congrats on the pension! extra money is always nice 👍

I'm so glad to see this situation worked out well for you! As someone new to navigating Social Security benefits, this thread has been incredibly educational. The distinction between SSDI and SSI income rules is something I never understood before - it's helpful to know that private pensions don't affect SSDI at all. It's also reassuring to hear about services like Claimyr that can help people actually reach SSA representatives when needed. Thanks to everyone who shared their knowledge and experiences here - it's clear this community really looks out for each other!

For those still experiencing delays, I just saw on the SSA website that they've posted an official notice about the February payment delays. They're attributing it to a "processing anomaly" that affected approximately 8% of beneficiaries with payment dates between the 3rd and 8th. All payments should be processed by tomorrow (the 12th). In the meantime, if you have urgent needs, remember that local SSA offices can sometimes issue immediate payment in true hardship situations.

I'm so glad to see this discussion! As a newcomer to Social Security benefits, I was absolutely terrified when my first payment didn't show up on schedule. I kept thinking I had done something wrong with my application or bank setup. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly reassuring - it's helpful to know that these delays do happen occasionally and that the money doesn't just disappear. The information about contacting local SSA offices for emergency payments is really valuable too. Thanks to everyone who shared their knowledge and updates. This community is such a great resource for navigating these situations!

One additional point worth mentioning: While your ex-spouse's claim won't affect your son's benefits, if you have any other current family members receiving benefits on your record (like a current spouse or other children), all of you would be subject to the family maximum limit. In that case, benefits might be adjusted proportionally among current beneficiaries to stay within the maximum - but again, this would never include your ex-spouse's benefits, which are calculated separately.

As someone who works with Social Security disability cases, I can confirm what others have said - your ex-spouse's divorced spouse benefits are completely separate from the family maximum that applies to your son's SSDI. The policy is clear on this: divorced spouse benefits don't reduce benefits for current family members. However, I'd definitely recommend calling SSA to document your concern in your file, especially given some of the processing errors others have mentioned. You can also check your my Social Security account online to monitor any changes to benefit amounts. If you do notice any unexpected changes after your ex files, contact them immediately with your documentation. Your son's benefits should remain stable as long as he continues to meet the disability requirements!

does anyone know how long it takes for them to add the new money? my mom said she had to wait like 6 months or something

This is such great information from everyone! I'm in a similar situation but started benefits at 62. Been working part-time for about 2 years now and always wondered about this. It's reassuring to know the recalculations happen automatically, even if the increases are modest. One question though - has anyone noticed if their Medicare premiums also get adjusted when their SS benefits increase? I'm worried that any small increase might just get eaten up by higher Medicare costs.

Based on all the advice you've received, here's a summary of your best path forward: 1. Wait until January 2026 to apply for survivor benefits (you'll be 60.5 by then) 2. Let your own retirement benefit grow until age 70 3. Switch to your own higher benefit at age 70 Also, don't forget that you may be eligible for a one-time death benefit of $255, and if you have any children under 18 or disabled adult children, they might qualify for benefits too. When you do apply, bring your marriage certificate, husband's death certificate, both your Social Security cards, and your birth certificate. You'll save time if you have all documents ready.

I'm so sorry for your loss. What a difficult situation to navigate during such a hard time. You've gotten excellent advice here - the SSA representative definitely gave you incorrect information about the earnings test. The annual earnings limit applies to your entire calendar year earnings, not just the months you're actively working. Since you've already exceeded the 2025 limit, waiting until January 2026 is absolutely the right call. I wanted to add one more consideration: when you do apply in January 2026, make sure to ask about the "file and suspend" option timeline. Since your own benefit at 70 will be significantly higher ($3,700 vs $1,850), you're making the smart choice to take the smaller survivor benefit first. Just be aware that you'll need to actively switch to your own retirement benefit when you turn 70 - Social Security won't automatically give you the higher amount. Also, consider meeting with a Social Security representative in person at your local office when you apply. Given the misinformation you received over the phone, an in-person appointment might help ensure you get accurate guidance and proper documentation of your filing strategy.