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That's an important point about the child support implications. Our divorce agreement doesn't specifically address what happens if Social Security benefits become available, so we'd probably need to consult with our attorneys about modifying the child support calculation.
I'm a newcomer to this community but found this thread incredibly helpful! I'm in a similar situation - just approved for SSI at $943/month and had no idea about SSDI potentially being available too. I worked for about 16 years before my disability (chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia made full-time work impossible). Reading through everyone's experiences here, it sounds like I should definitely contact SSA to inquire about SSDI eligibility. The information about Claimyr for getting through to SSA representatives is also really valuable - I've been dreading trying to call them. Thank you all for sharing your knowledge and experiences!
Welcome to the community, Madison! You're absolutely right to look into SSDI with 16 years of work history - that should be more than enough work credits to qualify. The fact that you're already approved for SSI actually helps because it proves SSA has already determined you're disabled. Many people don't realize these are two completely separate programs that you can potentially receive simultaneously. Definitely use that Claimyr service if you can't get through to SSA - it's been a lifesaver for so many of us dealing with their phone system. Make sure to ask specifically about your SSDI eligibility and potential backpay when you do get connected. Good luck!
Welcome Madison! Your situation sounds very similar to what I went through. With 16 years of work history, you almost certainly qualify for SSDI - I had 18 years and was approved. The key thing to understand is that SSDI is based on your past earnings, so it could potentially be much higher than the $943 SSI amount. Since you're already approved for SSI, you've cleared the disability hurdle, which makes the SSDI application much more straightforward. When you call SSA (definitely try that Claimyr service - it really works!), ask them to check your earnings record and give you an estimate of what your SSDI benefit would be. If you qualify, you might also be eligible for backpay dating to your disability onset date. The two programs can work together - if your SSDI is less than $943, you'd still get SSI to make up the difference. But if SSDI is higher, that becomes your primary benefit. Don't let them tell you that you can only have one or the other - that's not true!
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I'm going through this exact same situation right now! Applied in early February for my retirement benefits to start in May when I turn 70, and my application has been stuck at step 2 for about 5 weeks. Reading through all these experiences has been incredibly reassuring - I was starting to panic that something was wrong with my application, but it's clear that 6-10 weeks is much more realistic than the advertised 30 days. Like everyone else here, I've been obsessively checking MySocialSecurity multiple times a day hoping to see it change to approved. The financial planning stress is so real when you've carefully mapped out your retirement based on these benefits starting on time. What's been most helpful from reading these stories is learning that step 2 seems to cover almost the entire processing period, and that even with significant delays, everyone's payments eventually came through correctly with proper backdating. I'm going to try to be more patient and maybe limit myself to checking the portal just once a day (we'll see how that goes!). Thanks to everyone who shared their timelines - this thread has been a lifesaver for managing my anxiety about the wait!
Paolo, I completely understand what you're going through! I'm new to this community but found this thread because I'm in a very similar situation. I applied in late January for benefits starting in April when I turn 67, and I've been stuck at step 2 for about 6 weeks now. Like you, I was getting really anxious thinking something might be wrong with my application, but reading everyone's experiences here has been so reassuring. The obsessive portal checking is so relatable - I probably log in at least 5-6 times a day! It's amazing how many of us are going through this exact same timeline and stress. The insight about step 2 covering almost the entire process really helps explain why we're all stuck there for so long. I'm also going to try limiting myself to once-daily checks (though I doubt I'll stick to it either!). Thanks for sharing your story - it helps knowing we're all in this together waiting for our approvals!
I'm new to this community but found this thread because I'm dealing with the exact same situation! I filed my retirement application in early February for benefits to start in June when I turn 66 and 4 months (my FRA), and it's been stuck at step 2 for about 4 weeks now. Reading through everyone's experiences has been incredibly helpful and reassuring - I was starting to worry that something was wrong with my application or that I had made some mistake in the process. Like so many others here, I've been obsessively checking MySocialSecurity multiple times a day hoping to see it change to approved. The 30-day processing time they advertise is clearly very optimistic! Based on all the stories shared here, it sounds like 6-10 weeks is much more realistic, which actually makes me feel better about where I am in the timeline. The financial planning aspect is definitely stressful - I've already made some major decisions about my work schedule and budget based on these benefits starting on time. But hearing from people like Yara and Savannah that even with longer delays, everything got backdated properly and payments came on schedule is really reassuring. Thank you Sofia for starting this conversation, and thanks to everyone who shared their timelines and experiences. This community support is exactly what I needed to help manage my anxiety about the waiting process!
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I'm in a similar boat as a newcomer here - just turned 61 and trying to figure out my Social Security strategy. Reading through this thread has been so helpful! I was also under the impression that I could take spousal benefits early and switch later, but clearly that's not the case for those of us born after 1954. One thing I'm wondering about that hasn't been mentioned - are there any other creative strategies for people in our age group? I've heard about "do-over" options where you can withdraw your application within 12 months and pay back what you received, but I'm not sure if that's still available or practical. Also, @Andre, have you considered whether you might be eligible for any other benefits while you wait? Sometimes there are state programs or other federal benefits that can help bridge the gap if you decide to wait until 67 or 70. Just a thought from another healthcare worker trying to navigate this maze!
