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To clarify for everyone in this thread: 1. The earnings test is based on age, not benefit type 2. Once you reach your Full Retirement Age (FRA), the earnings test no longer applies regardless of benefit type 3. The monthly earnings test only applies in the calendar year you first become entitled to benefits 4. Switching from one benefit type to another doesn't trigger a new application of the monthly test Since the original poster is reaching FRA in August 2025, they need to be concerned about the earnings test for January-July only. After that, they can earn unlimited amounts without affecting either benefit type.
just wanted to say thanks for asking this question, im in almost same situation but switching in october. this thread is really helpful
I had this exact same problem last year - needed to know the new amount for budgeting but couldn't get through on the phone to ask anyone. I ended up using Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got connected to a real agent in about 15 minutes who told me my new amount before it showed online. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. Saved me hours of frustration with the busy signals and disconnects.
I just checked my mailbox today and got my COLA notice! So for anyone wondering, mine came on November 24th. The website still hasn't updated yet though. The increase was a bit less than I expected based on the announced percentage...guess that's because of Medicare premium increases?
Yes, if you have Medicare Part B premiums deducted from your Social Security payment, the premium increase for 2025 will offset some of your COLA increase. The standard Part B premium went up by $12.40 this year, which will reduce the net increase you see in your monthly payment. Your COLA notice should break down both the COLA increase and the Medicare premium adjustment.
One more thing to consider - since this involves a cancer case, you should mention to the Tampa office that this falls under Compassionate Allowances guidelines. This might help prioritize getting these documents processed quickly once they receive them. Also, document EVERYTHING about your attempts to submit these records. Note the date, time, and name of every person you speak with. If your husband's back payments get delayed because of their document mishandling, this documentation will be important for appealing any issues with the retroactive payment date.
just wondering did u get a receipt when u dropped off the papers?? they supposed to give u one i think. that could help prove u actually gave them the stuff if they try to deny it later
My situation was similar but I had a completely different outcome. My husband died, I got survivors benefits, kept working, had some reductions. I'm thinking the rules must have changed recently? Because when I switched to my own benefit two years ago, they did some kind of adjustment. Maybe talk to a different SSA person?
What likely happened in your case is that you were receiving reduced retirement benefits along with survivor benefits (this happens in some situations), rather than survivor benefits alone. When retirement benefits are reduced due to the earnings test, there is indeed a recalculation at FRA to account for those months. Survivor benefits don't get this same treatment when you switch to retirement. It's a common area of confusion even among some SSA representatives.
Thank you everyone for the helpful information! I'm going to schedule my appointment to file for retirement benefits soon, and I'll make sure to check my earnings record carefully beforehand. It's disappointing about not getting those deductions back, but at least now I understand how it works and won't be surprised. I appreciate all your insights!
Demi Lagos
One important thing to verify: make sure your Medicare Part B premium is correctly handled during this transition. Sometimes when switching benefit types, the system temporarily
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Melina Haruko
Thank you for this tip! I would have never thought to check this. I do have Medicare premiums auto-deducted, so I'll keep an eye out for any issues during the switch.
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