Just wanted to add one more important detail that might help with your planning. Since you started benefits in April 2025, your "grace year" monthly earnings test applies to April-December 2025 only. For those months, you can earn up to the monthly limit (around $2,000) without any benefit reduction. But here's what's key - any earnings you had in January-March 2025 while you were still working full-time DON'T count against your Social Security earnings limit at all, since you weren't receiving benefits yet. So when you're calculating your 2025 total earnings for tax purposes, remember that only your earnings from April onward matter for Social Security. This might give you a bit more flexibility in your 2026 consulting work planning since you'll have a clean slate starting January 2026 with the annual limit.

I just went through this exact situation last year! Started benefits at 64 in June, and you're absolutely right about the confusion between monthly vs annual limits. One thing that really helped me was setting up a simple spreadsheet to track my earnings month by month, especially since I was doing freelance work with irregular income. Also, don't forget that if you do accidentally go over the annual limit, they'll typically just withhold future benefits rather than demanding a lump sum repayment, which makes it less scary. The key is just staying organized with your record-keeping. SSA will want documentation if they audit your earnings, so keep good records of all your consulting income!

I'm so sorry for your loss, Thais. Your situation sounds incredibly complex, and I can understand why you're feeling frustrated with the conflicting information from SSA representatives. One thing that might help is to know that you have options for how to approach this. Since you're already receiving your own reduced retirement benefit, you could potentially switch to survivor benefits if they would be higher (even after GPO reduction), or you might be eligible for what's called a "restricted application" that could maximize your benefits. Given the timing with the WEP/GPO repeal phase-out starting soon, and the fact that you're only about a year away from your FRA, I'd strongly recommend getting professional help to run the numbers. Consider reaching out to a certified Social Security claiming strategist or a fee-only financial planner who specializes in Social Security optimization. They can often get clearer answers from SSA than we can as individuals, and they'll help you model different scenarios including the phase-out timeline. The difference between claiming now versus waiting could literally be tens of thousands of dollars over your lifetime, so it's worth investing in professional guidance to make sure you get this right. Don't let SSA's confusing processes rush you into a decision that could permanently reduce your benefits.

I'm so sorry for the loss of your ex-husband, and I completely understand your frustration with getting clear answers from SSA about such an important decision. Based on what you've shared, it sounds like you're dealing with a perfect storm of complexity - WEP/GPO reductions, survivor benefits timing, and the upcoming repeal changes. The fact that you're getting wildly different information from different representatives is unfortunately very common with these complex scenarios. Here's what I'd recommend as your next steps: 1) Don't rush into anything - you have time to make an informed decision 2) Schedule an in-person appointment at your local SSA office and specifically request a "Technical Expert" who handles WEP/GPO cases 3) Come prepared with written questions about your exact benefit amounts under different scenarios 4) Ask for written documentation of any calculations they provide The timing aspect is crucial here. Since you're only about a year away from your FRA (66 and 8 months), and the GPO phase-out is starting soon, waiting might give you the double benefit of full survivor benefit amount AND reduced GPO offset. But you need accurate numbers to make that determination. Also, don't let any representative pressure you into applying before you're ready. You have the right to get information about your options without committing to anything. If they try to rush you, politely but firmly state that you're just gathering information for planning purposes. Keep pushing for answers - this decision could impact your financial security for the rest of your life, so it's worth the effort to get it right.

To answer your original question directly: Yes, Social Security will calculate how much you're over the earnings limit ($45,000 - $23,200 = $21,800), determine the withholding amount ($21,800 ÷ 2 = $10,900), and withhold full monthly payments until that amount is covered. Then they'll resume paying your regular benefit. And yes, you should definitely tell them your expected earnings when you file in February. You can update this estimate if things change. This helps prevent overpayments that you'd have to repay later. When you reach your Full Retirement Age (likely 67), they'll recalculate your benefit and give you credit for the months when benefits were withheld. So while your benefit is permanently reduced for filing early, you do eventually get credit for those withheld months.

Just wanted to add one more consideration for your planning - make sure you understand how the monthly earnings test works too. If you're planning to start benefits in February but earn most of your $45k in the early months of 2025, SSA might use a monthly test for your first year. They'll withhold $1 for every $2 you earn over about $1,933 per month (the monthly limit). This could affect which specific months you receive payments. Once you've been collecting for a full year, they switch to the annual earnings test. It's worth asking about this when you file since your consulting income might not be evenly spread throughout the year!

My cousin went through this exact situation last year. Had to change his start date because of the earnings limit. Just call SSA and tell them you want to modify the application to change the start month to May. Shouldn't be a big deal as long as benefits haven't started being paid yet. They told him it happens all the time.

Just wanted to add some reassurance - I'm a benefits specialist and see this situation frequently. You're absolutely making the right call to be cautious about the earnings limits. The SSA overpayment process can be really stressful and they're not always quick to resolve issues. A few quick tips for when you call SSA to change the start date: 1. Have your husband's Social Security number and confirmation number from his original application ready 2. Ask to speak to a claims specialist specifically about modifying a retirement application 3. Get a confirmation number for the change and ask when you can expect written confirmation Also, since you mentioned budgeting concerns - remember that even though his first SS check won't come until June now, you can still plan around knowing exactly what that amount will be. The delay is frustrating but much better than dealing with overpayments later! Your Medicare timing will work perfectly regardless of the SS benefit start date.

my aunt just went thru this! if u get denied don't give up, she got denied first time then got a lawyer and won her case. her disability on her dead husbands record is like $2200/month i think

I work as a benefits counselor and wanted to add some practical advice for your situation. Since you're 56 applying for DWB, you're in a good position age-wise, but the medical evidence will be crucial. For getting benefit estimates, I've found success with this approach: Call the national number (1-800-772-1213) and specifically ask to speak with a "Technical Expert" about "Disabled Widow's Benefits calculation." Don't just ask for a general estimate - be very specific about what type of benefit you're requesting information about. Also, since your son's benefits will end when he turns 18, make sure you understand the "family maximum" rules. Right now, your family's total benefits are likely subject to a family maximum cap. When your son's benefits stop, your DWB amount won't increase to compensate - it will remain the same percentage of your husband's PIA. One more tip: Start gathering ALL your medical records now, including mental health records if applicable. The more complete your medical file, the better your chances of approval on the first try. Good luck with your consultative exam!