My sister went through EXACTLY this. Started benefits at 65, FRA was 67. She reported her earnings every month that first year, then switched to annual reporting. But here's the thing - even with annual reporting, if you STOP working entirely during a year before FRA, you can switch BACK to monthly test for the rest of that year! Most people don't know this! She worked Jan-April 2024, earned almost up to the annual limit, then stopped working and was able to get full benefits for May-Dec by switching back to monthly test since she had zero earnings those months. Something to consider in your planning!

Just wanted to add one more important detail that might help with your planning. Since you started benefits in April 2025, your "grace year" monthly earnings test applies to April-December 2025 only. For those months, you can earn up to the monthly limit (around $2,000) without any benefit reduction. But here's what's key - any earnings you had in January-March 2025 while you were still working full-time DON'T count against your Social Security earnings limit at all, since you weren't receiving benefits yet. So when you're calculating your 2025 total earnings for tax purposes, remember that only your earnings from April onward matter for Social Security. This might give you a bit more flexibility in your 2026 consulting work planning since you'll have a clean slate starting January 2026 with the annual limit.

Glad you got it sorted! One more thing - when I had to finally call Social Security about something else, I was on hold for 3.5 HOURS!!! Next time I needed to talk to them, I tried that Claimyr service someone mentioned above and got through in like 20 minutes. Worth every penny just for my sanity lol. Good luck with your new retirement!

Great thread everyone! As someone who just went through the early retirement process myself, I can add that the Social Security Administration has a really helpful publication called "How Work Affects Your Benefits" (Publication No. 05-10069) that breaks down exactly what counts as earnings and what doesn't. Personal injury settlements like yours definitely fall into the "not counted as earnings" category since they're compensatory in nature, not income from work. The key distinction is that SSA only cares about money you EARN through employment or self-employment when applying the earnings test to early retirees. One tip I learned the hard way - if you do end up needing to contact SSA for any reason, try calling right at 8:00 AM when they open. The wait times are usually much shorter first thing in the morning. And definitely keep good records of your part-time consulting income since that's what you'll actually need to track against the annual limit!

One last thing that might be helpful - since your birthday is in mid-July, your benefit computation date will be July 1, 2025. Social Security doesn't prorate benefits by days within a month, so you get the full month's benefit regardless of whether your birthday is on the 1st or the 31st. Your payment for July (your first month of entitlement) will arrive in August 2025.

I'm glad to see so many helpful responses here! As someone who works with Social Security applications regularly, I'd like to emphasize a few key points that came up in this thread: 1. **Apply 3-4 months early** - This can't be overstated. Processing delays are real and you don't want to miss your intended start date. 2. **Be crystal clear about your start month** - When you apply, explicitly state "July 2025" as your month of entitlement. Don't assume they'll figure it out. 3. **Save everything** - Screenshot/print your application confirmation and any correspondence. System glitches do happen. 4. **Consider using the online application** but be prepared to follow up by phone if needed. The online system is generally faster, but don't hesitate to call if you have questions or concerns about processing. One additional tip: If you have a my Social Security account online, you can check your application status there rather than having to call every time. Good luck with your application, and congratulations on reaching this milestone!

Just wondering has anybody had their payment date wrong on their letter? My sister got her first one and the date was wrong based on her birthday so she called and they fixed it but it was super confusing

Great question! I went through this same confusion when I applied last year. Just to add to what others have said - make sure you also check if your bank has any processing delays for direct deposits. My credit union sometimes takes an extra day to post government payments, so even though SSA sends it on the scheduled Wednesday, I don't see it in my account until Thursday morning. Might want to ask your bank about their processing times so you're not panicking like I did my first month!

I'm so sorry for your loss and understand how overwhelming navigating these benefits can be. I went through a similar situation a few years ago when my spouse passed away. A few things that might help beyond what others have shared: 1. **Timing for your application**: Definitely apply for mother's benefits now. SSA can be slow to process applications, and you want everything in place before your oldest graduates. The benefits will automatically adjust when your daughter's payments stop. 2. **Monthly vs. annual earnings test**: The confusion about monthly limits is common. For 2025, if you're under full retirement age, only the annual limit of $28,750 applies for ongoing benefits. The monthly test only kicks in during your first year of entitlement or if you have a significant change in work status. 3. **Documentation tip**: Keep detailed records of your income fluctuations and any correspondence with SSA. I found it helpful to create a simple spreadsheet tracking my monthly earnings to make reporting easier. 4. **Local SSA office**: If phone calls aren't working, consider visiting your local SSA office in person. Yes, it means taking time off work, but for complex situations like yours, face-to-face meetings can be much more productive than phone calls. The system is definitely not user-friendly, but you're asking all the right questions. Don't hesitate to advocate for yourself - you and your children deserve these benefits.

I'm so sorry for your loss and can really empathize with how overwhelming this whole process is. I lost my spouse a few years ago and navigating SSA with two kids was one of the most stressful parts of an already difficult time. A couple of things that helped me that others haven't mentioned: **Local SSA office appointments**: You can actually schedule appointments online at ssa.gov rather than just showing up. This saved me from waiting in long lines and gave me dedicated time with someone who could look at my specific case. **Appeal rights**: If SSA makes any decisions you disagree with (like benefit amounts or eligibility dates), you have 60 days to request reconsideration. I learned this the hard way when they initially calculated my family maximum incorrectly. **State benefits**: Don't forget to check if your state has any additional survivor benefits programs. Some states have small programs that can help with things like college expenses that federal SSA doesn't cover. **Tax planning**: Since you're entering a phase where you'll have benefit income subject to earnings limits, consider meeting with a tax professional who understands SSA benefits. The interplay between benefit reductions and tax implications can be tricky, especially in years where your income fluctuates. You're asking all the right questions and being proactive. That's exactly what your kids need right now. The bureaucracy is frustrating, but you've got this - and this community is here to help when you need it.