I'm going through this exact same situation right now! I submitted my retirement application yesterday and had that same moment of panic when I realized there was no place to enter banking information. Reading through all these responses is so reassuring - it sounds like this is completely normal and the two-step process is actually by design for security reasons. I'm definitely going to log into my mySocialSecurity account today and set up the direct deposit under Settings rather than wait for them to contact me. It's really helpful to hear from so many people who went through this recently and had success with the online method. Thank you all for sharing your experiences - this community is incredibly valuable for navigating these processes!

I just want to echo what everyone else has said - this is completely normal and you didn't miss anything! I had the exact same concern when I applied for my benefits 8 months ago. The SSA deliberately separates the application from banking information for security purposes. I highly recommend logging into your mySocialSecurity account right away and setting up direct deposit under Settings > Direct Deposit. Don't wait for them to send you forms or try calling - the online method is much faster and more reliable. I did mine online immediately after applying and my first payment deposited perfectly on schedule. The system will even validate your bank routing number when you enter it, so you'll know right away if there are any errors. Once it's set up, you can always verify it's there by checking your account overview. You're doing great by being proactive about this!

I went through this exact situation with my employer's car allowance program about 6 months ago. Here's what I learned after consulting with both my tax preparer and calling SSA directly: if your employer reports it in Box 1 of your W-2 (which they almost certainly will for a flat $750/month allowance), then SSA will count it toward the earnings test regardless of what your HR department calls it. The only way around this is if they can restructure it as a true accountable plan where you submit actual receipts and only get reimbursed for documented expenses. I ended up having to decline the allowance because it would have pushed me over the limit by about $3,000, which would have cost me $1,500 in reduced benefits. My advice is to get clarity from HR about whether they can switch to a receipt-based reimbursement system, and if not, do the math to see if it's still worth it financially given the benefit reduction formula.

I work for a benefits consulting firm and deal with these situations frequently. The distinction everyone is making between allowances and reimbursements is absolutely correct, but I wanted to add one more consideration: timing. If you do end up going over the earnings limit, SSA typically doesn't catch it until they get your W-2 information the following year. This means you could potentially receive a full year of benefits and then face a large overpayment demand later. Given that you're only 64, you have several more years before FRA where this could be an ongoing issue. I'd strongly recommend either getting that accountable plan structure in place or declining the allowance altogether. The peace of mind is worth more than the hassle of dealing with SSA overpayment collections, which can be a nightmare to resolve.

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm 69 and planning to file for Social Security in a few months when I turn 70. I had no idea that the comments section was where you request retroactive benefits on the online application - I would have been just as confused as you were, Drew. Reading everyone's experiences gives me so much more confidence about the online application process. It sounds like the key things to remember are: 1) Use the comments section for retroactive requests, 2) Keep all confirmation emails and documentation, 3) Follow up with a phone call in a few weeks to specifically confirm the retroactive months were processed, and 4) Consider requesting the full 6 months you're entitled to rather than just a few months. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this is exactly the kind of real-world advice you can't get from the SSA website itself!

I just went through this exact same process last year at age 70! Like you, I was completely confused about where to put the retroactive benefits request in the online application. The SSA website really doesn't make this clear at all. I also ended up putting my request in the comments section and was worried they'd overlook it. But it worked out perfectly - they processed my retroactive benefits without any issues. The comments section is genuinely the right place for this request, even though it feels wrong when you're doing it. Since you already got confirmation from an SSA agent that your application looks good, you're definitely on the right track. One thing I learned after the fact - you might want to ask about getting the full 6 months of retroactive benefits (back to April 2024) instead of just October and November. At 70, your benefits are already maximized, so there's no penalty for claiming the full retroactive period you're entitled to. I wish I had known this when I first applied! The retroactive payment came as a separate lump sum about 3 weeks after my regular monthly benefits started. Keep that confirmation email handy and don't hesitate to call in a few weeks to double-check everything was processed correctly. You handled this perfectly!

Oh, and regarding your specific concern about being paperless - you will still need to check your physical mail. Some communications from SSA are only sent by mail for security reasons, especially anything involving direct deposit changes or benefit verification. They're slowly improving their online services, but they're not completely paperless yet.

I work at a local SSA field office and can confirm what others have said - your earnings record absolutely stays accessible after you file for benefits. The main changes to your online account are: 1) The benefit estimator tools are replaced with actual payment information, 2) You get access to benefit verification letters and tax documents, and 3) The message center becomes more active with payment-related notices. Regarding paperless communication - we're moving in that direction but aren't fully there yet. Important notices like annual COLA announcements, Medicare enrollment info, and some legal documents still come by mail for regulatory compliance reasons. Pro tip: Set up text alerts in addition to email notifications - they're more reliable for urgent account updates. And definitely keep your contact info current in the system!

I've been following this discussion with great interest as someone who works with Social Security cases regularly. Just wanted to add a few practical tips that might help when the time comes: 1. Keep a copy of your ex-husband's Social Security number handy - SSA will need it when you apply for survivor benefits. 2. If your ex remarried, don't worry - his new spouse's benefits won't affect your eligibility for survivor benefits as a divorced spouse. 3. Consider setting up periodic check-ins with SSA (maybe annually) after you start your own benefits to verify your ex's status and ensure you're aware of any changes that might affect potential survivor benefits. 4. The SSA has a specific form (SSA-10) for survivor benefits - you can download it from their website ahead of time to see what information you'll need. Your plan to maximize at 70 and then potentially switch is exactly what I'd recommend for someone in your situation. The $550 monthly difference you mentioned would add up to significant money over time!

I just wanted to thank everyone who contributed to this discussion - the information shared here is incredibly valuable! As someone who's been navigating Social Security planning for my own family, I can attest to how confusing these rules can be, especially when dealing with divorced spouse benefits. One additional resource that might be helpful is the SSA's Publication 05-10084 "Benefits For Your Divorced Spouse" which explains these rules in detail. You can find it on their website under publications. Also, many local libraries have AARP tax preparation volunteers during tax season who are often well-versed in Social Security questions and can provide free guidance. The strategy discussed here really highlights the importance of understanding all your options before making claiming decisions. It's great to see a community where people share real experiences and practical advice!