Just want to add that while you're waiting to reach age 62, it might be worth exploring if you qualify for the Medicare Savings Program if your family income is limited. This program can help pay Medicare premiums for your husband, which could free up some monthly income. Requirements vary by state, but it's worth checking into. Also, make sure your husband is receiving all the benefits he's entitled to. Sometimes people on SSDI don't realize they might also qualify for SSI if their SSDI payment is low enough and they meet the resource limits.

You're correct - at $1,850/month SSDI, your husband wouldn't qualify for SSI as that exceeds the federal benefit rate. However, definitely check out the Medicare Savings Program (MSP) options. Depending on your total family income and resources, you might qualify for one of the MSP levels that could pay his Part B premium ($174.70 in 2023), which would put that money back in your pocket each month. Also, when your children age out of their benefits, that will be a significant reduction in household income. Start planning for that transition now, especially if your 16-year-old will be heading to college.

Not to hijack your thread but this reminds me of when I tried to apply for spousal benefits a few years ago. I went around in circles with THREE different reps who all said different things! One told me I couldn't apply at 62, another said I could but would get less, and the third one said something completely different about restricted applications that I didn't even understand. It's crazy how even THEY don't understand their own rules sometimes!

This is a good reminder for everyone dealing with complex SS situations: the POMS (Program Operations Manual System) is the actual rulebook SSA employees use, and it's available online. For family maximum calculations with disabled adult children, you'd want to look at sections RS 00615 and DI 10115. Having the exact POMS reference can be incredibly helpful when speaking with representatives who might not be familiar with unusual situations. You can say "According to POMS section X, this is how the calculation should work..." For the original poster: The Birmingham Processing Center handling your case is actually a good thing. They have specialists who work on complicated family maximum calculations all day, every day.

quick question - how old is your fiance? if he's close to 60, he might want to start planning for his own retirement benefits anyway. the appointment could be useful for that.

Since your fiancé is 58, here's what he should specifically ask at his appointment: 1. Request his Social Security Statement showing his estimated retirement benefits at different claiming ages (62, FRA, and 70) 2. Ask how additional work years might increase his benefit amount 3. Discuss whether his part-time job will add enough earnings to increase his future benefit 4. Inquire about potential spousal benefits when you two marry (if you're planning to) 5. Understand how the WEP (Windfall Elimination Provision) might affect him if he ever worked in jobs not covered by Social Security Regarding his 15-year-old son: The child may be eligible for benefits on your fiancé's record when he claims retirement benefits. Children can receive up to 50% of the parent's PIA (Primary Insurance Amount) until age 18 (or 19 if still in high school).

One more consideration: If you're planning to stop working before your FRA, you might recalculate. Let's say you decide to stop working in August 2025, a few months after turning 66. You could apply for survivor benefits then, and the earnings test would only apply to the months in 2025 before you reach FRA. The SSA would use a monthly earnings test calculation rather than annual for the year you retire mid-year. This might make taking survivors before your exact FRA worthwhile, depending on exactly when you stop working.

Thank you all for such thoughtful responses! Based on everyone's advice, I think waiting until FRA makes the most sense in my situation since I don't need the extra income now and it avoids the complications with the earnings test. I'll use my SSA appointment to confirm the exact date of my FRA for survivor benefits and get more details about making the switch to my own benefits at 70. Really appreciate all the insights!

I tried doing it online but got confused about some questions and ended up calling. Was on hold forever. Wish I'd known about that Claimyr thing the other person mentioned.

Social Security Administration recommends applying three months before you want benefits to begin. In your case, that would be January 2025 for April 2025 benefits. The online application at ssa.gov is the most efficient method and can be completed in about 30-45 minutes if you have all your information ready. If you have a complex situation (multiple marriages, foreign work, etc.), then calling or visiting might be better. The local office wait times vary by location, but most now require appointments which can be scheduled by calling the national number (1-800-772-1213). Be aware that your first payment for April would arrive in May, as Social Security pays benefits in the month following the month for which they are due.