my sister has a son with autism and she got him on SSI when he was 19. they denied him first time and she had to appeal. make sure you have good documentation from doctors and maybe even school records from when he was younger showing his limitations. they look at ability to work not just the diagnosis.

Regarding your question about using an attorney for disability claims: many people do succeed without attorneys for the initial application, but approval rates with professional representation increase significantly at the appeal stages. For initial applications, focus on thorough documentation: 1. Medical records showing diagnosis and functional limitations 2. Statement from treating physicians about work limitations 3. School records showing accommodations and challenges 4. Evidence of failed work attempts or job accommodations needed 5. Detailed description of daily activities and limitations If denied (and statistically, about 70% of initial applications are), then seriously consider a disability attorney for the appeal. They typically work on contingency (taking a percentage of backpay if you win, nothing if you don't), and the fee is capped by law. As for the family maximum calculation you asked about earlier - it's complex. The maximum is between 150-180% of your Primary Insurance Amount (your benefit at FRA). If the total of your benefit plus your children's benefits exceeds this maximum, their benefits (not yours) get proportionally reduced. This is why it's worth running the actual numbers for your specific situation before deciding when to file.

i thought they changed the rules so you cant do that file and suspend strategy anymore??

my neighbor said u can file now and then undo it within 12 months if u change ur mind. but u gotta pay back all the $$ they gave u

my nephew works for SS and says always wait till ur actual FRA month to file unless u really need the money now. something about actuarial calculations favoring the later date even if by just a month or 2.

To add some specific numbers to this discussion: If your husband's PIA (Primary Insurance Amount) at 67 is $3,000 for example, taking benefits 2 months early (November instead of January) would reduce it by about 1% to approximately $2,970 per month. That's $30 less every month for life. However, he would receive two extra payments of $2,970 (about $5,940 total). The break-even point would be around 198 months (16.5 years). If he lives longer than that, waiting until January would provide more lifetime benefits. Also remember that any future COLAs will be calculated on the lower base amount if he takes retroactive benefits. As others have suggested, getting the exact calculations from SSA for your specific situation is the best approach.

the whole wep/gpo thing makes me so mad!! why should we be penalized just becuz we worked for the government?? regular people don't have their ss reduced! there's actually a bill in congress to reform this but it never goes anywhere.

After reading through all the responses, I think your best strategy is: 1. Confirm your FERS service was fully covered employment (it almost certainly was) 2. Calculate your WEP-reduced benefit using the SSA's online calculators 3. Calculate 50% of your wife's PIA (which she can find on her Social Security statement) 4. Compare these amounts to see if spousal benefits would be higher 5. If spousal benefits are higher, consider when your wife should file Since you're already past FRA, you'll get the full spousal benefit (if eligible). Your wife's decision to file at FRA vs. age 70 should be based on your joint life expectancy and financial needs. If she delays until 70, her benefit increases by 8% per year, which also increases potential spousal benefits for you.

My neighbor was in this exact situation (teacher married to private sector worker) and was told by their financial guy the repeal was

That's exactly what I was worried about. I'll definitely make sure they understand this isn't guaranteed so they can plan realistically. Thank you for sharing your neighbor's experience.