet" and they were able to print out scenarios showing benefits at 62, full retirement age, and age 70, along with the corresponding child benefit amounts. Hope this helps with your planning! This community has been such a great resource for navigating these complex decisions.

As a newcomer to this community, I wanted to add some perspective on the documentation process that might be helpful. I just completed my Social Security retirement application last month at age 62 and successfully applied for my 16-year-old daughter's benefits simultaneously. Beyond the basic documents others mentioned (birth certificate, Social Security card), I found it helpful to bring a copy of my most recent tax return showing my daughter as a dependent, and her school enrollment verification. The SSA representative said this helped streamline the process since it clearly established both the relationship and her student status. One thing that surprised me was that they were able to provide a detailed breakdown of the family maximum calculation right there in the office. Since you mentioned having just one child and no ex-spouse collecting benefits, you're likely in a very favorable position - I was told that single-child families rarely hit the actual family maximum limits. The representative also explained that child benefits automatically stop the month your child turns 18 (or graduates high school if still under 19), so that's built into their calculations when they show you the projected benefit amounts. This timing consideration might be important for your college planning since benefits could potentially stop before or during your daughter's freshman year depending on her birthday and graduation timing. I'd definitely recommend calling ahead to schedule an appointment rather than walking in - the wait times have been much better with scheduled appointments, and they can dedicate more time to walking through all the scenarios and calculations with you.

As a newcomer to this community, I have to say this entire discussion has been incredibly enlightening! I'm about 18 months away from my own early retirement decision and had no idea about the Monthly Earnings Test for the first year - this is exactly the kind of real-world information you can't easily find on the SSA website. What really stands out to me is how many different experiences people have had, which seems to depend on whether they qualified for that "grace year" provision or not. For anyone else following along who might be in a similar situation, it seems like the key takeaways are: 1) There ARE two different earnings tests, 2) The monthly test can be much more favorable if you qualify, 3) You need to specifically ask SSA about the "grace year" provision by name, and 4) Get everything documented in writing. Andre, I hope you get the clarity you need when you call SSA directly - please consider updating us on what you learn, as I'm sure others will benefit from your experience! This community is such a valuable resource for navigating these complex decisions.

As someone who recently navigated this exact situation, I can add some clarity here! I claimed my Social Security benefits at age 64 in March 2024 while still working part-time, and I was initially just as confused as you are about the earnings test timing. Here's what I learned from my SSA representative: If you're claiming benefits for the first time and have significantly reduced your work activity (what SSA calls a "grace year"), you'll likely qualify for the Monthly Earnings Test for the remainder of your first year. This means from May through December 2025, you'd be evaluated month-by-month using the $1,770 monthly limit rather than being subject to the full annual limit. The key is that "substantial reduction in work activity" requirement - since you mentioned you're reducing from full-time to part-time consulting, you should qualify. Each month after you start benefits, if you earn under $1,770, you get your full benefit for that month. If you earn over $1,770 in a specific month, you simply don't receive benefits for just that month - no penalties or payback issues. Starting in 2026, you'd then be subject to the standard calendar year earnings test (January-December). I'd definitely recommend calling SSA and specifically asking about the "Monthly Earnings Test" and "grace year provision" - use those exact terms. The regular customer service reps are more familiar with these concepts when you use the official terminology. This monthly approach was a game-changer for my planning since I could take on higher-paying projects occasionally without worrying about exceeding an annual limit. Hope this helps with your budgeting!

I just went through this exact situation last year! I was on SSDI for 6 years and turned 62 in December. Like you, I was terrified of messing up my existing benefits. Here's what I learned: The key thing to understand is that SSA will automatically calculate which option gives you more money - your current SSDI or the ex-spousal benefit. You literally cannot lose money by applying. In my case, my ex's record would have given me about $50 more per month, so now I get my original SSDI amount plus that extra $50. The application process was actually pretty straightforward once I got through to someone. I didn't need my ex's SSN - just his full name, birth date, and approximate address from when we were married. They found him in their system easily. One tip: when you call, ask them to run a "benefit estimate" for both claiming at 62 and waiting until your FRA. That way you can see the exact dollar difference and make the best decision for your situation. With your medical expenses, even an extra $100-200 per month could make a real difference in your quality of life. Your Medicare is completely safe no matter what you decide - that was my biggest worry too and it was totally unfounded!

I'm also navigating this system for the first time and feeling pretty overwhelmed by all the rules and options! Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly helpful. I'm curious - for those of you who have successfully applied for ex-spousal benefits while on SSDI, how long did it take for the additional amount to show up in your payments? And did you have to submit any additional paperwork after the initial application, or was it pretty much a one-and-done process once approved? I'm trying to get a realistic timeline in my head for what to expect if I decide to move forward with this.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Having gone through something similar with my late father's benefits, I wanted to share a few practical tips that might help: 1. **Documentation prep**: Gather your husband's death certificate, your marriage certificate, both of your Social Security cards, and your ID before contacting SSA. Having everything ready will make the process smoother. 2. **Get specific calculations**: When you do reach SSA, ask them to calculate your exact benefit amounts for each scenario - survivor benefits at 61, at FRA, your own retirement at 62, and at 70. They can run these numbers and show you the lifetime benefit comparison. 3. **Consider the "do-over" option**: If you take survivor benefits early and later realize your own benefit at 70 would be much higher, you might be able to withdraw your survivor application within 12 months and pay back what you received (though this has strict rules). 4. **Health considerations**: Don't forget to factor in your health and family longevity when deciding between getting money now vs. waiting for higher payments later. The emotional exhaustion you're feeling is completely normal. Take your time with this decision - you don't have to rush into anything. The numbers will help guide you, but ultimately you need to choose what gives you the most peace of mind during this difficult time.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Losing a spouse is incredibly difficult, and having to navigate these complex benefit decisions while grieving makes it even harder. Based on what others have shared, it sounds like you're on the right track with your thinking. Since you'll be 61 when you retire in March 2025, you can definitely take survivor benefits then (they start at 60, not 62). The key question is whether your own benefit at age 70 would be higher than the survivor benefit at your FRA. One thing that might help reduce some stress: you don't have to make this decision right now. You could retire in March, live off savings/part-time income for a few months, and use that time to get the benefit calculations from SSA without the pressure of needing the money immediately. Also, consider reaching out to your local SSA office to schedule an in-person appointment rather than trying to get through on the phone. As others mentioned, bring all your documents (death certificate, marriage certificate, both Social Security cards, your ID) and write down your questions beforehand. Take care of yourself during this process. These financial decisions are important, but your emotional well-being matters too. The right choice is the one that gives you financial security and peace of mind.

my sister said when they adopted their foster kids the benefits got reduced but then they qualified for adoption subsidies from the state that made up the difference. maybe look into that too?

I went through a similar situation last year when we were considering adopting my nephew. One thing that really helped was getting a written estimate from SSA before making any final decisions. I used the appointment system online and specifically requested they calculate the exact family maximum for our situation - not just rough estimates. The agent was able to print out a detailed breakdown showing exactly how each person's benefits would be affected. It took about 3 weeks to get the appointment, but having those concrete numbers made all the difference in our planning. Also, don't forget that if you do adopt, the grandchildren's benefits would continue until they turn 18 (or 19 if still in high school), so factor in how the family maximum situation will change over time as beneficiaries age out.