Thank you everyone for all this helpful information! I feel much more confident about my plan now. I'm going to try to reach SSA to start my retirement benefit now, and then make sure to contact them 3 months before my FRA to initiate the switch to survivor benefits. I'll also be sure to document everything carefully along the way. I appreciate all your suggestions and experiences - it's made this whole process much less intimidating!

One more tip that might help - when you call SSA, try calling right when they open (usually 8 AM local time) or later in the afternoon around 4-5 PM. Those tend to be less busy times. Also, if you get disconnected, don't give up! The system is frustrating but your strategy is solid and will save you money in the long run. I've seen too many people give up on legitimate benefit increases because the process was difficult. You've got this!

Thank you all for the incredible resources! I've ordered the Mike Piper book and am going through the POMS documentation (which is indeed as unfriendly as warned). The Annual Statistical Supplement is also proving very helpful. I'm realizing this is more complex than I initially thought, especially with the family maximum calculations and the special considerations for my child. I'm particularly concerned about that SGA limit mentioned for DAC benefits - definitely need to model that scenario carefully. For those who might find this thread later, I'll try to share my spreadsheet once I've got it working properly with all these variables. Thanks again for all the help!

As someone who's been down this rabbit hole before, I'd also recommend checking out the Social Security Administration's "Red Book" - specifically the 2025 version. It's their comprehensive guide to work incentives and contains detailed information about how earnings affect benefits, especially important for your special needs child scenario. One thing I learned the hard way: when building your spreadsheet, make sure to account for the fact that Social Security uses a very specific method for indexing earnings to current dollars using the Average Wage Index (AWI). The historical AWI factors are published annually and you'll need them for accurate AIME calculations. Also, if you're planning to include spousal benefit scenarios, don't forget about the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) if either applies to your situation - these can significantly impact calculations but are often overlooked. The complexity is real, but once you get all the pieces together in a spreadsheet, it becomes incredibly powerful for scenario planning. Looking forward to seeing what you create!

Thank you all for the helpful information! I'm going to start gathering my medical records and look into disability attorneys in my area. I'm still nervous about the application process and potential wait time, but at least now I know that IF I get approved, I'll receive my full benefit amount without reduction. That's a huge relief. I'll also check out that Claimyr service when I need to call SSA - sounds much better than sitting on hold all day with my painful joints! I'll update this thread once I get started with the process in case it helps others with similar conditions.

Best of luck with your application, Tony! Your approach sounds smart - gathering all medical records upfront and getting legal help early can really make a difference. One thing I'd add from my experience helping my mom with her SSDI claim: keep copies of EVERYTHING you submit to SSA. They sometimes lose paperwork and having your own copies saved us from having to re-request records from doctors. Also, if your rheumatologist hasn't already, ask them to specifically document in your records how your arthritis affects your ability to sit, stand, walk, lift, and grip - SSA focuses heavily on these functional limitations. The waiting is the hardest part, but you're going into this well-informed which puts you ahead of many applicants. Wishing you a smooth process and quick approval!

As someone who's been through this process, I'd say the estimates are generally pretty reliable if your earnings record is accurate. I claimed at FRA about 6 months ago and my actual benefit was within $15 of what the statement showed. The key is definitely reviewing your earnings history carefully - I caught a missing year from when I changed jobs and got that corrected before filing. Since you're planning to work until April 2025, your estimate should be quite accurate. Just remember to apply about 3 months before you want payments to start to avoid any delays!

I'm in a similar situation - turning 67 next year and have been reviewing my SSA statements. One thing I learned from my financial advisor is that the estimates don't include future Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs), so your actual first payment might be slightly higher than what's shown on your current statement if there's a COLA increase for 2025. Also, make sure to factor in Medicare Part B premiums which will be automatically deducted from your Social Security payment unless you're still covered by employer insurance. The Medicare premium can be around $175/month, so don't forget to account for that in your budgeting. Overall though, if your earnings record is accurate, you should be able to trust the estimate pretty closely.

One other thing to be aware of: Your January 15th payment date suggests you were born between the 1st and 10th of the month. Social Security payment dates are based on your birth date: - Born 1st-10th: Payment on 2nd Wednesday (around the 8th-14th) - Born 11th-20th: Payment on 3rd Wednesday (around the 15th-21st) - Born 21st-31st: Payment on 4th Wednesday (around the 22nd-28th) This schedule is consistent month to month, so all your future payments should arrive on the second Wednesday of each month.

Just wanted to add - make sure to check your MySocialSecurity account online in December for your official COLA notice. It should show exactly how much your benefit will increase starting with the January 2025 benefit (paid in February). The notice will break down your old amount vs. new amount so there's no guessing. Also, if you haven't already, I'd recommend setting up direct deposit notifications with your bank so you know exactly when each payment hits your account!