Just want to share a little support - dealing with unexpected benefit changes is super stressful! When my mom passed and I started managing my dad's survivor benefits, similar stuff happened and it about gave me a heart attack each time. Hope it all works out to be nothing serious!

I work for a local senior services organization and see this type of confusion frequently. A few additional points that might help: 1. The $700 reduction could also be related to an overpayment recovery if SSA determined you received too much in previous months due to unreported earnings or other factors. 2. Since you mentioned checking your MySocialSecurity account, look for any notices under the "Message Center" - sometimes explanations appear there before paper notices arrive. 3. If this is earnings-related, remember that the earnings test is annual, not monthly. So even if some months you earn less, if your projected annual earnings exceed $22,320, they'll adjust accordingly. 4. Keep detailed records of all payments received and any communications. This will be helpful when you do get through to speak with someone. The good news is that most of these situations are temporary adjustments rather than permanent reductions. Hang in there!

I just wanted to add that when you do file at 70, make sure to file 3-4 months BEFORE your 70th birthday. A lot of people don't realize that SSA doesn't automatically start sending checks when you hit 70 - you still need to apply, and benefits are only retroactive for 6 months max. I've seen too many people miss out on months of payments because they waited until after turning 70 to start the application process.

I went through something similar with my parents a few years ago. The restricted application strategy that allowed you to collect spousal benefits while delaying your own was phased out, and it's completely unavailable now for anyone born after January 1, 1954. Given your numbers ($3,200 now vs $3,800 at 70), and especially with your family longevity, waiting until 70 seems like the right call. That extra $600/month will really add up over time, plus your wife will get a higher survivor benefit if something happens to you. One thing to consider while you're waiting: since you're still working part-time, those earnings might actually be replacing some lower-earning years in your benefit calculation, which could bump up your final amount even more than the $3,800 estimate. The waiting is tough when you see that money sitting there, but with your family history of longevity, you're likely to come out way ahead in the long run.

To address your original question about appointments - yes, you should definitely schedule one rather than just showing up. As others have mentioned, wait times can be extremely long, especially in busy offices. If you're having trouble getting through on the 800 number, try calling right when they open (8:00 AM Eastern time) or in the last hour before they close (5:30-6:30 PM Eastern). Thursdays and Fridays tend to have slightly shorter wait times than Mondays. Alternatively, check if your local office has a direct number listed. Some do provide direct lines on their local office pages that can be found through the SSA office locator: https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp

I'm so sorry for your loss, Luca. Going through this process while grieving is incredibly difficult. Based on what others have shared, I wanted to add a few practical tips that might help: Since you're having trouble getting through on the phone, consider visiting your local office first thing in the morning when they open - many offices allow walk-ins for urgent matters like survivor benefits, and you'll avoid the afternoon rush. Bring a book or tablet to keep yourself occupied during the wait. Also, when you do get your appointment, ask about expedited processing. Survivor benefits for children are considered priority cases, and they may be able to fast-track your application given your circumstances. One thing I haven't seen mentioned - make sure to ask about any lump-sum death benefit ($255) that may be available. It's not much, but every bit helps during this difficult time. Take care of yourself during this process. The paperwork and waiting can be frustrating, but you're doing the right thing by getting these benefits for your kids. They'll provide important financial support as you all navigate this new chapter.

One more thing to consider - if your son qualifies for both SSI and disabled adult child benefits (CDB/DAC) on your record, there are complicated rules about which pays first. If the SSA retroactively determined he was eligible for the higher DAC benefits on your record after initially putting him on SSI, this could explain part of the confusion with the overpayment and underpayment notices. When he gets DAC benefits on your record, this can reduce or eliminate his SSI, but might result in a higher total payment. It's extremely complex and SSA reps often get confused themselves about how these programs interact.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this nightmare! As someone who has navigated similar SSA bureaucratic messes, I wanted to share a few things that might help: First, DEFINITELY file that SSA-632 waiver form that others mentioned - you have a strong case since this was clearly their system error, not anything you did wrong. Second, I'd suggest keeping a detailed log of every interaction you have with SSA going forward. Write down dates, times, who you spoke with, and exactly what was said. This documentation becomes crucial if you need to escalate or appeal. Also, consider reaching out to your local congressperson's office. They often have staff who specialize in helping constituents with federal agency issues like this. Sometimes a call from a congressional office can get things moving faster than months of individual effort. The fact that they're acknowledging he qualifies for adult disabled child benefits AND that they owe him back payments suggests they know they messed up. Don't let them intimidate you into just accepting this overpayment - you have rights and options here. Stay strong - this kind of bureaucratic mess is frustrating beyond words, but it IS fixable with persistence!

Just to add one more thing - if you create a my Social Security account online (ssa.gov/myaccount), you can see your earnings record and make sure all your work is being properly credited. It's a good way to verify everything's in order without having to call SSA directly.

As someone who's been through a similar situation, I can confirm what others have said - your contributions aren't lost! I started collecting at 62 and continued working part-time until 67. The key thing to understand is that Social Security uses your highest 35 years of earnings to calculate your benefit, so if your current earnings are higher than some of those earlier years, they'll replace the lower years in the calculation. The timing can be confusing though - the recalculation typically happens in October following the year you worked, so there's often a delay. I'd recommend keeping track of your earnings and checking your annual Social Security Statement to see how your benefit calculation changes over time. Even small increases can add up significantly over the years, especially since you'll likely be receiving benefits for a long time. One more tip: if you're planning to work until your Full Retirement Age, remember that once you reach FRA, the earnings limit disappears completely, so you can earn as much as you want without any benefit withholding.