Thank you everyone for the helpful responses! I've set up USPS Informed Delivery as suggested and will try using Claimyr to reach SSA by phone. It's disappointing that the online system doesn't show survivor benefits in 2025, but at least I know what to expect now. I'll make sure to watch my mail carefully and follow up if I don't hear anything in the next couple weeks.

I went through this same situation when my mom passed away two years ago. The lack of online tracking for survivor benefits is really frustrating, especially when you're already dealing with grief and paperwork. One thing that helped me was keeping a detailed log of every interaction - dates I called, reference numbers, what was discussed. When I finally got through to someone, having that information made the conversation much more productive. Also, if you have any local senior centers or AARP chapters nearby, they often have volunteers who are very knowledgeable about navigating SSA processes and can provide guidance. Hang in there - the process does eventually work out, it's just unfortunately slow and old-fashioned.

I'm so sorry you're going through this stress during what's already a difficult time. As someone who works with SSA benefit issues, I can tell you that representative payee determinations for survivor benefits at age 62 are indeed unusual and often clerical errors. The fact that your letter specifically asks for a family member to call suggests this isn't just informational material - it's an active determination that needs immediate attention. Don't ignore this as some have suggested, as it will definitely delay your February payment. Here's what I recommend: First, try the phone service mentioned by Dmitri - it might save you hours of waiting. If you do get through, be prepared with your Social Security number, the letter, and ask specifically what evidence they have that you need a payee. Often these are triggered by simple checkbox errors during application processing. If phone doesn't work, definitely go to your local office first thing tomorrow with the letter and any documentation showing your competency (bank statements, bills you pay, etc.). The sooner you address this, the better chance you have of getting your February payment on time. Keep us updated - your experience could help others facing similar issues!

I went through something very similar when I applied for survivor benefits after losing my wife. The representative payee letter came about 2 weeks after my approval letter and it turned out to be a system error - apparently there's a glitch that sometimes triggers these determinations for new survivor benefit applications. I was able to get it resolved by going to my local SSA office with the letter and my ID. The agent immediately saw it was an error and cleared it up in about 30 minutes. She said they've been seeing more of these lately and it's usually just a computer mistake during the application processing. Don't panic about your February payment - once they correct the error, your benefits should proceed as originally scheduled. Just make sure to get this handled ASAP so there's no delay. Bring any documentation that shows you're managing your own finances (bank statements, checkbook, etc.) just in case they ask, though they probably won't need it if it's clearly a system error like mine was.

my ssdi payment was late to and im not overseas!! they doing it to everyone this month i think

As someone who helps family members navigate Social Security issues, I want to add that it's worth noting the MySocialSecurity online portal shows different information for overseas recipients during these delays. Instead of the usual "Payment Sent" status, it may show "Payment Processing" for several extra days. This is normal during the new verification process and doesn't indicate a problem with the account. Also, if your mother uses a local Thai bank, she should check if they have any additional processing time for international wire transfers - some banks hold these for 1-2 business days for their own verification before depositing to accounts.

I just went through this process in January! The application was straightforward, but as others mentioned, check your earnings record first. I found a missing year from 2002 that I had to get corrected before applying. For your tax situation, I'd recommend talking to a tax professional specifically about managing the tax impact of that large profit-sharing payout. There might be ways to offset some of that income or spread it across tax years depending on how it's structured. Also, don't forget to consider how your SS benefits might affect your Medicare premiums in 2027 (they look at your income from two years prior). That profit-sharing payout could potentially bump you into a higher IRMAA bracket for Medicare Part B and D premiums for that year.

As someone who just went through this process last year, I wanted to share a few additional tips that helped me: 1. **Document timing**: Even though you're at FRA, the exact month you start benefits matters for your first payment. If you apply in March when you reach FRA, you can choose to start benefits that same month or delay to a later month if needed. 2. **Direct deposit setup**: Have your bank routing and account numbers ready. Paper checks are still an option but direct deposit is much more reliable and faster. 3. **Medicare coordination**: Since you mentioned you're already enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B, make sure your Medicare and Social Security records are properly linked. Sometimes there are glitches that can cause issues later. 4. **Keep copies**: Save PDFs of everything during the online application process. The confirmation numbers, your completed application, everything. The system occasionally has hiccups and having your own records is invaluable. For your specific tax situation with that $45K profit-sharing payout, starting without withholding and making quarterly estimated payments definitely sounds like the smart approach. You can always add withholding later in 2026 when your income normalizes. Good luck with your application - it really is more straightforward than the horror stories make it seem!

I'm so glad you asked this question because I was in a very similar situation! My husband passed away two years ago and I also had confusion about the earnings limits with survivor benefits. What everyone has said is absolutely correct - once you reach your FRA, there are NO earnings limits at all. You can work full-time, part-time, or start your own business without any reduction to your survivor benefits. The key thing to remember is that the earnings test completely disappears at FRA for all Social Security benefits. Since you reached FRA in May and you're only earning $1,750/month, you're totally in the clear. Even for those months before your FRA (February through April), your earnings were well below the special limit that applies in the year you reach FRA. One tip from my experience: definitely keep good records of your work earnings and when you started receiving benefits, just in case SSA ever has questions. And don't stress about it - you're doing everything right! It's actually wonderful that you're able to work and stay active while receiving your survivor benefits. That's exactly what the system is designed to allow after FRA.

As someone who works with Social Security beneficiaries regularly, I want to emphasize how great it is that you asked this question! The earnings limit rules can be really confusing, especially when you're dealing with survivor benefits and reaching FRA in the same year. Everyone here has given you accurate information - you're completely in the clear. The key points are: 1. Your $1,750/month was below even the pre-FRA limit for 2025 ($4,710/month) 2. After May (your FRA), there are zero earnings limits 3. This applies to all Social Security benefits, including survivor benefits One thing I'd add: since you mentioned the SSA website being confusing, they actually have a really helpful earnings test calculator if you ever need to check scenarios in the future. But in your case, you don't need it anymore since you've passed FRA! Also, regarding the tax implications others mentioned - survivor benefits have the same tax treatment as retirement benefits, so depending on your total income, some portion might be taxable. But that's completely separate from the earnings test and won't reduce your monthly benefit amount. You're doing everything right, and it sounds like the part-time work is good for you both financially and personally. Keep enjoying that peace of mind!