My husband's cousin didn't report his extra income and the SSA hit him with a HUGE overpayment notice two years later!!! They wanted ALL the money back at once! Such a nightmare! Don't make that mistake!!

To summarize for you: 1. You can't suspend benefits until FRA (probably 66+some months for you) 2. You'll exceed the earnings limit with your contract ($30k vs ~$21k limit) 3. SSA will withhold about $4,380 from your benefits (probably as 2-3 full months with no payment) 4. You'll still come out financially ahead by taking the contract 5. Report your expected earnings to SSA right away in January 6. When you reach FRA, you'll get credit for the withheld months Good luck with your contract!

omg i remember when I got slapped with an overpayment notice for $12k from SSA because of some weird calculation with my sons SSI and my work. i fought it for like 8 months and they eventually reduced it but it was such a nightmare. document EVERYTHING. save all letters, take notes of every call with who you talked to and what they said. trust me on this one!!

Based on everything you've shared, I recommend taking these specific actions: 1. Visit your local SSA office in person (make an appointment first) and bring: - All pay stubs showing your PCA income year-to-date - A written statement detailing your work activity - Your concerns about potential overpayment 2. Request to speak with a Technical Expert or Claims Specialist specifically about the interaction between child-in-care benefits and the earnings test 3. Ask for a written explanation of how your specific state's PCA program income is counted for earnings test purposes 4. Consider requesting voluntary suspension of benefits until this is resolved 5. Set up an SSA online account if you haven't already to monitor your benefits The child-in-care benefit is subject to the annual earnings test, but there can be complexities with how certain types of income are counted. Getting clear documentation now will help protect you later.

To follow up on your question about earnings - SSA counts GROSS earnings toward the limit, not net after taxes. And they count it when earned, not when paid (except for special payments like bonuses or accumulated vacation pay). Given that you're only $320 below the annual earnings limit, you might want to keep careful track of your income throughout the year. Going over by even a small amount could trigger withholding of some of your widow benefits.

One more important point - when you do go to apply for your own retirement benefits at 67, make sure you specifically tell SSA you want to SWITCH from widow benefits to retirement benefits. Don't simply say you want to "apply for retirement" or they might just give you a small increase instead of recalculating the full amount you're entitled to based on your work record. Also, you can actually file for this switch online through your my Social Security account when the time comes, which might be easier than dealing with representatives who may not understand the rules.

My mom just went thru this last month! She applied online and everything worked fine... they even backpaid her for the month she turned FRA even tho she applied a little late.

Thanks everyone for the helpful information! Just to make sure I've got this straight: 1. Apply 3-4 months before August 2025 2. I'll be eligible for full benefits for the entire month of August even though I turn FRA on the 14th 3. My first payment will arrive in September (3rd Wednesday) 4. The earnings test won't apply to me at all once I reach FRA in August This is all much clearer now. The SSA website is so confusing with all the different rules!

One more important thing to ask: Whether they recommend you file for SSI concurrently with your SSDI application. While your work history likely qualifies you for SSDI, depending on your current financial situation, you might also qualify for SSI during the waiting period. Some attorneys automatically file both, others don't unless you specifically request it. Also ask about their approach to the Activities of Daily Living questionnaire - this form can make or break your case. A good attorney will help you complete it accurately without accidentally undermining your claim.

One more thing! Ask them what happens if you get denied and THEY want to drop your case. My friend had a lawyer who dumped her after the first denial because her case "wasn't strong enough" and she had to start all over with a new attorney. Get that policy in writing!