Just wanted to add another perspective as someone who's been researching this extensively. The earnings test elimination at FRA is one of the best-kept secrets about Social Security! I'm 66 right now and planning to wait until my FRA next year specifically for this reason. One thing I discovered that might be helpful - if you're thinking about working after claiming at FRA, consider that your Social Security benefits will continue to be protected from inflation through the annual COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment), but your work income won't have that same protection. So having that guaranteed inflation-adjusted income from Social Security plus the ability to earn unlimited additional income really creates a nice foundation for retirement security. The peace of mind knowing that no matter how much you earn, your Social Security won't be reduced is invaluable.

I'm also new to navigating all these Social Security rules, and this thread has been incredibly helpful! One thing I'm curious about - does anyone know if there are any changes to these earnings rules being proposed by Congress or the Social Security Administration? I want to make sure I'm planning based on rules that will actually be in place when I reach my FRA in a few years. Also, for those of you who are working while collecting after FRA, do you find that employers treat you differently when they know you're also receiving Social Security? I'm wondering if there could be any practical issues beyond just the financial calculations.

I work at a local SSA field office and see this situation fairly regularly. Here's what you need to know: 1. **Act fast** - You have 12 months from your entitlement date to withdraw, but don't wait 2. **Form SSA-521** - You can download it from ssa.gov or pick it up at any office 3. **Don't return money yet** - Wait for SSA's instructions on how they want repayment 4. **Visit in person if possible** - This ensures proper processing and you get a receipt The good news is that once your withdrawal is processed, your Medicare Part B enrollment will automatically terminate, and since you have employer coverage, you won't face any penalties when you eventually enroll. One important note: Make sure you understand that this is your ONE lifetime withdrawal opportunity. If you're not absolutely certain about your retirement timing, you might want to consider benefit suspension instead (available at Full Retirement Age), which preserves your withdrawal option for true emergencies. The process typically takes 4-6 weeks once all paperwork and repayment are complete.

I went through this exact situation two years ago! The stress is real, but you're going to be fine. Here's what worked for me: I called the national number (1-800-772-1213) first thing Monday morning around 8:15 AM - got through in about 25 minutes. The key is calling right when they open. The agent walked me through everything and actually started the Form SSA-521 process over the phone, then mailed me the completed form to sign and return. For returning the money, they gave me specific instructions - DO NOT just send a check back on your own. They need to process it through their system properly or it can create more problems. They'll either send you a Treasury check to return or give you wire transfer instructions. One thing that really helped my peace of mind: the agent explained that as long as you're within that 12-month window and haven't spent the money, this is considered a routine transaction for them. They handle withdrawals regularly and have clear procedures. The whole process took about 5 weeks from start to finish for me. My advice: get that form submitted ASAP, but don't panic - you caught this early and you're taking the right steps!

Hi everyone! As a newcomer to this community, I just experienced this exact same ID.me verification situation about 5 days ago and wanted to share my experience. Like many others here, I was initially very suspicious when ID.me suddenly requested my driver's license photo and selfie after months of using the same login process without any changes. What helped me verify this was legitimate was following the thorough verification steps that several community members have outlined: I went directly to SSA.gov by typing the URL myself, found their official documentation about the ID.me partnership, and called the SSA customer service line at 1-800-772-1213. The representative confirmed this is their official enhanced security protocol and explained that the phased rollout is why long-time users are suddenly encountering these new requirements. I completed the verification process and it took about 7 minutes total. The lighting tips from Kevin and others were really helpful for the selfie portion - I made sure I was in a well-lit area which made the process go smoothly. This thread has been incredibly valuable in helping me and others navigate this unexpected change. It's so reassuring to see so many community members who have independently verified this through official channels and had positive experiences. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories - it really helps distinguish legitimate security upgrades from potential scams!

Hi everyone! As a newcomer to this community, I just encountered this exact same ID.me verification situation yesterday and wanted to share my experience. Like so many others here, I was immediately alarmed when ID.me suddenly prompted me for a driver's license photo and selfie after using my regular login for about 10 months without any issues. Reading through this entire thread has been incredibly reassuring! I followed the verification steps that multiple community members have recommended: I went directly to SSA.gov by typing the URL myself, found their official security page explaining the ID.me partnership, and called the SSA customer service line at 1-800-772-1213. The representative confirmed that this enhanced verification is indeed their official security upgrade being implemented in phases. I completed the verification process this morning and it took about 8 minutes total. The lighting tips from Kevin and others were spot-on - good natural light really made the selfie portion go smoothly. Everything is working normally now. What I find most valuable about this discussion is seeing how many people independently verified this through official channels and had consistently positive experiences. It really helps distinguish legitimate security upgrades from potential scams. As someone who was initially very skeptical, I'm grateful for this community resource that helped me navigate this unexpected change with confidence. Thanks to everyone who shared their detailed verification steps and experiences!

Just wanted to add some clarity on the timing aspect that others mentioned. When applying for survivor benefits, there's typically a 5-month waiting period from the date of death before benefits begin, unless the surviving spouse is already receiving benefits on their own record. In your wife's case, since she'd already be receiving her own retirement benefit, she could switch to the higher survivor benefit immediately after your death (assuming she's past FRA). Also, make sure to keep good records of your benefit statements - it helps speed up the application process when the time comes. The SSA should have everything on file, but having your own documentation never hurts.

I went through something similar with my parents' situation. One thing that hasn't been mentioned is that you should also consider the impact of the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) if either of you has worked for government agencies or have pensions from jobs where you didn't pay into Social Security. These can significantly reduce survivor benefits even if everything else looks straightforward. Also, I'd recommend getting a formal benefit estimate from SSA closer to retirement - the online calculators are helpful but an actual SSA representative can walk through your specific scenario and put it in writing. That peace of mind is worth the phone call hassle!

Has anyone here tried calling the SSA directly about resource questions? I spent 3 hours on hold last week trying to get a straight answer about my mom's life insurance policy and never got through. So frustrating!

This is really helpful information! I'm dealing with a similar situation with my mom's SSI application. She has a prepaid burial plan that cost around $8,000 - does anyone know if that's treated the same way as cemetery plots? I'm worried because it's a lot more money than just the plot itself. The funeral home has all the paperwork but I'm not sure if SSA will see it as a resource or if it's excluded like the burial plots everyone is talking about.