That's incorrect. The Combined Maximum Family Benefit (CMFB) does apply to Disabled Adult Child (DAC) beneficiaries. In fact, DAC beneficiaries are included in the same family maximum calculation as minor children and surviving spouses. The difference is that DAC benefits can continue indefinitely as long as the person remains disabled, whereas benefits for minor children typically end at age 18 (or 19 if still in high school). The family maximum is typically between 150% to 180% of the deceased worker's Primary Insurance Amount, depending on the specific benefit calculation. All auxiliary beneficiaries (including DAC recipients and surviving spouses) may be subject to proportional reductions if the total family benefits exceed this maximum.

Sorry, I should have been clearer. Yes, I'm still working full-time. I'm 63 now and planning to work until at least 66, which would be my FRA. I haven't applied for any benefits yet because I thought working full-time would make me ineligible or significantly reduce any benefits. Should I be getting something now even while working?

Thank you so much for this clear summary! I feel much less confused now. I'll definitely have SSA compare the benefit amounts, look into the Extra Help program, and contact the Area Agency on Aging. Everyone here has been so helpful - I wish the official information was this clear!

Thanks for confirming that Claimyr works! I'm going to try it tomorrow. I really need to speak with someone who can explain exactly how much my WEP reduction will be at different ages. Getting the actual numbers will help me make this decision with confidence instead of guessing.

The decision calculation is similar with WEP, just with lower overall benefit amounts. The percentage increases for waiting are the same: - Filing 36 months early reduces benefits by about 20% - Each year you delay past FRA increases benefits by 8% So the relative advantage of waiting vs. claiming early is consistent, regardless of whether WEP applies. The key difference is that when your starting amount is lower due to WEP, you need to consider whether the absolute dollar increase (not just the percentage) is worth waiting for.

Yes, I know about the reduction. I've done the calculations and with my health issues and current financial situation, taking reduced benefits now makes more sense for me than waiting. I appreciate your concern though!

That's a good idea. I'll check if my local office takes appointments or if it's walk-in only. Sometimes talking to a real person is the best approach.

Thanks for mentioning the work history section - that's definitely important to complete carefully. Regarding survivor benefits: Your spouse's survivor benefit would be based on your benefit amount at the time of your death. So by waiting until 69 to claim (past your FRA), you've already increased any potential survivor benefit your spouse would receive. Claiming now versus waiting longer only affects future accrual of delayed retirement credits that would further increase both your benefit and any survivor benefit.

Online applications rarely get truly "lost" - more likely there was missing information that required follow-up. The online system is actually quite reliable now, especially for straightforward retirement claims. In-person appointments currently have a 3-4 month waitlist in most offices, so online is generally the fastest option for retirement benefits.