just wondering, what kinda disabilities do u have? some get approved faster than others

One important point that hasn't been mentioned: if your SSDI is approved, you'll likely receive back pay from your application date (or 5 months after your disability onset date, whichever is later). This could be a significant lump sum that would put you over the SSI resource limit again. You should ask your attorney about setting up a PASS (Plan to Achieve Self-Support) account or an ABLE account if you qualify, which are special accounts that don't count toward your SSI resource limit. This can help you manage any back pay without losing eligibility for other benefits. Also, make sure your dire need status is documented regularly. If your financial situation is worsening, have your attorney submit updated information to potentially expedite your case.

my dad just went through this whole thing and was so confused by all this FRA and earnings test stuff. he ended up waiting until his FRA to claim just to avoid the headache lol

Based on everything you've shared, you're approaching this correctly. Let me summarize to make sure everything is clear: 1. You're subject to the ANNUAL earnings test of $62,160 for 2025 (not the monthly test) 2. Only your earnings from January through November 2025 count toward this limit 3. As long as you stay under $62,160 through November, no benefits will be withheld 4. In December 2025 when you reach FRA, a separate higher limit applies ($16,560) 5. After you reach FRA in December, no earnings limits apply at all Keep track of your earnings, report your estimates to SSA, and you should be all set!

To directly answer your question: The earnings you're generating now will only increase your benefit if: 1. They're higher than your lowest indexed earnings year currently being used in your calculation (likely yes if replacing a zero) 2. The recalculation results in a benefit increase of at least $1 (they round down to the nearest dollar) It's important to understand that the actual increase might be small. For example, if you're earning $15,000 this year and it replaces a zero in your calculation, your benefit might increase by just $10-20 per month. This is because the earnings are averaged over 35 years, and the benefit formula is weighted. However, keep working as long as it's not a hardship for you. Those small increases can add up over time, especially if you live a long life. Plus, there's always the chance that Congress could modify or eliminate WEP in the future, which would make those earnings even more valuable.

Social Security automatically recalculates your benefit each year after your employer reports your earnings (typically after you file taxes). If your earnings increase your benefit, they'll make the adjustment and send you a notice. The increase would be effective January of the year following the work. However, there can sometimes be delays in this process. If you believe you should have received an increase based on recent earnings and haven't seen it after filing taxes for that year, it might be worth contacting SSA. Also, regarding your earlier question about trying to reach the substantial earnings threshold to reduce WEP: If you're able to work more without affecting your quality of life, it could be worthwhile. Each year of substantial earnings above 20 reduces your WEP penalty by 5%. So if you're currently at, say, 22 years of substantial earnings, getting to 25 would reduce your WEP penalty by an additional 15%.

my neighbor got survivors benefits and worked part time and it reduced her check because she was under FRA. theres an earnings limit around $19000 i think? just something to know if you're still working

Just a tip - when you apply for survivor benefits, they'll ask about your marriage date since it had to be at least 9 months to qualify (with some exceptions). You said you're just short of 32 years, so that's WAY more than enough, but be prepared with the exact date. They're STICKLERS for documentation so bring extra copies of everything!

my aunt got a special thing called medicare savings program that pays her medicare premium, maybe look into that??

Just to summarize what you've learned: 1. At 66, you're already at Full Retirement Age, so SSDI isn't applicable (it automatically converts to retirement at FRA) 2. Your options are either survivor benefits OR your own retirement benefits (whichever is higher) 3. Medicare is what you have at 66, not Medicaid 4. Look into Extra Help program for prescription drug costs 5. Consider contacting your Area Agency on Aging for arthritis support services It sounds like staying on survivor benefits is likely your best option financially, but it's worth having SSA do a calculation to confirm this. The resources others have suggested for managing your arthritis costs are excellent next steps.