has anyone mentioned restricted application? my brother did that with spousal benefits but im not sure if it applies for survivors benefits the same way

After reading through all these comments, I'd recommend scheduling an appointment with SSA to get the exact numbers for your situation. The general advice here is helpful, but only SSA can tell you exactly what your benefit amounts would be with the earnings test applied. If your reduced survivor benefit after the earnings test would be at least a few hundred dollars per month, and your husband's benefit was significantly higher than your own, it might be worth applying now. You'd get some extra income for 4 years, and then switch to your own benefit at FRA. However, if the amount after the earnings test would be minimal, the paperwork and hassle of applying might not be worth it. Remember that you'll need to provide marriage certificate, death certificate, proof of your earnings, and potentially other documentation. Have you considered reducing your work hours to stay under the earnings limit? That might be another strategy worth exploring if it's feasible in your situation.

my sister got survivor benefits 15 years after her husband died so yes its possible. good luck getting anyone at SS to answer the phone tho lol

One final point that might help your brother: When he speaks with SSA, he should specifically ask them to run a computation for BOTH benefits - his own reduced retirement benefit AND what he'd receive as a survivor. The higher amount is what he'll get going forward. If the survivor benefit is higher, they'll essentially switch him to that benefit and discontinue his own retirement benefit.

That's a common misconception. DAC benefits (officially called Childhood Disability Benefits) are for adults who became disabled before age 22 (not 18). The adult child must be unmarried and have a disability that began before age 22. The parent must be either deceased or receiving retirement or disability benefits. Since OP's daughter became disabled before 22 and her father is now on SSDI, she likely qualifies.

oh ok thanks for clearing that up! social security rules are so confusing sometimes

Has anyone actually received their adjusted payment yet? I'm seeing a lot of rumors but few confirmed cases. Also, does anyone know if we need to file anything or provide documentation, or is SSA handling this entirely on their end?

UPDATE: I just checked my my Social Security account online and there's a new notice posted! It says my benefit recalculation is scheduled for next month and explains that I'll receive two separate deposits: one for the ongoing adjusted amount and another for retroactive payments going back to my original application date. They're calculating everything with all applicable COLAs! So excited to finally get the full amount I earned after paying into the system for 22 years alongside my teaching career. For those still waiting, keep checking your online account - seems they're updating information there before sending physical notices.

To answer your original question about PENALTIES - YES there are penalties beyond just paying back the money!! If they decide you "knowingly withheld information" (which they LOVE to claim), they can impose a penalty of an ADDITIONAL 50% of the overpayment amount!!! And they can also impose a 6-month or 12-month SUSPENSION of benefits even after you'd otherwise be eligible again!! And don't count on that payment plan being reasonable - they wanted $200/month from me on a $6000 overpayment which I COULDN'T AFFORD after losing my SSI!! Sorry to be so negative but I went through HELL with this exact situation and I'm still dealing with the fallout a year later.

Update: I called my local SSA office this morning and got nowhere - just an automated message saying they're experiencing high call volumes (as usual). I think I'm going to try that Claimyr service someone mentioned because I really need to talk to a real person before I submit these forms. In the meantime, I've gathered all my paystubs and printed out my bank statements. I've also started researching Michigan's Freedom to Work program. The monthly premium seems reasonable compared to losing coverage completely. I'm still nervous but feeling a bit more prepared. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and advice!