That's a good point about the 35-year calculation. For anyone unfamiliar, Social Security uses your highest 35 years of earnings (indexed for inflation) to calculate benefits. Years with no earnings count as zeros in this calculation. This is why the spousal benefit is particularly important for those who spent time out of the workforce or had lower earnings for significant periods.

As someone who just went through this process with my parents last year, I can confirm the system does automatically calculate both benefits and gives the higher amount. However, I'd strongly recommend setting up a my Social Security account online if your wife hasn't already - this lets you track the application status and see exactly what benefits are being calculated. The processing can take 2-3 months to get the full amount right, so having online access helps you monitor what's happening rather than waiting and wondering. Also, definitely ask about those retroactive benefits when she applies - at 70, the 6 months of backpay is usually worth more than the small reduction in monthly benefits.

For a DAC claim like this, I'd recommend applying in person if possible, or at least starting with a phone appointment. Explain clearly that you're applying for Disabled Adult Child benefits based on her parent's record. The online system doesn't handle these specialized cases as well. Bring every medical record you can find from when she was 20-22 to establish that the disability began before 22. School records showing she had to drop out or accommodate her condition can help too. If her parents are both receiving Social Security, she could potentially file on either record - usually the higher earner's record would be best. This could be life-changing for her - both monthly income AND Medicare coverage regardless of her age after 24 months of benefits.

I'm so glad you found this community and asked this question! As someone who's been through the Social Security maze myself, I can tell you that what everyone is saying about the Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits is absolutely spot-on. The fact that your sister's disability started at age 20 and her parents are receiving Social Security makes this a very promising situation. Don't let the years of discouragement stop you now - I've seen so many people miss out on benefits they were entitled to simply because they were given incorrect information early on. One thing I'd add: when you go to apply, be very specific about requesting DAC benefits and emphasize that her disability began before age 22. Sometimes the intake staff aren't familiar with all the nuances of these programs. If you get pushback or confusion, ask to speak with a supervisor or disability specialist. Also, keep in mind that if approved, there might be some retroactive benefits available too, which could provide a significant lump sum. Don't give up if you get an initial denial - the appeals process exists for a reason and many deserving cases get approved on appeal. Wishing you and your sister the best of luck with this process!

I work at a local SSA field office and can help clarify a few things! When you applied online, there should have been a screen asking about federal tax withholding - if you selected it, it would be in effect for your first payment. However, the mySocialSecurity portal often doesn't display withholding info until after your first payment processes, which is frustrating but normal. For Medicare Part B, if you're enrolled, it will definitely be deducted automatically from your Social Security payment. The 2025 standard premium is $187.50/month for most people. My recommendation: Call 1-800-772-1213 early in the morning (7-8 AM) for shorter wait times. The representative can immediately tell you your exact withholding elections and Medicare deduction amounts. Don't stress too much - even if you didn't set up tax withholding initially, you can add it anytime using Form W-4V or through your online account after your first payment.

I went through this exact same anxiety last year! Here's what I learned: your mySocialSecurity account won't show withholding details until after your first payment processes, which is super annoying when you're trying to plan ahead. I'd definitely recommend calling SSA at 1-800-772-1213 early morning (like Kevin mentioned - that 7-8 AM window really works!). When I called, the agent could see all my elections immediately and confirmed I had selected 22% federal tax withholding during my online application, even though I couldn't see it anywhere in my account. One thing that might ease your mind: if you completed the online application and remember getting to a tax withholding screen, you probably did make a selection. The online system is pretty good about not letting you skip required sections. But calling will give you 100% certainty and peace of mind before February arrives!

This thread has been incredibly informative! I'm actually planning to file for benefits in May 2025 (turning 67 then) and had the exact same concerns about COLA timing. It's really reassuring to see so many people confirm that new beneficiaries automatically get the current year's COLA built into their initial benefit amount. I've been trying to research this for weeks and the SSA website just wasn't clear about it. The fact that your PIA gets updated every January regardless of when you start collecting makes total sense from a fairness perspective - nobody should be penalized for their timing within the year. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences, especially those who went through this recently. This gives me much more confidence in my retirement planning!

I'm also planning to retire soon and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I had no idea that the COLA increases were automatically built into your PIA even before you start collecting. It makes me feel much better about my decision to wait until my FRA instead of filing early. One thing I'm curious about - does this same principle apply to delayed retirement credits? If someone waits until after their FRA to file, do those credits also get adjusted for COLA increases? I know DRCs accrue at 8% per year, but I'm wondering if that percentage gets applied to the COLA-adjusted PIA or the original amount. Thanks again to everyone for sharing their knowledge and experiences!

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!