As someone who's been helping seniors with Social Security issues for several years through volunteer work, I wanted to jump in and confirm what many others have said here - the SSA rep definitely gave you incorrect information about "switching" between tests. When your wife starts benefits on January 1, 2026, she'll be subject to ONLY the annual earnings test for the entire year. There's absolutely no switching to monthly limits if she exceeds the annual threshold. The monthly earnings test is exclusively for people who retire mid-year during their first year of benefits. What likely happened is the rep confused how SSA actually withholds the excess benefits (they typically withhold entire monthly payments rather than partial payments) with switching between different earnings tests. It's an unfortunately common mix-up that I've seen confuse many people. Given her seasonal work earning $6,000-$7,500 monthly for 4 months, she'll definitely want to track her total carefully against that annual limit (likely around $25,000 for 2026). The timing strategies others mentioned about when work is actually performed versus when payment is received could be really valuable for her situation. I'd strongly recommend calling back and specifically asking for a technical expert to avoid getting conflicting information again. Good luck with your planning!

This thread has been incredibly enlightening! As someone who's just starting to research Social Security benefits for my own future planning, I had no idea how complex these earnings limit rules could be or how much misinformation seems to circulate - even from official sources. The key takeaway that keeps resonating is crystal clear now: if you start Social Security benefits on January 1st of any year, ONLY the annual earnings test applies for that entire year. There's no mysterious "switching" to monthly limits as that first SSA rep incorrectly suggested. The monthly test is exclusively for mid-year retirees in their first year of benefits. What I find most valuable are all the practical strategies shared here - from tracking earnings with spreadsheets to timing seasonal work strategically, asking for technical experts instead of regular phone reps, and getting everything documented in writing. These real-world tips could make the difference between smooth benefit management and unexpected complications. For newcomers like me who are years away from these decisions, this discussion serves as a perfect example of why doing thorough research and getting multiple sources of information is so critical. One incorrect phone call could have led to major planning mistakes! Thanks to everyone who shared their expertise and experiences - this community knowledge is invaluable for navigating these complex government programs.

I'm about 2 weeks into this process myself and this thread is like finding gold! Applied online with direct deposit and haven't seen any status updates in MySocialSecurity yet, but reading everyone's experiences has really helped set my expectations. It's so interesting how we all seem to go through the same emotional journey - from excitement about finally retiring to anxiety about when that first payment will actually show up. I love how this has become such a supportive community where people are sharing real timelines and practical tips. Already planning to set up those notifications that everyone mentions to avoid the obsessive checking phase! It's reassuring to know that the 4-8 week window seems pretty standard and that the "processing payment" status is actually a good sign when it appears. Thanks to everyone for being so open about their experiences - it's making this big life transition feel much less overwhelming knowing we're all in this together!

I'm right there with you! Just hit the 4-week mark since my application was approved and I'm seeing that same "processing payment" status that everyone here mentions. Reading through all these experiences has been so reassuring - it's clear that the 4-8 week timeframe is totally normal, even though it feels like forever when you're waiting! I applied online with direct deposit set up, and based on what others are sharing, it sounds like I'm right in that sweet spot where things should start moving soon. Already took the advice about setting up notifications to stop my compulsive checking (definitely guilty of that!). For your home repairs, I'd echo what others have said about waiting until you see that first deposit - better to be cautious during this transition. This community has been amazing for turning what felt like an anxious solo experience into something we're all navigating together. Keep us updated when your payment comes through!

I went through this exact same confusion when I started my benefits 6 months ago! The waiting period is definitely stressful, but here's what helped me get through it: I called my utility companies, credit card companies, and mortgage lender to explain my situation and ask about changing due dates. Most were surprisingly accommodating - my mortgage company let me switch from the 1st to the 28th of each month, which works much better with the 4th Wednesday SS schedule. Also, if you're really tight on cash for that first gap period, some local senior centers and Area Agencies on Aging have emergency assistance programs specifically for people transitioning to Social Security. It's worth calling to ask - they helped me with my electric bill during that transition month. One last thing - make sure you keep your first benefit statement when it comes! The amount might look different than what your award letter estimated due to Medicare premiums being deducted (if you're enrolled). Don't panic if the numbers don't match exactly at first.

