Update on my situation - I did end up using Claimyr to get through to SSA (took about 10 minutes instead of hours), and the agent told me that my direct deposit information was actually IN their system already from my online attempt, but it was stuck in a 'pending review' status. Apparently this happens sometimes when the online form completion doesn't fully process. The agent was able to verify my banking details and approve it right away over the phone. Might be worth checking if you're in a similar situation!

I just went through this exact same frustrating experience last month! The missed phone appointments are unfortunately really common right now - I had two no-shows before finally getting through. For the online form issue, I had the same problem where clicking "save and exit" seemed scary because it sounds like you're abandoning everything. But as others mentioned, it really does take you to a confirmation page where the actual submit button appears. One tip that helped me: when you get to that final screen before "save and exit," take a screenshot of everything you've entered just in case something goes wrong. That way if you have to start over, you have all your info ready. Also, I found that using an incognito/private browser window sometimes works better with their system since it avoids any cached data conflicts. If all else fails, definitely try calling right when they open at 8 AM (not 7 AM like someone mentioned - they don't actually open until 8). The wait times are much shorter first thing in the morning. Hang in there - it's incredibly frustrating but you'll get it sorted out!

That unexpected payment of $764 labeled as "xxsupp sec/pay" could be several things: First, it might be a retroactive payment for a month where you were eligible but didn't receive your full benefits. This happens sometimes when SSA processes eligibility changes. Second, it could be an adjustment payment if SSA determined you were underpaid in previous months. Third, the amount ($764) was actually the standard federal SSI payment for an individual in 2022 before the 2023 increase to $914, so it might be related to a prior year adjustment. I strongly recommend calling SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your local office to get the exact explanation. Have your Social Security number and the payment details ready when you call. It's important to understand exactly what this payment is for, especially since unexpected payments sometimes need to be reported for other benefits programs you might receive. While extra money is nice, getting clarity will help you avoid any potential issues down the road if it was sent in error. Only SSA can give you the definitive answer about this specific payment.

I agree with Lena's advice to contact SSA directly for the definitive answer. That $764 amount is particularly interesting because it matches the 2022 federal SSI rate, which suggests this could be related to a prior year issue. A few additional thoughts on what this might be: - If you had any changes in living arrangements, income, or resources in 2022 that SSA is just now processing, they might owe you back payments - It could be related to a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) calculation error that they're correcting - Sometimes there are delays in processing appeals or redeterminations that result in retroactive payments When you call SSA, ask specifically about: 1. What time period this payment covers 2. Whether it affects your ongoing monthly benefits 3. If you need to report it to any other agencies (like Medicaid or SNAP) Keep all documentation about this payment, including any letters or notices from SSA. Even if it seems like "found money," it's crucial to understand the reason behind it to avoid any complications with your benefits going forward. The 1-800-772-1213 number Lena mentioned is correct, and you can also check your my Social Security account online at ssa.gov for more payment details.

One important warning that nobody has mentioned: if any of his early lower-paying jobs were with employers not covered by Social Security (like some government or education positions), he might be subject to the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) which could actually REDUCE his Social Security benefit. This happens if he's receiving a pension from non-covered work. Similarly, if you're collecting a government pension from non-SS-covered work, your spousal benefits could be reduced by the Government Pension Offset (GPO) provision. Might be worth checking if these apply to your situation.

Just wanted to add one more consideration that might be helpful - since your husband is continuing to work past FRA, make sure you're both maximizing tax-advantaged savings opportunities! He can still contribute to a 401(k) if his employer offers one, and at his age he's eligible for catch-up contributions ($7,500 extra in 2024). This can help offset some of the higher tax burden from having both SS benefits and earned income. Also, if he has access to an HSA through work, that's triple tax-advantaged and can be a great supplement for healthcare costs in retirement. The combination of continued earnings replacing lower years in his SS calculation PLUS maximizing these tax-deferred savings can really optimize your overall retirement picture during these working years past FRA.

One thing that hasn't been mentioned: if your late wife's benefit at her FRA would have been HIGHER than your own benefit at your FRA, you might want to consider a different strategy! You could: 1. Take your OWN reduced retirement benefit now at 65 2. Then at your FRA, switch to the FULL survivor benefit This works if her benefit > your benefit. The calculations get complicated, so you really should discuss with an SSA representative who can run the numbers for your specific situation.

I'm so sorry for the loss of your wife, Jamal. I went through something similar when my husband passed away two years ago. Based on my experience and what others have shared here, I'd definitely encourage you to go ahead and apply for the survivor benefits now. Even though your benefits will be reduced due to your earnings, you'll still receive some money each month that can help with those medical bills. The key thing to remember is that this isn't really about "stopping" benefits - it's about how the system automatically adjusts based on your income. One practical tip: when you do get connected with SSA again (and I second the recommendation about trying Claimyr if you need to call), ask them to calculate exactly how much you'd receive monthly with your current income. That way you can budget accordingly and know what to expect. The peace of mind knowing you're getting some financial help while preserving your full retirement benefit for later is really valuable. I wish I had understood these options better when I was first navigating this process.

It's worth noting that any benefit increase from post-retirement earnings will likely be modest. This is because: 1. Only earnings that replace lower years in the top 35 will impact the calculation 2. The benefit formula gives less weight to higher earnings 3. Post-FRA recalculations don't include delayed retirement credits For example, if your father's recent $130K earnings replace a year where he earned $50K (after indexing), this might only increase his monthly benefit by $20-40. The exact amount depends on his complete earnings history. That said, even small increases add up over time, and if he's been missing these adjustments for years, the back pay could be substantial. Definitely worth pursuing.

As someone who just went through this process with my own parent, I'd strongly recommend your dad also request a copy of his complete earnings record (Form SSA-7050) when he contacts them. This will show exactly which years are being used in his benefit calculation and help verify that his recent higher earnings are actually being counted. One thing that caught my attention - you mentioned he worked for the government before starting his consulting business. If any of his government work was under a different retirement system (like FERS or state retirement), make sure those earnings are properly credited to his Social Security record too. Sometimes there can be gaps or missing years that affect the calculation. Also, don't let them tell him that because he's past 70, recalculations don't matter. That's completely wrong - the recalculations should happen regardless of age as long as he's still working and paying FICA taxes.