Welcome to the discussion! You're asking great questions. The "do-over" option you mentioned is still available - it's called "withdrawal of application" and you have exactly 12 months from when you first file to withdraw, pay back everything you received (without interest), and start fresh. But it's a one-time only option in your lifetime, so you have to be really sure. As for other strategies, one thing worth considering is working part-time after 62 if you can. The earnings test only applies before your full retirement age, but if you're strategic about it, you might be able to supplement reduced SS with some work income. Also, don't forget to check if you qualify for any spousal benefits from a current spouse if you're married now - those rules are different from ex-spouse benefits. @Andre might also want to look into whether continuing to work in healthcare until 67 could boost his benefit calculation since SS uses your highest 35 years of earnings. Sometimes those final working years can really bump up the average if your recent earnings are higher than your earlier career years!
As someone who just joined this community and is facing similar decisions, I want to thank everyone for this incredibly informative discussion! I'm 63 and was also confused about the ex-spouse benefit rules. One thing I'd like to add that might help @Andre and others - since you're in healthcare, you might want to double-check whether any of your employment was with a government entity or involved a pension system. Sometimes there are additional considerations with the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) or Government Pension Offset (GPO) that can affect your Social Security calculations. Also, I've found the AARP Social Security calculator to be much more user-friendly than the SSA website for running different scenarios. You can plug in various claiming ages and see the long-term financial impact of each choice. Given that you're looking at a $3,400 benefit at 70 vs $1,950 at 62, the break-even analysis might surprise you - especially if you have good health and longevity in your family. The peace of mind from understanding all your options is worth taking the time to research thoroughly before making this irreversible decision!
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As a newcomer to this community, I just wanted to say how incredibly helpful and supportive this entire thread has been! I'm in a similar situation with my daughter who has dysgraphia, and I was also wondering about potential Social Security benefits. Reading through everyone's responses has really clarified things for me. What strikes me most is how the conversation evolved from "what benefits might be available" to "what opportunities can we pursue" - that's such a powerful shift in perspective. The suggestions about vocational rehabilitation services, assistive technology programs, college disability support services, and scholarships for students with learning differences have given me a whole new roadmap to explore. It's also reassuring to see so many parents and professionals emphasizing that academic success with a learning disability is actually a strength to build upon, not a barrier to support. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences and expertise - this has been incredibly valuable for those of us navigating similar situations!
Welcome to the community! I'm also new here and found this thread incredibly eye-opening. Like you, I came in thinking about what my child might qualify for due to their learning differences, but this conversation has completely reframed how I'm approaching things. The shift from focusing on disability benefits to exploring all the growth opportunities available is so much more empowering. I'm already planning to research the vocational rehabilitation services and assistive technology programs mentioned here. It's wonderful to find such a supportive community where parents can learn from each other's experiences!
As a newcomer to this community, I want to echo what others have shared about focusing on your son's strengths rather than pursuing SSA benefits. His academic success with dyslexia is truly remarkable and shows he's developing the exact skills he'll need for future success. One resource I haven't seen mentioned yet is the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) - they have excellent information about workplace accommodations for people with dyslexia. While that's still years away for your son, understanding what's possible in the workplace can help with long-term planning and career exploration. Also, many high schools now offer transition planning services for students with IEPs that focus on post-secondary goals. If your son's school doesn't already include this, it might be worth requesting it be added to his IEP as he gets closer to graduation. These services can help bridge the gap between high school supports and college/career preparation. Your proactive approach to understanding all available options shows what great advocacy your son has in you. Keep building on that academic momentum - it's clearly working!
Zara Perez
Do you actually NEED to withdraw the application? Can't you just tell them to pause it or something? Seems like a lot of paperwork just to delay things a bit.
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Victoria Scott
•Unfortunately, Social Security doesn't have a "pause" option for applications. You either need to let it process or formally withdraw it using the SSA-521 form. Once benefits begin, stopping them gets much more complicated. If the person plans to continue high-earning work, withdrawal is the right approach since they'd lose most benefits to the earnings test anyway.
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Jason Brewer
Just wanted to add that you can submit the SSA-521 form by mail, fax, or in person at your local SSA office. Given your time constraints and the fact that you're working 80 hours a week, mailing it might be your best option - just make sure to send it certified mail so you have proof of delivery. Also, regarding the disability angle that Aaliyah mentioned - if your disc issues are severe enough to require multiple surgeries and are affecting your ability to work, you might want to explore filing for SSDI separately. The medical requirements are strict, but degenerative disc disease can qualify if it significantly limits your functional capacity. Unlike retirement benefits, SSDI comes with Medicare after 24 months, which could be valuable for your ongoing medical needs. One last tip: document everything about your withdrawal decision and keep copies of all forms. This will be helpful if you decide to reapply later and need to show the timeline of your previous application.
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