also dont forget they only count WAGES and SELF-EMPLOYMENT toward the limit!! investment income, pensions, etc DONT count against the earnings test. that really helped me maximize my survivors check

Just wanted to add one more important point that might help you plan better - Social Security also has what's called a "grace year" provision. In the year you reach Full Retirement Age, the earnings limit is much higher (around $59,520 for 2025) and they only count earnings BEFORE the month you reach FRA. Plus, the penalty is reduced to $1 withheld for every $3 over the limit instead of $1 for every $2. So if you're turning 67 in 2025 or 2026, that could make a big difference in your planning. Also, any benefits they withhold due to excess earnings aren't lost forever - they recalculate your benefit at FRA to give you credit for the months they withheld, which increases your monthly payment going forward.

Thank you everyone for the thoughtful responses! Based on your advice, I'm leaning toward delaying until 70 while continuing to max out my 457(b) contributions and drawing from my brokerage accounts as needed. Given my family history of longevity and current good health, the guaranteed 24% increase seems worth waiting for. I'll schedule a meeting with my financial advisor to map out a year-by-year withdrawal strategy that minimizes taxes during this bridge period. Really appreciate all the insights!

Sounds like you've gotten some excellent advice here! As someone who works in retirement planning, I'd add one more consideration: review your projected monthly expenses during retirement to make sure you have adequate bridge funding for those 3 years between FRA and age 70. Since you're consulting part-time and have that $48K income, you might want to calculate whether continuing that work (even at a reduced level) plus 457(b) contributions plus brokerage withdrawals will comfortably cover your lifestyle. The peace of mind from having a solid cash flow plan during the delay period is just as important as the math behind the decision. Also consider setting up a spreadsheet to track how your "combined income" calculation will change once you start SS at 70 - it'll help with tax planning in those early retirement years.

As a newcomer here, I really appreciate seeing this helpful discussion! It's reassuring to know that so many community members are willing to share accurate information and help clarify confusing rumors. I'm also someone who relies on Social Security payments and timing is crucial for budgeting medical expenses and other necessities. It's good to see that Gabriel Freeman was able to get official confirmation from SSA that the November 2025 schedule remains unchanged. This kind of misinformation can cause unnecessary stress for seniors who depend on these payments. Thanks to everyone who took the time to provide factual responses!

As another newcomer to this community, I want to echo what others have said about how valuable it is to have members who take the time to verify information with official sources. I've been receiving Social Security for about two years now, and I've learned that rumors like this one can spread quickly, especially in community settings where people are genuinely trying to help each other. What I find particularly helpful about this discussion is seeing the different ways people approach getting accurate information - from checking the official SSA website to calling directly (even with the challenges of long wait times) to using services that can help connect you faster. It's a great reminder that when in doubt, always go to the official source rather than relying on secondhand information, no matter how well-intentioned it might be.

Just wanted to share my experience as someone who went through this exact situation last year. The key thing that saved me a lot of stress was setting up automatic tracking - I created a simple monthly calendar where I logged my hours and gross pay each week. This made it super easy when SSA requested documentation during my continuing disability review. Also, don't forget that the $1,110 TWP threshold and $1,550 SGA limit can change annually, so always double-check the current year's amounts on ssa.gov. One last tip: if you're working for an employer, make sure HR understands your situation - some are really accommodating about keeping you just under the limits if you explain your needs. You're being smart to ask these questions upfront!

I went through this transition back to work about 18 months ago and wanted to share a few things that really helped me. First, the SSA has a work incentives hotline (1-800-772-1213) that's specifically for SSDI recipients who want to work - they were much more knowledgeable than the regular customer service line. Second, I'd strongly recommend getting everything in writing when you do speak with SSA. I learned this the hard way when two different representatives gave me conflicting information about my trial work period months. Also, if you're considering self-employment or freelance work, the rules are slightly different - they look at your net earnings after business expenses rather than gross pay like they do for regular employment. The most important thing is don't let fear paralyze you - the work incentive programs are actually designed to help you transition back to work gradually. You've got a great support network here asking the right questions!

I'm so sorry for your loss, Jean Claude. Dealing with Social Security bureaucracy while grieving is incredibly overwhelming, and you're handling it with such strength. From everything shared here, it really sounds like you can feel confident about that September payment. The consistent pattern everyone's describing is that when someone was alive for the entire month that a payment covers, Social Security doesn't reclaim it. Since your dad was alive all of August, that September payment was rightfully his. I went through something very similar with my stepfather last year. We kept expecting them to take back his final payment, but after about 10 weeks of checking the account daily, we realized they weren't going to because he was entitled to it. The absence of your dad's October payment shows they already processed his death correctly and stopped future benefits. I'd recommend keeping that $1000 buffer you mentioned for another 4-6 weeks for complete peace of mind, but you should be able to move forward with using those funds for his final expenses. The timeline documentation suggestion is brilliant too - I wish I had thought to do that when I was going through this. You're navigating an incredibly difficult situation with such thoughtfulness. Your dad would be proud of how you're taking care of everything. Take care of yourself during this time - you deserve that kindness too.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Jean Claude. Having to navigate these bureaucratic details while grieving is exhausting, and you're handling it with remarkable grace. Based on all the experiences shared here, it really sounds like you can breathe easier about that September payment. The consistent pattern everyone's describing is reassuring - when someone was alive for the entire month that a Social Security payment covers, they don't reclaim it. Since your dad was alive all of August, that September payment was rightfully his. I went through something similar when my uncle passed away last year. We spent weeks anxiously checking his account, expecting Social Security to withdraw his final payment, but they never did because he was entitled to it. The waiting and uncertainty was honestly the hardest part of the whole process. The fact that no October payment came through is actually a positive sign - it shows Social Security already knows about your dad's passing and correctly stopped future benefits. I'd suggest keeping that buffer in the account for another month or so for complete peace of mind, but you should feel confident using those funds for his final expenses. Creating that timeline document everyone mentioned is such a smart idea too. Having all the dates organized will help you feel more in control and be prepared for any future conversations with SS representatives. You're handling an incredibly difficult situation with such thoughtfulness and care. Take things one day at a time, and remember to be gentle with yourself during this process.