I'm in a very similar situation! I'm also a widow receiving child-in-care benefits for my disabled adult son who became disabled at age 19. I turned 63 last year and chose to stay on the child-in-care benefits rather than switch to survivor benefits, specifically because of the earnings limit issue. One thing that really helped me was requesting a benefit estimate comparison from SSA showing what I'd receive under each option. They can calculate your survivor benefit amount at 62 (reduced) versus your current child-in-care benefit amount, and factor in how the earnings limit would affect you based on your expected income. Also, don't forget that if you do switch to survivor benefits at 62, you can always switch back to your own retirement benefits later if that becomes more advantageous. But you can't undo the permanent reduction from taking survivor benefits early. I ended up staying on child-in-care benefits and now work part-time without any earnings restrictions. It's been a huge relief not having to worry about calculating earnings limits every month!

As someone who works with Social Security disability cases, I want to emphasize something that hasn't been mentioned yet - make sure you document your caregiving role thoroughly. SSA may periodically review whether you're still providing "care" for your disabled adult daughter, especially as she gets older. Keep records of medical appointments you attend with her, assistance you provide with daily activities, financial management, etc. This documentation becomes crucial if SSA ever questions your eligibility for child-in-care benefits. Also, if you do decide to work, consider how your work schedule might affect your ability to provide care. SSA defines "care" pretty broadly, but they want to see that you're still actively involved in her daily needs, not just living in the same household. The flexibility of child-in-care benefits with no earnings limit is definitely valuable, but just make sure you can demonstrate ongoing caregiving if SSA asks.

My husband faced the same question last year. Just want to add that when you apply online they actually help walk you through picking the right start date. The system asks when you want your benefits to begin and has information explaining how benefits are paid for each month. Super straightforward process once you get there!

Just went through this exact situation last year! The key thing to remember is that Social Security benefits are calculated and paid by full months, not by specific dates. Since you reached FRA on July 18, 2024, if you want to work exactly one additional year, you should apply for benefits to start on August 1, 2025. This ensures you get full delayed retirement credit for July 2025. The application process is actually pretty user-friendly online - they walk you through selecting the right start date. I'd recommend applying about 3 months ahead of time (around May 2025) to avoid any processing delays. You'll get that nice 8% annual boost for each year you delay past FRA!

I want to add something important that hasn't been mentioned yet - make sure to ask SSA about whether your state has any additional caregiver support programs that might complement your federal benefits. Some states have respite care programs or caregiver stipends that can help with expenses. Also, when you go to your appointment, bring a list of all your son's medications, therapies, and medical equipment needs. This helps demonstrate the level of care required and strengthens your case for mother's benefits. I learned this the hard way when they initially questioned how much care my disabled daughter actually needed. One more tip: if possible, try to get your appointment scheduled with a disability specialist rather than a general claims representative. They tend to be more knowledgeable about DAC and caregiver benefit rules. You can specifically request this when you call to schedule. You're doing an amazing job caring for your son while working part-time. Don't let anyone make you feel like you're asking for too much - these benefits exist for exactly your situation!

I'm a case worker who has helped families navigate these exact situations, and I want to emphasize a few crucial points that will help ensure your application goes smoothly: 1. **Timing is critical** - Apply for Mother's benefits in the month your daughter's benefits end, not before. SSA can't approve the application until you meet all eligibility requirements, which includes no longer having a child under 16 receiving benefits on the same record. 2. **Bring comprehensive documentation** - Along with medical records, bring a detailed letter from your son's doctor explaining his specific care needs and why he requires a full-time caregiver. This carries more weight than just listing his diagnosis. 3. **Know the exact terminology** - When you call or visit, specifically ask for "Mother's Benefits under Section 202(g) of the Social Security Act as the parent caring for a disabled adult child." Using the exact legal reference helps ensure you get connected to someone who understands these specialized benefits. 4. **Prepare for potential pushback** - Unfortunately, some SSA representatives aren't familiar with these benefits. If someone tells you they don't exist or you don't qualify, politely ask to speak with a supervisor or disability specialist. These benefits are absolutely real and you have every right to apply. Your situation is exactly what these benefits were designed for. Stay persistent and don't give up if you encounter initial resistance!

I'm dealing with something very similar right now! My SSDI converted to retirement benefits in January and I just got a notice that my monthly amount should be $18 higher. When I called about backpay, the representative told me the same thing about "small amounts" not being eligible for retroactive payment. Reading through these responses has been so helpful - especially learning about requesting a "Claims Specialist" and using the term "AERO recalculation underpayment." I had no idea there were specific terms that might help get through to someone who actually understands these issues. Has anyone else noticed if the timing of when you call makes a difference? I've been trying to call first thing in the morning but still getting those long wait times everyone mentioned.

I'm going through almost the exact same situation right now! My SSDI converted to retirement benefits last month and I just discovered they've been underpaying me by $31 monthly for the past 4 months. When I called, the first representative told me there was a "$50 minimum" for backpay (which sounds completely made up based on what Sydney Torres shared about processing $1.40 underpayments!). What really helped me was calling back and specifically asking to speak with a "Claims Specialist" like Sydney suggested. The second person I talked to was much more knowledgeable and actually initiated an underpayment review on the spot. She explained that my part-time work while on SSDI had increased my benefit calculation when it converted to retirement, which is exactly what happened to you. For anyone else dealing with this - don't give up after the first phone call! The representatives seem to have very different levels of knowledge about these conversion issues. I'm still waiting to hear back about my backpay, but at least I have a case number now and someone who understood what I was talking about. Also, calling right at 8am when they open seemed to work better than afternoons - I got through in about 45 minutes instead of the 2+ hours I was waiting later in the day.

I went through this exact situation last year! My husband's spousal benefit didn't update automatically when my PIA increased either. Here's what worked for me: Call SSA and ask to speak with a claims specialist (not just the general customer service rep). Tell them you need a "manual recomputation of auxiliary benefits due to updated worker PIA." I had to be very specific about this language. Also, make sure you have your benefit verification letter showing your new PIA amount ready when you call - they'll likely ask for the exact numbers. In my case, it took about 3 weeks after that call for my husband's payment to reflect the increase, and he got back pay for the months it should have been higher. Don't let them tell you it's automatic - sometimes it is, but clearly yours isn't updating on its own. You're absolutely entitled to have his benefit recalculated based on your higher PIA.

As someone new to navigating Social Security benefits, this thread has been incredibly educational! I'm not quite at retirement age yet, but my parents are dealing with similar issues and I've been trying to help them understand their benefits. From what I'm reading here, it seems like the key takeaway is that when a worker's actual PIA increases (not just from DRCs), the spouse's benefit should automatically recalculate to 50% of that new PIA amount. But the "automatic" part clearly doesn't always work as intended! Jessica's advice about asking for a "claims specialist" and using specific terminology like "manual recomputation of auxiliary benefits due to updated worker PIA" sounds like the most actionable approach. It's frustrating that you have to know the exact bureaucratic language to get proper service, but that seems to be reality with SSA. Lauren, I hope you get this resolved quickly! Please update us on how the call goes - this information could help other community members facing the same situation.