u should just go to ur local office instead of callin.. my dad always says u get better service in person than on the phone with gov stuff

I went through something very similar a few years ago! You're absolutely right that both types of recalculations should happen - the earnings recomputation for your higher earning years AND the adjustment of reduction factor for the months you repaid. The frustrating part is that SSA's phone system seems to route these calls to general customer service reps who honestly don't understand the technical stuff. Here's what worked for me: I had to be very persistent and specifically ask to speak with a "Technical Expert" or "Claims Specialist" who handles post-entitlement work adjustments. Don't let them transfer you to just anyone - insist on someone who specifically deals with ARF and earnings recomputations. Also, when you call, use the exact terminology: "I need an ARF recalculation due to work deductions" and "I need an earnings recomputation for post-entitlement earnings." This helps ensure you get routed to the right person. One more tip - if you can, try to get an in-person appointment at your local office. In my experience, the local office staff are generally more knowledgeable about these complex situations than the national call center. Good luck!

Update: I went back to the closer office (in the neighboring county) today, and guess what? They helped me with no problem! The rep even apologized for the misinformation I was given last time. They accepted my SSA-44 form and all my documentation showing our income drop after retirement. She said I should receive a decision letter in about 2-3 weeks. Thank you all for giving me the confidence to go back and try again!

Fantastic update! This is exactly why persistence pays off with Social Security issues. Your experience perfectly illustrates what many of us have been saying - the first person you talk to isn't always the most knowledgeable, and policies can be misunderstood or misapplied. For anyone else reading this thread who might face similar IRMAA issues: Mason's success story shows that retirement-related income drops ARE valid life-changing events, ANY Social Security office can help you (not just your county), and sometimes you just need to try again if you get incorrect information the first time. Hoping your appeal gets approved quickly and you get those surcharges removed retroactively. Thanks for coming back to update us - it really helps future folks who might search this community for IRMAA advice!

I'm really glad to see how this community came together to help you navigate such a complex situation, Oliver. Your plan sounds excellent based on all the detailed advice you've received here. One small additional tip that might save you some time: if you do end up visiting a local SSA office instead of calling, try to go early in the morning right when they open, or consider scheduling an appointment online if your local office offers that option. Walk-ins can sometimes wait hours, especially at the end of the month when benefit payments are processed. Also, when you do get your husband's PIA documentation, double-check that it includes any delayed retirement credits or special provisions that might have applied to his case. Sometimes these details can get overlooked but could affect your final survivor benefit amount. You've got a really solid strategy laid out, and it's clear you're approaching this thoughtfully despite dealing with such difficult circumstances. Best of luck with everything!

I'm so sorry for your loss, Oliver. What a difficult situation to navigate while you're still grieving. I wanted to add one more consideration to all the excellent advice you've received: since you mentioned living mostly on savings right now, you might want to factor in the impact of early withdrawal penalties or taxes on those savings when comparing the timing of your Social Security claiming strategies. If taking your reduced retirement benefit at 63 means you can preserve more of your savings (and avoid potential penalties), that could outweigh some of the reduction in monthly benefits. Conversely, if you can comfortably live on savings until your FRA without significant tax consequences, waiting might be better. Also, don't forget that once you start receiving Social Security benefits, up to 85% of those benefits could be taxable depending on your total income (including your part-time work). This is another factor to discuss with SSA when they run your scenarios. You're handling this incredibly well given the circumstances. The strategy you've outlined based on everyone's input sounds very sensible. I hope you're able to get through to SSA soon and get the exact numbers you need to make the final decision with confidence.

btw my aunt did get survivor benefits after my uncle died in prison. took almost 3 months to process tho so dont expect it right away if it happens. and she said they made her fill out extra forms but it worked out in the end

I want to add something important that hasn't been mentioned yet - if your husband does pass away while incarcerated, you'll need to apply for survivor benefits as soon as possible. There's no automatic conversion from your current retirement benefit to the higher survivor benefit. You'll need to contact SSA and specifically apply for widow's benefits. Also, make sure the prison has your current contact information so they can reach you if anything happens. The sooner you apply after a death, the sooner you can start receiving the higher benefit amount. Some people wait months or even years before applying, not realizing they need to take action. Don't let bureaucratic delays cost you money you're entitled to.

I'm glad you found the information helpful! The widow's limit provision is definitely something worth asking about specifically - it's one of those complex rules that can make a real difference in your benefit amount but isn't always clearly explained. When you call SSA, I'd suggest having a list of specific questions ready: 1) Ask about the RIB-LIM/widow's limit provision and whether it applies to your case, 2) Get the exact monthly amount you'll receive including any COLA adjustments since 2022, and 3) Confirm whether you'll receive any retroactive payments and for what time period. It's frustrating how confusing the system can be, especially when you're dealing with the loss of a spouse. Don't hesitate to ask for clarification if anything doesn't make sense - you deserve clear answers about your benefits. Good luck with your call, and please do update us with what you learn!

I'm so sorry for your loss, Omar. Navigating Social Security benefits while grieving is incredibly difficult, and the system doesn't make it any easier with all these complex rules. Based on what others have shared here, it sounds like you should receive your husband's $1,880 monthly benefit (plus the COLA increases since 2022) since it's higher than your own $1,450. The fact that he took early retirement at 62 does mean you'll get his reduced amount rather than what he would have received at full retirement age - but that widow's limit provision that Zara mentioned could potentially help you. One thing I'd add to the great advice already given: when you do get through to SSA, ask them to mail you a written breakdown of how they calculated your benefit amount. Having it in writing can be really helpful if you need to reference it later or if there are any discrepancies. Sometimes the phone representatives make calculation errors, and having that documentation protects you. The 6-month retroactive limit is unfortunately standard policy, but don't let that discourage you from following up on the widow's limit provision - that could make a meaningful difference in your monthly payment going forward. Wishing you the best as you work through this process.