I called my local SSA office today after getting advice here, and they confirmed that for an April 2025 start date, I should apply in January 2025. They also mentioned that since I'm turning 67 in May (my FRA), taking benefits just one month early in April will only reduce my monthly amount by less than 1%. I've decided to go ahead with that plan. Thanks everyone for your helpful advice!

Great to hear you got official confirmation from SSA! Just wanted to add for anyone else reading this thread - make sure you have all your documents ready before you apply in January. You'll need your birth certificate, Social Security card, W-2 forms or tax returns from the previous year, and bank account information for direct deposit. Having everything organized beforehand will make the online application process much smoother. Good luck with your retirement!

To answer your direct questions: 1. No, there is NO minimum amount you can earn without it potentially counting as a Trial Work month. ANY month where you perform "services" can count, though typically only months where you earn over $1,020 (2025 figure) will automatically count. 2. Yes, you MUST report ALL work activity regardless of amount earned. 3. Using your TWP isn't necessarily bad - it's a safety net designed to let you test your work ability. 4. After you use your 9 TWP months (which don't have to be consecutive), you move to the 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility where benefits are only suspended in months you earn over SGA ($1,550/month in 2025). Report your work activity by calling your local office, through my.ssa.gov, or by visiting in person.

I understand how scary this situation is - facing potential loss of your home while trying to navigate complex disability rules. Here are some additional options to consider beyond just working: 1. **Housing assistance programs**: Contact your local housing authority about emergency rental/mortgage assistance, especially programs for disabled individuals. Many areas have specific programs for people at risk of foreclosure. 2. **Utility assistance**: If you're behind on utilities too, programs like LIHEAP can help free up money for your mortgage. 3. **Food assistance**: Maximizing SNAP benefits and using food banks can free up more of your SSDI for housing costs. 4. **Disability advocacy organizations**: They often know about local emergency assistance funds specifically for people with disabilities facing housing crises. 5. **Credit counseling**: Non-profit housing counselors can sometimes negotiate with mortgage companies for modified payment plans or forbearance. The roommate suggestion is also excellent - rental income typically doesn't affect SSDI benefits as long as it's not considered "work activity." If you do decide to work, definitely get that WIPA counseling first. But explore these other options too - sometimes there are resources available that people don't know about.

I'm really sorry you're going through this difficult situation. Having been through the survivor benefits process myself recently, I wanted to share some additional insights that might help. One thing that hasn't been mentioned is that you can actually apply for survivor benefits up to 6 months retroactively from when you become eligible. So if your husband passes away and you're not sure about claiming immediately, you have some time to evaluate your financial situation and make the best decision. Also, regarding your student loans - since you mentioned you're 63 and work for a non-profit, you should definitely look into the PSLF program, but also consider that federal student loans have income-driven repayment options that could significantly reduce your monthly payments. At your age, you might also qualify for loan forgiveness after 20-25 years of payments depending on the plan. For your immediate planning, I'd suggest creating a detailed budget that includes what your expenses would look like as a widow. Some costs may decrease (like your husband's medical expenses), while others might increase (like paying for services he currently provides). This will help you determine whether you truly need survivor benefits before FRA or if you can afford to wait. The SSA has a retirement estimator tool online that can help you see how your benefit would grow if you continue working. Given that you're finally earning a good salary after years of struggle, these high-earning years will really help your own benefit calculation. Stay strong - you have more options than it might initially appear.

I wanted to add something that might be helpful regarding your work situation and survivor benefits strategy. Since you mentioned working for a small non-profit with no retirement plan, you might want to ask your employer about setting up a SIMPLE IRA or SEP-IRA. These are relatively easy for small employers to establish and could help you build additional retirement savings during these higher-earning years. Also, regarding the timing of survivor benefits - there's a "deemed filing" rule that's worth understanding. If you're eligible for both survivor benefits and your own retirement benefits when you apply, SSA will generally require you to file for both and give you the higher amount. However, if you're not yet 62 when you become eligible for survivor benefits, you can claim just the survivor benefits and let your own retirement benefit grow until age 70. Given your timeline (you're 63 now), this strategy could work in your favor. If something happens to your husband before you turn 67 (your FRA), you could claim survivor benefits at FRA while continuing to work, and then potentially switch to your own benefit at 70 if it becomes higher due to delayed retirement credits. One more practical tip: when you do contact SSA, ask them to mail you a written benefits estimate showing different claiming scenarios. Having it in writing helps you compare options and makes the complex rules easier to understand and plan around.

One thing no one mentioned - if your daughter qualifies for SSI, she might be eligible for subsidized housing which could help with your living situation. There are often long waiting lists but some areas prioritize disabled applicants. Just something to look into while you're working on the SSI application.

I'm so sorry you and your daughter are going through this difficult situation. As someone who navigated the SSI process with a family member, I wanted to add a few practical tips that might help: 1. Document everything NOW - keep a daily log of her symptoms, episodes, and how they affect her daily functioning. This becomes crucial evidence later. 2. When you do get her to a psychiatrist, ask them specifically about completing a "Medical Source Statement" or RFC (Residual Functional Capacity) form - these carry significant weight in disability decisions. 3. Consider reaching out to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) in your area - they often have support groups for families and can connect you with local resources you might not know about. 4. If she's had any emergency room visits for mental health crises, those records can be valuable documentation even if they're older. The waiting and uncertainty is exhausting, but don't give up. Many people with bipolar disorder do qualify for SSI, especially when it significantly impacts their ability to work consistently. You're doing the right thing by advocating for her.

Thank you all SO much for the helpful information! I clearly had some major misconceptions about how all this works. I'm going to: 1. Look into volunteering first before jumping into paid work 2. Contact the WIPA program to understand my specific situation better 3. Research the Ticket to Work program 4. Rest easy knowing my husband's Medicare won't disappear when his SSDI converts It's such a relief to understand this better now. The anxiety of potentially losing healthcare coverage was really weighing on me. I appreciate everyone taking the time to explain things so clearly!

You're absolutely on the right track with your plan! One additional resource that might be helpful is your local SSA office - they can provide personalized guidance about your specific situation. Also, when you contact WIPA, ask them about "benefit planners" - they can actually run scenarios showing exactly how different earnings levels would affect your benefits. Since you mentioned being a stay-at-home mom for years, it's worth noting that if you do eventually return to work, even part-time earnings could potentially help fill in some zero-earning years in your Social Security record, which might boost your future retirement benefits. The healthcare piece is really the biggest hurdle for most people in your situation, so it's great that you now know Medicare continues seamlessly. That knowledge alone should help you sleep better! Best of luck with whatever path you choose.