Hey Katherine! I just went through this same situation a few months ago and wanted to share something that really helped me. Beyond adjusting bill due dates (which others have mentioned), I found it useful to create a simple calendar marking when each month's benefit will actually arrive. So your January benefit arrives Feb 26, February benefit arrives March 26, etc. Having it visually mapped out made budgeting so much easier. One thing nobody mentioned yet - if you're planning to have taxes withheld from your Social Security (which you can elect to do), that will also reduce your monthly payment amount. You can set this up through your my Social Security account if needed. Just wanted to give you a heads up since it's another factor that might make your actual deposit different from what you're expecting. The first few months are definitely the trickiest as you adjust to the new schedule, but it really does become routine once you get into the rhythm of it. Hang in there!

I'm so sorry for your loss, Lindsey. I'm actually in a very similar situation - lost my husband 8 months ago and just turned 59, so I'll be eligible for survivor benefits soon too. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful! One thing I wanted to add that I learned from a financial planner who specializes in Social Security: make sure you also consider the impact of Medicare premiums when you're doing your calculations. When you switch from survivor benefits to your own retirement benefit at 70, your Medicare Part B premiums might change based on your new benefit amount and any other income you have. It's usually not a huge factor, but it's worth factoring into your total monthly budget. Also, I've heard that some local AARP offices offer free Social Security counseling sessions where volunteers can help you understand your options. Might be worth checking if there's one near you while you're trying to get through to SSA directly. Wishing you the best as you navigate this difficult time and these complex decisions!

I'm sorry for your loss, Lindsey. This is such a challenging time to be dealing with complex financial decisions on top of everything else. Just wanted to add one more consideration that I don't think anyone has mentioned yet: if you do decide to take survivor benefits at 60 and continue working, make sure you understand how the earnings test works with your specific work situation. The $22,320 limit mentioned earlier is for wages/self-employment income, but there are some nuances around things like bonuses, commissions, or irregular income that can affect the calculation. Also, while you're waiting to speak with SSA, you might want to gather your husband's Social Security statement (if you have access) and your own most recent statement. Having both of those when you do finally speak with an agent will help them give you much more accurate projections. The strategy you're considering can definitely work well, but as others have emphasized, it really depends on your specific numbers. Don't let the complexity discourage you from exploring all your options - you deserve to make the choice that gives you the best financial security for the years ahead.

This thread has been absolutely phenomenal! As someone who's been considering early retirement at 62 but was terrified about navigating the earnings limits while keeping some part-time work, reading through everyone's experiences has been incredibly reassuring. The key takeaway for me is that the system is actually more flexible than I initially thought, especially with the first-year monthly earnings test. Knowing that you can earn whatever you want in January before benefits start, then stay under $1,890 per month afterward, makes the whole transition feel much more manageable. I especially appreciate all the warnings about self-employment work and the substantial services rule. As someone who does freelance consulting, understanding that 15-hour threshold for "highly skilled" work could save me from making a costly mistake. One question for those who've been through this: do you find that SSA is pretty reasonable to work with if you accidentally go slightly over the monthly limit one month, or are they strict about the rules with no wiggle room? I'm wondering if there's any practical flexibility in how they handle minor overages. Thanks again to everyone for sharing such detailed real-world advice. This conversation should be required reading for anyone planning early retirement with Social Security!

As someone who just started collecting Social Security at 62 while working part-time, I want to emphasize how important it is to track your earnings carefully using a dedicated system. I created a simple Excel spreadsheet with columns for date, hours worked, gross pay, and running monthly totals. This has been invaluable for staying under that $1,890 monthly limit. One thing that surprised me was how quickly small amounts can add up. Even working just a few days a month, if you get any unexpected bonuses, overtime, or holiday pay, it can push you over the threshold faster than you think. I learned to always ask my employer about any additional compensation before accepting extra work. Also, don't forget that if you're paid bi-weekly, some months you'll receive three paychecks instead of two, which could easily put you over the limit if you're not planning for it. I actually asked my employer to switch me to monthly pay to make tracking easier. Your January strategy is absolutely the right approach. I wish I had thought to do that - it would have given me a nice financial cushion before the earnings restrictions kicked in. Take full advantage of that month!