Thank you all so much for the helpful information. I'm going to try calling SSA again tomorrow and ask specifically about: 1. The exact amount I would receive if I switch to survivor benefits now vs. at my FRA 2. Whether I should continue with my own benefit or switch to survivor benefits 3. That $255 death benefit I hadn't heard about I'll ask to speak with a technical expert if the representative seems unsure. I'm feeling much more prepared now thanks to all your explanations. I'll update here once I get some answers from SSA.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Isabella. You're asking all the right questions and it sounds like you're getting great advice here. One additional thing to consider - when you call SSA tomorrow, also ask about retroactive benefits. Since your husband passed in February and you're just now getting this sorted out, you may be entitled to survivor benefits dating back to the month after his death. This could result in a lump sum payment for the months you've missed. The SSA doesn't always mention this automatically, so make sure to specifically ask about it. Also, bring a copy of the death certificate when you visit in person if the phone calls don't work out - sometimes having all documentation in hand speeds up the process. Wishing you the best with this difficult situation.

dont forget about the spending requirements! my cousin was rep payee for her mom and she got in trouble for using the money wrong. u gotta spend it only on your sister and keep all the receipts!

I went through this exact process with my dad last year when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. A few things that really helped us: 1. **Documentation timing is critical** - Get all the POA paperwork done NOW while your sister can still understand and sign. We waited just 2 months too long and had to go the guardianship route which cost us $8,000+ and took 6 months. 2. **For the SSA rep payee application** - They'll likely request a "Statement of Claimant's Medical Sources" (Form SSA-787) that her doctors need to fill out. Get this from her neurologist/psychiatrist who diagnosed the dementia - general practitioners sometimes aren't detailed enough for SSA. 3. **Set up a dedicated checking account** for her benefits BEFORE you get approved. This makes the annual reporting so much easier. I use a simple spreadsheet to track every expense with receipt photos. 4. **Contact her Medicare plan administrator** too - rep payee status doesn't automatically give you authority to handle Medicare issues, and you'll likely need to deal with coverage decisions as her condition progresses. The 8-week timeline is pretty accurate in my experience. Hang in there - it's overwhelming at first but getting organized now will save you so much stress later!

To answer your follow-up question: No, if you file for benefits and then suspend them (using the voluntary suspension option available after Full Retirement Age), ALL benefits based on your record - including your daughter's - would stop during the suspension period. This is due to changes made by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015. So unfortunately, there's no way to "have your cake and eat it too" in this situation. You either: 1. File now at 68 - you get reduced benefits for life but your daughter gets benefits until 18 2. Wait until 70 - you get maximum benefits for life but your daughter gets nothing until you file (by which time she'll be 16, so only 2 years of eligibility) Given your family history of longevity (parents living to their 90s), waiting until 70 might still be your best financial strategy, despite missing out on some child benefits. At age 90, you would have received substantially more by waiting, even accounting for your daughter's benefits.

I'm a newcomer here but have been researching this exact situation for my own family. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is the family maximum benefit cap. Social Security has a limit on the total amount that can be paid to a family based on one worker's record - typically 150-180% of the worker's PIA. In your case with just you and your daughter receiving benefits, you probably won't hit this cap, but it's worth asking SSA about when you call. Also, since your wife is still working and younger, you might want to consider how her future benefits factor into your overall retirement income strategy. Another consideration: if your daughter plans to attend college, those child benefits could help with education expenses during her last few years of eligibility. Some families find it helpful to have that guaranteed income stream for college planning, even if the overall math slightly favors waiting until 70. Have you considered doing a consultation with a Social Security claiming strategist? Given the complexity and the dollar amounts involved, it might be worth the fee to get personalized analysis.

I'm dealing with almost the exact same situation right now! Got approved for SSDI in March 2024 with an onset date in late 2023, and I'm pretty sure my 2023 earnings aren't reflected in my benefit amount either. Reading through all these responses is super helpful - I had no idea about the AERO process or that there was a specific name for what we're waiting for. It's frustrating that SSA doesn't communicate this stuff clearly upfront. Like, a simple notice saying "we'll automatically review your case in October to include any additional earnings" would save everyone so much anxiety. @Ravi - definitely keep us posted on what happens! I'm planning to wait until mid-December before calling, based on what everyone's saying here. Fingers crossed we both get those retroactive payments!

Just wanted to add another perspective here - I work as a disability advocate and see this issue come up frequently. The AERO process that Omar mentioned is real, but it's not as reliable as it should be. In my experience, about 30-40% of cases that should get automatic recomputations don't happen on schedule. A few additional tips: 1. Document everything - keep records of your 2023 earnings (W2s, tax returns, etc.) 2. If you do call SSA, ask for a case summary to be sent to you in writing 3. Consider filing a written request for recomputation if phone calls don't work - sometimes written requests get processed differently The most important thing is to be persistent but patient. SSA is understaffed and these recomputations can take time to process even when they do them. But you're absolutely entitled to have all your earnings years properly considered, so don't give up! Also, for those mentioning congressional help - that's a great nuclear option if SSA isn't responsive after multiple attempts.

my mom got widows benefits and they messed up her payments THREE TIMES!! had to keep calling and fixing it. make sure you check EVERY STATEMENT when you get benefits!!!

As a newcomer here, I just wanted to say how helpful this discussion has been! I'm in a similar situation with my spouse and had been agonizing over the timing decision. The math breakdown showing it would take 11+ years just to break even by waiting 7 months for that small $33 increase really puts it in perspective. One question though - when people mention "spousal benefit is 50% of FRA amount," does that mean 50% of what the higher earner would get at their full retirement age, or 50% of what they actually get when they claim at 70? I want to make sure I'm understanding this correctly for our own planning. Thanks to everyone who's shared their knowledge here!