Just checking in - any updates? Has your payment arrived yet?

Congratulations on getting your first payment! That's such great news. For anyone else reading this thread who might be in a similar situation, this is a perfect example of how the SSA process typically works - it feels like forever when you're waiting, but most applications do process within that 6-8 week timeframe. And Zainab, that retroactive payment is going to be a nice chunk of change! January and February at $3,245 each - that's over $6,000 coming your way. Definitely a good reward for your patience. Thanks for updating us on the outcome!

For anyone else reading this thread who has a birthday on the 1st of the month, here's what to remember when planning your Social Security filing strategy: 1. You're considered to reach any age on the last day of the previous month 2. This affects your Full Retirement Age date 3. This applies to early filing reductions and delayed retirement credits 4. The earnings test exemption also starts a month earlier 5. The online calculator doesn't automatically account for this rule Always double-check with SSA when planning your filing date, especially if you have a 1st-of-month birthday!

I'm really sorry you're dealing with this frustrating situation! As someone new to navigating Social Security, this thread has been incredibly eye-opening. It's shocking that such an important rule about 1st-of-month birthdays isn't prominently displayed in the online tools. The fact that multiple people here have experienced the same confusion shows this is a systemic communication problem with SSA. Thank you to everyone who explained the technical details - it's helping me understand what to watch out for when I eventually file. The system really should be more transparent about these kinds of rules that can significantly impact people's benefits!

I'm a newcomer here but have been following this discussion with great interest as I'm approaching a similar decision point. At 65, I'm considering delaying my benefits past FRA to maximize my retirement income, but reading about all these calculation discrepancies is honestly making me second-guess that strategy. What strikes me most is how many of you experienced professionals are struggling to get consistent information from SSA representatives. If people who clearly understand the system are having these issues, it makes me wonder what chance someone like me has of getting accurate information. A few questions for the group: 1. For those who eventually got accurate calculations, how long did the process take from first inquiry to final resolution? 2. Would you still recommend delaying benefits given these administrative challenges, or would it be safer to file at FRA to avoid potential overpayment issues? 3. Has anyone tried working with a fee-based financial advisor who specializes in Social Security claiming strategies to help navigate these calculations? I'm particularly concerned about the overpayment scenarios mentioned here. The idea of receiving incorrect benefits for months and then owing thousands back to SSA is terrifying when you're on a fixed income. Any advice on how to protect yourself from that situation would be greatly appreciated!

As someone who works in benefits administration (though not for SSA), I can shed some light on why you're getting different numbers from different representatives. The delayed retirement credit calculation involves several moving parts that can be interpreted differently: 1. **System Access Levels**: Not all SSA representatives have access to the same calculation tools. Some use simplified estimators while others can access the full benefit calculation system. 2. **Earnings Record Timing**: Your earnings record might still be updating from recent tax years, and different reps might be looking at different "snapshots" of your data. 3. **COLA Application Method**: There's complexity in how COLAs are applied to delayed retirement credits, and this is where many discrepancies occur. I'd recommend specifically asking for a "Technical Benefit Calculation" and requesting they use the POMS (Program Operations Manual System) guidelines for delayed retirement credits. This ensures they're following the official methodology rather than using shortcuts. Also, consider requesting a "benefit verification letter" once you start receiving payments - this documents the official calculation and can protect you if there are later disputes about overpayments. The frustration is real, but don't let the administrative confusion overshadow the significant financial benefit you'll get from those delayed retirement credits!

Based on what you've shared, your friend needs to take three specific actions: 1. Report his blindness to SSA immediately - this is considered a change in medical condition 2. Request an evaluation for SSDI benefits based on his work history as a janitor for 20+ years 3. Ask specifically about concurrent benefits (receiving both SSI and SSDI) which may apply in his case Arizona does not offer a state supplement to SSI (unlike California mentioned above), so maximizing his federal benefits is especially important. When he speaks with SSA, he should specifically ask about the Blind Work Expense (BWE) exclusions if he has any income, and request information about any additional programs for which his blindness might qualify him. The difference between the standard SSI payment ($943/month) and potential SSDI benefits based on his work history could be substantial, potentially doubling his monthly income if he qualifies for SSDI at a decent rate.

Just wanted to add that when your friend contacts SSA, he should bring ALL his medical documentation about his macular degeneration and legal blindness diagnosis. The SSA has very specific criteria for legal blindness (20/200 vision or worse in the better eye, or visual field of 20 degrees or less), so having the official documentation from his eye doctor will be crucial. Also, since he worked as a janitor for 20+ years, there's a good chance he has enough work credits for SSDI. SSDI benefits are calculated based on his lifetime earnings, so even modest-paying jobs can result in meaningful benefits if he worked consistently. The combination of SSDI plus potentially a small SSI supplement could definitely get him closer to that $1,900 range you mentioned. One more tip - if he has trouble getting through to SSA by phone, he can also submit a written report of his medical condition change by mailing it to his local field office. Sometimes that's actually faster than trying to get through on the phone!

Thanks everyone for the explanations! I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who was confused by this random deposit. Just as an update - I called my local SSA office this morning (got lucky and got through), and they confirmed it was indeed the COLA backpay. They also said they're still processing these for many people, so don't worry if you haven't received yours yet.

Just wanted to add my experience - I'm a newcomer here but this post was super helpful! I got a similar deposit last week and had no idea what it was. After reading this I checked my benefit verification letter and sure enough, it was COLA backpay for 6 months. Mine went from $1,890 to $1,948 (about 3.1% like someone mentioned). Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences - makes navigating all this SSA stuff less confusing when you're new to it all!