why does SSA make everything so complicated??? my neighbor said she just gave up and went to the local office instead. but then she had to wait like 3 hours!!! they really need to fix there system its 2025 for goodness sake

Just to follow up on this thread: The verification process varies depending on a few factors: 1. For highest security, some users must verify by mail (especially new users with limited credit history) 2. Some users can fully verify online if they have robust credit files that can be matched against questions 3. Login.gov and ID.me integration is still being rolled out, which is why some users encounter the circular reference issue If your brother is planning to apply for retirement benefits soon, he might want to consider just scheduling an in-person appointment at his local office. They can help with both the account setup and starting his application in one visit.

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses. I've decided to try to hold off on claiming as long as possible, maybe look for some very part-time work, and definitely call SSA to get exact numbers for my situation. I appreciate all the advice!

Another suggestion - check if you qualify for any other programs while you wait. Depending on your assets and income, you might be eligible for assistance programs that could help bridge the gap until you reach your FRA. Each state has different options available.

Quick question - does anyone know if Social Security still pays that one-time death benefit of $255? Is that automatic or does the surviving spouse need to apply for it?

Thank you all for the incredibly helpful information! This clarifies so much for me. I'm going to look more closely at the numbers and possibly consult with someone at SSA to get specifics for our situation. One more question: If I continue working past my FRA until, say, 67 or 70, would those additional earnings potentially increase the survivor benefit calculation if they're higher than some of my earlier years?

To the original poster - after you reach FRA, there is ABSOLUTELY NO earnings test. You can earn millions and still get your full SS benefit. This is one of the biggest advantages of waiting until FRA to claim. And to be super specific about your application: You can apply up to 4 months before you want benefits to begin, but be crystal clear on the application that you want benefits to START in March 2025. Don't just apply "for retirement" without specifying the start month, or they might default to starting them as soon as possible!

SSA website is useless for explaining this stuff clearly. And good luck getting someone on the phone who actually understands the rules. The whole system is designed to confuse people IMO.

ppl r forgetting about the earnings test!! if ur still working at 62 and make over $22,320 (2025 limit i think) they take back $1 of benefits for every $2 u earn over that amount. happened to my brother and he basically got nothing til he hit FRA

One additional important factor to consider: survivor benefits. If your husband passes away before you, you would be eligible for survivor benefits equal to 100% of what he was receiving (or entitled to receive). This is why many financial planners recommend the higher-earning spouse delay benefits as long as possible (ideally to age 70), as this maximizes the survivor benefit for the remaining spouse. In your case, if your husband delayed until 70, his benefit would grow to approximately $3,968/month (24% more than at FRA). If he predeceases you, that's the amount you would receive as a survivor benefit - significantly more than either your own benefit or spousal benefit.

Two important points that haven't been mentioned yet: 1. Your daughter may qualify for benefits under the Student Earned Income Exclusion if she attempts to work part-time despite her Crohn's. This allows students under age 22 to earn a certain amount without reducing their SSI benefits. 2. Regarding your situation, while you can't receive survivor benefits until age 60 (unless you become disabled), you SHOULD file for the one-time $255 death payment as mentioned earlier. Also, this is a good time to check if you might qualify for any other programs like TANF or state assistance while you're in this gap period before survivor benefits eligibility. Furthermore, if your husband had enough work credits, you'll want to ensure his earnings record is complete and accurate, as this will affect both your future survivor benefits and potentially your daughter's benefits if she qualifies as a disabled adult child. Don't forget to ask about Medicare eligibility for your daughter if she qualifies for disabled adult child benefits. This could significantly help with her Crohn's-related medical expenses.

Just to add something important - you should BOTH apply for benefits right away even if you're uncertain about eligibility. Here's why: 1. If denied, you preserve your filing date for appeals 2. Sometimes the rules have exceptions you might not know about 3. The SSA representative might identify other programs you qualify for And regarding your daughter's Crohn's - medical documentation is CRUCIAL. Get detailed statements from ALL her doctors about how it limits her ability to function and work. For Disabled Adult Child benefits, they need to see that her condition prevents substantial gainful activity.

u said ur making $35k at your part time job... have u thought about just not working at all for a few months before FRA? might be easier than dealing with all this SSA nonsense honestly

One important thing to note - when you reach FRA, the earnings test no longer applies at all. You can earn any amount without affecting your benefits. So if you're close to your FRA (July 2026), you might want to consider whether it's worth potentially changing your work situation for a relatively short period. Also, the ARF recalculation is designed to eventually pay you back the equivalent of what was withheld, just spread out over your lifetime. So in theory, you should come out roughly even in the long run.

my cousin said something about a 60 day window after applying where u can withdraw ur application if u change ur mind about taking early benefits. might be worth asking about that too in case she decides to wait for full amount later

Another thing she should consider is that survivor benefits taken early are reduced differently than regular retirement benefits. The reduction for survivor benefits at age 62 is about 28.5%, while regular retirement at 62 would be reduced by about 30%. The exact percentage depends on her specific FRA. The SSA representative should be able to calculate the exact amount during her appointment.

Make sure to ask about the Lump Sum Death Payment too! If you were living with your second husband when he passed, you might qualify for the $255 payment even if you don't qualify for monthly survivor benefits. It's not much but every bit helps. Also, something I learned the hard way - bring proof of ALL your marriages and divorces to your appointment. They wanted my marriage certificate from 30 years ago! I had to reschedule and hunt through old boxes. Have birth certificates, social security cards, death certificates, marriage/divorce papers all ready to go so you don't have to do multiple appointments.

when u go on SS at 60 u get 71.5% of what youd get at full retirement age. make sure u can live on that amount. my sister thought shed get full amount and was shocked how much less it was taking early.

One more important thing: if your husband is still working, make sure you understand how the earnings test works. At FRA, there's no longer an earnings limit, so he can earn as much as he wants without affecting his benefits. Also, if he hasn't already, he should create a my Social Security account on ssa.gov. That way he can check his earnings record before applying and monitor his application status afterward. It's much easier than calling for updates.

To summarize what others have said: 1. Yes, he can apply entirely online at ssa.gov for straightforward retirement benefits 2. The system will let him request a callback if he has questions during the application 3. Payments will be backdated to his eligibility date (February 1) regardless of when the application is processed 4. The 6-month retroactive payment rule only applies if you're applying AFTER FRA, not at FRA 5. Online applications typically process within 4-6 weeks I recommend applying online at least 3 months before his FRA date (so right now) to ensure timely processing. While technically you can apply up to 4 months before eligibility, applying now gives plenty of time for SSA to process everything.