This is exactly what happened to me when I filed for benefits last year! I was so worried when I didn't see the full DRC amount right away. The key thing to remember is that SSA processes DRCs in two parts - they include credits earned through December of the previous year when you first start receiving benefits, then add any remaining credits from your filing year in the following January payment. Since you filed in September 2024, you should definitely see those additional 9 months of DRCs (about 6% increase) in your February payment along with the COLA. The online account is notoriously bad at showing pending adjustments, so don't panic if you don't see it there ahead of time. I'd recommend waiting until you receive your February payment before contacting SSA, but if the increase doesn't show up then, definitely call them with your benefit calculation in hand.

I went through this exact same situation when I filed last year! The waiting and uncertainty is nerve-wracking, but what everyone is telling you is absolutely correct. SSA has a two-step process for DRCs - they calculate your initial benefit using credits earned through December of the prior year, then add any remaining credits from your filing year in the following January payment (which you receive in February). Your online account won't show this pending adjustment ahead of time, which is frustrating but normal. Since you delayed from January 2024 through September 2024 (9 months), you should see roughly a 6% increase on top of the 3.1% COLA in your February payment. If that doesn't happen, then it's time to contact SSA with your documentation. But based on my experience and what others here have shared, you should see that money in February!

Good news about the property sale! Just remember that even though it won't affect your SS benefits, you'll still have to pay capital gains tax on the sale. Hope you've owned it for more than a year so you get the lower tax rate!

I'm new to this community and dealing with a similar situation. My husband passed away last year and I'm just starting to understand all the rules around survivor benefits. Reading through these responses has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea that capital gains didn't count toward the earnings limit! I've been so worried about potentially losing benefits that I've been afraid to make any financial moves. It's reassuring to see experienced community members sharing their knowledge and helping each other navigate these complex rules. Thank you all for taking the time to explain these details so clearly.

One last strategy to consider: If you're still working part-time and don't urgently need the money, you might file a restricted application for just spousal benefits (if eligible) while letting your own retirement benefit grow until 70. This option is only available to people born before Jan 2, 1954, but it's worth checking if you qualify. Also, remember that delaying benefits acts as a form of longevity insurance. The biggest financial risk for many retirees isn't running out of money in their 70s - it's running out in their 90s when healthcare costs typically increase dramatically.

I'm 72 and claimed at my FRA (66 at the time). Looking back, I think it was the right middle-ground decision for me. I got 4 years of benefits before the "break-even" point, but didn't sacrifice as much monthly income as those who filed at 62. What really helped me decide was thinking about it in terms of guaranteed income vs. investment risk. Social Security is one of the few truly guaranteed income sources we have in retirement - it's backed by the government, gets COLA adjustments, and lasts for life. When I framed it that way, waiting a bit longer for a substantially higher guaranteed monthly payment made sense. That said, your health history and family longevity are huge factors. With parents who lived to their late 80s and your own good health, you're likely looking at 20+ years of benefits. In that scenario, the higher monthly amount from waiting could really add up. But if you're itching to retire fully and enjoy life now, there's real value in that too - you can't put a price on peace of mind and freedom.

Thank you all for the incredibly helpful responses! I've decided to apply for both early retirement and SSDI. I've gathered all my medical records going back to 2019, created a list of all treatments I've tried, and my doctor has provided a detailed statement about my limitations. I've also started tracking my daily pain levels and how they affect my work capacity. I'm still nervous about the SSDI process, but the potential difference in benefits makes it worth trying. I'll update this thread once I hear something from SSA. Thanks again for all the guidance!

As someone who went through a similar situation at 61, I want to emphasize how important it is to be completely honest about your functional limitations in the SSDI application. Don't downplay your symptoms or try to be "tough" - SSA needs to understand the reality of your daily limitations. A few practical tips that helped me: - Keep a detailed log of activities you can no longer do (lifting, prolonged sitting, walking distances, etc.) - Document any accommodations your employer has made for your condition - Note how often pain interferes with concentration/focus during work - Track any sick days or early departures due to your back issues Also, consider getting a functional capacity evaluation (FCE) from a physical therapist if your doctor thinks it would help. This provides objective data about your physical limitations that can strengthen your case. The wait can be frustrating, but having both applications in the system gives you the best chance at maximizing your benefits. You're making a smart decision by pursuing both options!

Based on all the information shared, here's what you should do: 1. Contact SSA to get exact benefit estimates for both scenarios (your own reduced benefit at 62 vs. divorced spouse benefit) 2. Consider how long you plan to keep working and how that affects the earnings test 3. Think about your longevity - waiting increases your lifetime benefits if you live longer 4. Factor in your current financial needs - sometimes taking reduced benefits early is necessary If the numbers are close, and you can afford to wait, delaying benefits to avoid permanent reductions is often financially advantageous in the long run if you live into your 80s or beyond.

One more thing to consider - since your ex-husband is on SSDI, his benefit amount is essentially fixed and won't grow with delayed retirement credits like regular retirement benefits do. This means that 50% of his SSDI benefit will remain the same whether you claim it now or later. However, YOUR own retirement benefit will continue to grow by about 8% per year if you delay past your Full Retirement Age until age 70. So if your own benefit has the potential to be higher than the divorced spouse benefit, waiting could significantly increase your lifetime income. You might want to ask SSA for projections showing what your own benefit would be at different claiming ages (62, Full Retirement Age, and 70) to compare against the divorced spouse option.