Based on what you're describing (concerns about back payments and work income), it sounds like you might be dealing with a potential overpayment situation or the earnings test for early retirement benefits. These are complex areas where getting accurate, personalized advice is crucial. While you can get general information anonymously, at some point, you'll need to discuss your specific case with SSA. When you do, remember that being proactive about reporting changes or concerns almost always leads to better outcomes than waiting for SSA to discover issues later.

As someone who's navigated SSA inquiries before, I'd recommend starting with the SSA's Publication 05-10003 "How Work Affects Your Benefits" - it's available online and covers most scenarios without needing to contact anyone. You can also check out the detailed FAQs on their website about the Annual Earnings Test. If you do call, another approach is to frame your questions around helping a family member or friend understand their options. Representatives are usually happy to explain how the rules work in general terms when you position it that way. Just remember that phone calls to federal agencies can be recorded, so there's always some level of tracking involved. The key is getting enough general information to make informed decisions before you need to provide your personal details for case-specific advice.

I want to thank everyone for their helpful responses. This has clarified so much for me during a really difficult time. I'm going to try to get through to SSA to discuss my specific situation, and I'll make sure to gather all those documents mentioned. It's a relief to know that my survivor benefits will be based on his SSDI amount rather than an early retirement calculation. At least that's one less thing to worry about while we focus on making the most of our remaining time together.

I'm so sorry to hear about your husband's diagnosis. What a difficult situation to navigate while dealing with such heartbreaking news. I wanted to add one important detail that might help with your planning: Since your husband is receiving SSDI and is 65, his benefits will automatically convert to regular retirement benefits when he reaches his full retirement age (67 for someone born in 1960 or later). This conversion happens seamlessly without any reduction, so the amount stays the same. For your survivor benefits, you have some strategic options to consider. Since you mentioned your own benefit would be small, you might want to explore taking your own reduced retirement benefit first (as early as 62 if needed) and then switching to the higher survivor benefit later. This strategy sometimes maximizes total lifetime benefits, especially if there's a significant gap between your benefit and his. Also, if you're still working, be aware of the earnings test limits if you claim benefits before your full retirement age. The SSA representative can walk you through these calculations when you meet with them. Take care of yourself during this incredibly difficult time. The community here is very supportive if you need to ask follow-up questions.

Thanks everyone for the extremely helpful information! To summarize what I've learned: yes, my benefits can increase beyond COLA if my current earnings replace lower years in my top 35, the SSA should recalculate automatically (but I should verify), and the increase will appear the following year. I'll definitely keep an eye on my account to make sure any adjustments are properly applied. This forum has been invaluable!

Great summary, Mei! One additional tip I'd add - when you check your MySocialSecurity account each January, look specifically at your "Benefit Verification Letter" which will show any adjustments from the previous year's recalculation. Also, keep your W-2s and pay stubs from each year you work while collecting benefits - this documentation can be crucial if you ever need to dispute a missing recalculation like Fatima experienced. At your income level of $88k, you should definitely see some meaningful increases over the next few years as those early low-earning years get replaced!

My neighbor got approved for disability and it took like 6-7 weeks to get paid I think? But that was in Florida not NY so maybe different?

I work for a disability advocacy organization and see this situation frequently. Your brother-in-law should expect his first regular SSDI payment within 4-8 weeks of approval (so likely by mid to late October). The backpay typically follows 2-4 weeks after that. Regarding child support - NY follows federal guidelines that limit garnishment to 65% of backpay for arrears and typically 50-65% of ongoing monthly payments. However, he should immediately contact the NY State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) child support enforcement unit to discuss his situation. Sometimes they'll agree to a lower percentage if he can demonstrate financial hardship. Important: Make sure he keeps detailed records of all his current living expenses (rent, utilities, food, medical costs) as this documentation can help when negotiating with child support enforcement. Also, since DSS will want repayment from his backpay period, he should ask for a written breakdown of exactly what they expect to recover so there are no surprises. The waiting is brutal, but hang in there - the payments are coming!

For what it's worth, you should apply 3 months before you want benefits to begin, regardless of whether that's at your FRA or slightly before. So if you decide to start benefits at 66+8 (slightly early) or wait until 66+10 (your actual FRA), in either case you should apply 3 months before your intended start date. The application process is the same.

I'm glad to see you figured out the birth year error in your account! That's actually more common than people realize. Just wanted to add that when you do call SSA to correct your birth year, make sure to have your original birth certificate handy - they'll likely need the document number and issuing authority to verify the correction. Also, after they fix it, I'd recommend taking a screenshot of your updated MySocialSecurity account showing the correct FRA, just for your records. It's smart that you're planning to wait for your full FRA at 66+10 rather than taking the early reduction. That extra 1.1% might seem small now, but over 20+ years of retirement it really adds up!