When you file the appeal, be sure to request a complete copy of your daughter's claim file through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. This will show you exactly what medical evidence they considered and what they overlooked. You might be surprised at what's missing from their files despite what you've submitted. Also, since your daughter was 18 when benefits on her father's record stopped, you should ask specifically about filing for both DAC benefits (on her father's record) AND SSI for the interim period if there's a gap in coverage.

I work with families navigating disability benefits and your situation is unfortunately very common. The fact that no one explained the DAC transition at 18 shows a major gap in SSA's communication. A few key points: 1) The rapid denial suggests they didn't properly review your November submission - definitely highlight this in your appeal, 2) Request expedited processing given the 6-year delay since she aged out, 3) Consider filing a complaint with your Congressional representative's office - they have caseworkers who can sometimes expedite SSA reviews when there are clear procedural errors like this. The DAC benefits should be retroactive to when she turned 18 if approved, so don't let anyone tell you it's "too late" to file. Document everything from your calls tomorrow and keep pushing - your daughter deserves these benefits.

Just wanted to add something that might help with your planning - since you're considering delaying your benefits until 70, you might want to explore the "file and suspend" strategy that used to be available (though it ended in 2016). However, there's still a consideration called "restricted application" if you were born before 1954. But more importantly for your situation: your wife's spousal benefit is based on your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) at your full retirement age, NOT the delayed retirement credits you'd earn by waiting until 70. So her spousal benefit won't increase even if you wait. This means you might want to consider filing at your FRA (around 66-67) so she can start receiving her spousal benefits, rather than having both of you wait. The math can get complex depending on your ages and benefit amounts, so definitely consider running scenarios or consulting with SSA before making the final decision!

Yes, there are several good calculators available! The Social Security Administration has their own retirement estimator at ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/estimator.html that can help with basic scenarios. For more detailed spousal benefit planning, I've found AARP's Social Security Calculator and the calculators at MaximizeMySocialSecurity.com to be really helpful - they let you model different filing strategies and show the cumulative benefits over time. Many financial advisors also use software that can run these scenarios if you want professional help with the analysis. The key numbers you'll want to plug in are both of your current ages, your estimated monthly benefit at full retirement age, and different potential claiming dates. Don't forget to factor in that your wife can claim as early as 62 (though at a reduced amount) while you continue working and delay your own benefits if that makes sense financially.

btw if ur gonna drive to springfield make sure u make an appointment first!!! they dont take walk-ins anymore at most offices. learned that the hard way after driving 40 mins

I went through something similar about 18 months ago - SSA error led to overpayment, then they wanted everything back. Here's what worked for me: First, don't panic about the timeline. Even though the 30-day rule exists, they can still approve waivers filed later if you have a good case (which you do). Second, when you file that SSA-632 waiver form, include a timeline of events with dates. Show how you tried to fix things immediately and how their staff gave you incorrect information. This demonstrates "good faith" on your part. Third, if you haven't already, request a copy of your entire case file. You can do this through a FOIA request or sometimes just by asking at the field office. This will show you exactly what mistakes were made and by whom. The fact that Henderson told you suspension "wasn't an option" when it clearly was shows they don't know their own procedures. Document that conversation if you can remember who said it and when. You've got a strong case here - SSA error, immediate attempt to fix it, misinformation from staff, and financial hardship. Stay persistent and don't let them wear you down!

Don't forget you need seperate bank accounts for kids benfits!!! SSA made me open seperate accounts for my kids money cuz they said the parents cant use that money except for the kids stuff. And they do check!!!!

I'm going through a similar situation right now with my nephew's benefits, so I feel your pain! Just wanted to add that your brother should also gather all the kids' documents beforehand - birth certificates, Social Security cards, school records, etc. When I finally got my appointment, they needed everything right away and I had to reschedule because I wasn't prepared. Also, if the kids live with him full-time, make sure he has documentation of that too. The SSA is really picky about proving the children are in his care. Good luck to your family - 5 years is such a long fight and I'm so glad he finally got approved!

One other important thing to mention: backpay sometimes comes in installments if it exceeds certain amounts. However, in your case with only a few months of backpay, it should come as a single payment. Just be aware that SSDI backpay deposits don't always have clear identifiers on bank statements - sometimes they just show as "US TREASURY" deposit without specifically saying "SSDI backpay.

Something that might help while you're waiting for the backpay - keep detailed records of all the payments you receive and their dates. I created a simple spreadsheet tracking every deposit from SSA because their payment schedule can be confusing, especially when backpay and regular benefits arrive at different times. Also, once you get your daughter's benefits sorted out, make sure to ask SSA about setting up a Representative Payee account if she's under 18. Sometimes they require this for children's benefits, and it's easier to set up proactively than to deal with payment holds later. The waiting is the worst part, but based on everyone else's experiences here, it sounds like your backpay should arrive soon. Hang in there!