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To add a bit more technical detail: The 2025 COLA (3.2%) will be applied to everyone receiving Social Security benefits as of December 2024. The timing of when someone started receiving benefits doesn't affect COLA eligibility. For the earnings question, the rules depend on your husband's age. Since you mentioned he's 67 and at his Full Retirement Age (FRA), the earnings test doesn't apply to him anyway. SSA will reconcile his actual earnings when tax information is processed, but this won't affect his benefit amount. The letter you received is standard for new beneficiaries. You'll receive a separate COLA notice in December that will explain the inflation adjustment being applied to his benefits starting January 2025.
wait does anyone know if the 3.2% gets added to wats in the letter already or is it calculated some other way?? so confused
The 3.2% COLA will be applied to your current benefit amount (before any deductions like Medicare premiums). So if your current benefit is $2,000, the COLA would add $64 (2000 × 0.032 = 64), making your new gross benefit $2,064 starting in January. The COLA notice in December will show the exact calculation for your specific situation.
have u checked ur my social security acct online? sometimes it shows pending payments there before they even tell u. might give u a clue if somethings gonna hit in january
To summarize what should happen in your case: 1. Benefits should automatically resume in January 2025 2. No action needed from you if SSA has your correct 2025 earnings estimate 3. First payment should arrive based on your birth date schedule in January 4. You'll receive your full monthly benefit amount since your 2025 earnings are well below the limit If January comes and you don't receive payment, then you should contact SSA immediately to ensure they have the correct earnings information for 2025. For peace of mind, you could call once more in December to verify everything is set up correctly for January payment resumption.
Just wanted to wish you good luck with your kidney surgery. That's scary stuff on top of dealing with SSDI bureaucracy. Hope everything goes well!
To address your question about updating the Adult Function Report - it would be helpful to provide an update after your surgery. You can submit a letter from your doctor describing any additional limitations resulting from the kidney removal. Generally, SSA evaluates disability based on how your conditions limit your ability to work. While spine issues typically cause exertional limitations (lifting, standing, walking), the kidney cancer and surgery may cause non-exertional limitations (need for frequent breaks, absences for treatment, fatigue). The combination of these different types of limitations often presents a stronger case than either condition alone. When you speak with the examiner after surgery, ask if you should submit an updated Function Report or if a medical source statement from your doctor would be sufficient.
Exactly right. And to add some context - SSA uses what's called the "combined effects" doctrine when evaluating disability claims. They look at how ALL your medical conditions interact to impact your ability to work. Sometimes people get denied when looking at each condition individually, but approved when considering the combined impact. The examiner seems to be properly applying this approach.
have u tried going on the website mySocialSecurity to make appointment? they say u can do that now. I made mine that way last month but u might need to create account first
After reading through the comments, I want to emphasize something important about your specific situation. Since you mentioned your son recently started receiving benefits on his father's record as a disabled adult child (DAC), you may be in a special category. If you're providing care for a disabled adult child who receives Social Security benefits, you might qualify for what's called a "mother's or father's benefit" even though your child is an adult. This is different from your divorced spouse benefit and they can sometimes be payable simultaneously, subject to family maximum rules. When you finally get your appointment, make sure they calculate BOTH: 1. Your divorced spouse benefit (potentially up to 50% of your ex's PIA) 2. Your potential caregiver benefit for your disabled son Bringing documentation of your caregiving responsibilities will be crucial. The technical term SSA uses for this is "in-care" requirement for mother's/father's benefits. Many representatives don't fully understand these complex rules where divorce, disability, and caregiving intersect.
This is incredibly helpful - I had no idea I might qualify for a separate benefit as his caregiver! He does have significant disabilities and requires daily support. I'll definitely bring documentation of his care needs. Would medical records be enough, or do I need something specific showing I'm his caregiver?
Medical records are good, but also bring any legal guardianship papers if you have them, documentation of living arrangements, and perhaps a letter from his doctor specifying his care needs and your role. The more documentation you have about your caregiving responsibilities, the stronger your case will be. SSA needs to see that you're providing ongoing care and supervision, not just occasional help.
LunarEclipse
Thank you all for the helpful responses! I've learned so much. One last question - does anyone know if I need to do anything special when my husband's SSDI converts to retirement benefits next year? Will that change affect potential survivor benefits in any way?
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Paolo Esposito
•No action needed when SSDI converts to retirement - it happens automatically and the payment amount stays exactly the same. There's no impact on future survivor benefits. The only thing I'd recommend is that both of you create My Social Security accounts online if you haven't already, so you can see your benefit amounts and estimates. Makes planning much easier.
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Amina Toure
THIS IS WHY I HATE THE SSA!!! Why is everything so confusing!? Why can't they just make it simple! My uncle lost out on thousands because no one told him he had to APPLY for survivor benefits when my aunt died! They should automatically give you the higher amount!
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Oliver Weber
•It is frustrating! When I was helping my sister with survivor benefits, we couldn't get clear answers until we finally got through to an actual SSA representative. After three days of trying, I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get connected quickly instead of waiting on hold for hours. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person at SSA who can look at your specific situation.
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