hey did ur disabled son have any trouble with his benefits when u started collecting? my kid is worried cause i might start mine soon but they get ssi not ssdi if that makes a difference

Circling back to your original question about increasing your benefit: While you can't withdraw and reapply, remember that if you continue working, even part-time, Social Security will automatically recalculate your benefit annually to see if your new earnings increase your benefit amount. Also, once you reach age 70, you should check if you might qualify for a higher spousal benefit from your ex-husband's record, especially if he's filed for his benefits by then. The $8,000 annual earnings you mentioned likely won't make a huge difference, but it could cause some small increases over time if those earnings replace lower-earning years in your calculation.

i got cic benefits when my husband died. one thing - make sure your own work credits and earnings record are good because once your youngest turns 16, your cic benefits will stop completely. i wasnt prepared for that and it was a shock financially

For your appointment, bring as much documentation as possible: 1. Birth certificates for both children 2. Your marriage certificate 3. Your husband's death certificate 4. Your husband's Social Security number 5. Your Social Security card 6. Your ID 7. Recent pay stubs or proof of earnings 8. Direct deposit information When applying, be sure to emphasize that you are caring for children under 16 who are receiving benefits on your husband's record. The technical term is "mother's/father's benefits" (though many people call it CIC benefits). Also, keep in mind that your CIC benefits will continue until your youngest child turns 16, after which you won't be eligible again until you reach widow's benefit age (currently 60). So it's important to plan for that transition.

Just wanted to add - make sure your wife knows exactly what paperwork she'll need if something happens. My mom had to provide: death certificate (certified copy), marriage certificate, both their Social Security cards, birth certificate, and photo ID. The SSA website lists everything but having it all ready saved her a second trip. Also tell her she should apply in the month of death - they don't pay benefits retroactively beyond a certain point.

To answer your follow-up question about optimal strategy: Generally, yes - claiming the lower benefit first then switching to the higher one later can maximize lifetime benefits. For example, if your wife's own benefit at age 70 would be higher than your survivor benefit (unlikely with the numbers you provided, but possible for others), she could take reduced survivor benefits at 60, then switch to her own maximized benefit at 70. More commonly for couples with disparate earnings like yours, she might take her own reduced retirement benefit at 62, then switch to the full survivor benefit at her FRA. The optimal approach depends on: 1. Both benefit amounts 2. Her life expectancy 3. Whether she's still working (earnings test) 4. Any other income sources during potential gap years The SSA won't automatically tell her about these strategies, so it's good you're researching now.

The whole system is SO CONFUSING!!! Why can't they just make it simple to understand??? Every time I think I get it someone tells me something different. And don't even get me started on trying to talk to someone at the actual office! 🤬

To summarize for the original poster: 1) No family maximum concerns for you and your husband since you're claiming on separate work records, 2) Your decision should focus on the early claiming reduction vs. getting payments sooner, 3) Consider survivor benefit implications, and 4) Be aware of potential tax implications of having both benefits coming in. These are the key factors for your situation.

btw that earnings limit goes up when u hit your full retirement age... then it's higher (like $4000/month i think?) and then after your birthday month in your full retirement age year the limit goes away completely and u can earn whatever u want

Thanks everyone for the helpful answers! Just to make sure I've got this straight: I can take money from my 401k for my home repairs without any impact on my Social Security benefits, even though I'm under full retirement age. The earnings limit only applies to actual work income. I'll still need to pay income tax on the withdrawal, and that might affect how much of my Social Security gets taxed, but it won't reduce my monthly SS payment. Does that sound right?