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wait i just realized my situation isnt the same as yours cause my wife gets SSI not SSDI sorry bout that! but i still think taking it early makes sense with what ur saying
Just to clarify for anyone reading this thread: SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) have different rules regarding survivor benefits. SSI is needs-based and doesn't generate survivor benefits, while SSDI is based on work credits and does provide survivor benefits. This is why it's so important to understand which benefit type you're dealing with when making these decisions.
My friend said she called and the SS people told her she should ALWAYS wait until FRA if possible. Are you SURE this is the right move?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer with Social Security. While waiting until FRA maximizes that particular benefit, personal circumstances matter enormously. In the original poster's case, with a spouse on SSDI, limited working years, and the option to switch to survivor benefits later, taking reduced benefits at 62 may align with their specific financial situation and goals. This is why personalized analysis is so important rather than general rules of thumb.
I'm so confused about all this COLA stuff. I'm on SSDI (not SSI), will I get the same 3.2% increase? And when will it show up? My payment date is January 24th this month.
Thanks everyone for the helpful info! I'll let my sister know about the PA state supplement too - she probably doesn't even know about that extra $22. Seems like such a small amount though when everything costs so much these days.
To clarify some misinformation in this thread: Social Security payments are protected during government shutdowns because: 1. SS benefits are mandatory spending authorized by permanent law 2. The program has its own dedicated funding source (FICA taxes) 3. The Social Security Trust Fund is separate from general federal revenue During a shutdown, while some SSA services might be limited (like processing new applications or answering general questions), payments to current beneficiaries continue without interruption. Your mother's February payment will arrive on her regular payment date based on her birth date or when she first started receiving benefits. The payment will be her full benefit amount plus the 2025 COLA increase that went into effect in January. If she's concerned about her benefits, she should create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov where she can view her payment schedule and benefit amounts directly.
My friend couldn't get ahold of SSA for TWO WEEKS when she needed to check on her missing January payment!!! They finally figured out it was some bank routing issue but she was almost EVICTED waiting for it to get fixed!!!
This is unfortunately common right now. SSA offices are understaffed and their phone systems are overwhelmed. For urgent payment issues like potential eviction, she should have contacted her local Congressional representative's office. They have liaison channels to SSA and can expedite emergency cases. Worth remembering for anyone facing critical benefits delays.
Thank you all for the helpful responses! I'm feeling much more confident now. Here's my plan based on everyone's advice: 1. Check my detailed earnings record on mySocialSecurity 2. Request IRS transcripts for any questionable years 3. Start my application process now since I'm turning 70 soon 4. Mention my concerns about the earnings record when I apply 5. Focus only on correcting years that would be in my top 35 I'll report back once I've gone through the earnings history. Fingers crossed there aren't any major issues!
That sounds like a perfect plan! One more tip: When you look at your earnings record on mySocialSecurity, there's a way to download the entire history as a PDF. Do that and take your time reviewing it. Sometimes seeing it all in one document makes it easier to spot unusual patterns or missing years. Good luck!
Good luck! And don't forget to decide about Medicare too if you haven't already! That's a whole other thing to worry about lol
Dmitry Popov
I think its dumb that they even have a limit. We paid into this our whole lives and then they dont let us work?? Makes no sense!!
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Ava Rodriguez
•It does seem counterproductive. They want seniors to stay active but then penalize us if we work too much before FRA. At least the limit goes away completely once you reach full retirement age.
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NebulaKnight
Thank you all for the incredibly helpful information! I've taken notes on everything: - We'll use the monthly earnings test for 2025 - Request this specifically when applying - His $50k from Jan-May won't count as long as he stays under the monthly limit after starting benefits - Make sure he doesn't exceed the monthly limit even once or they'll switch to annual test - Keep documentation of his retirement This is such a relief - we were worried we'd lose thousands in benefits. I'll update after we apply to let everyone know how it goes!
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Miguel Ortiz
•Smart planning! One more tip: when your husband applies, get the name and direct extension of the claims representative who handles his application. This makes follow-up much easier if there are any issues with how the monthly earnings test is applied.
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