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this reminds me i need to figure out my own ss stuff, just turned 62 last month and got that packet in the mail but havent opened it yet lol
Thank you everyone for all the helpful responses! I feel much better knowing that our strategy is sound. I'll make sure to organize all our documentation in case something happens to me before I file at 70. I appreciate all your insights and personal experiences - this community is wonderful.
make sure u list ALL ur symptoms not just the main ones!! my nephew got approved faster cuz he included everything even the brain fog and fatigue not just the physical stuff
When my wife died in 2020 I was taking care of my granddaughter and couldn't get to the SSA office during the pandemic. When I finally went to get estimates, they calculated everything and even showed me charts comparing different claiming ages. So yes, they can definitely tell you these numbers! Bring your marriage certificate, his death certificate, and your ID.
this whole system is so complicated! my husband died last month and i have no idea what im going to get. i should probably do what your doing and figure it out early but im still dealing with all the funeral expenses and paperwork. why cant they just make this stuff simple??
I'm very sorry for your recent loss. Please know that you likely qualify for a one-time death benefit payment of $255 from Social Security if you were living with your husband when he passed. Also, if you have minor children, they may be eligible for survivor benefits immediately. You don't have to figure everything out about your future benefits right now, but applying for any current benefits should be done within the first few months as some benefits are time-sensitive.
tell her to go to the office IN PERSON!!! do NOT rely on the phone. my daughter wasted 6 months trying to call about her sons benefits on her disability. we finally just went to the local office and waited all morning but at least got it done in one day!!!
Good advice. My daughter's mobility issues make waiting at an office difficult, but maybe I can go with her to help. Did your daughter have to bring the kids to the office too, or just their documents?
Just to add a bit more info since there are some good questions here: 1. Regarding the Family Maximum Benefit that several people mentioned - yes, there is a cap that's generally 150-180% of the disabled parent's benefit. With two children, they might each get somewhat less than 50%, but it's still significant. 2. Timeline: Once she applies, it typically takes 1-3 months for auxiliary benefits to be approved (much faster than disability applications). Back benefits are limited to 6 months from application date. 3. The older child's benefits will stop at age 18 unless they're still in high school, in which case benefits can continue until graduation or age 19 and 2 months, whichever comes first. 4. Application process: If your daughter has mobility issues, she can: - Start the application online at ssa.gov - Call for a phone appointment - Request an in-person appointment - In some cases, request an accommodation if visiting the office is difficult Make sure she doesn't delay - every month she waits is potentially lost back benefits!
Theodore Nelson
Since your ex-husband passed away 2 years ago, be sure to ask about potential retroactive benefits. While retirement benefits can only be retroactive 6 months, survivor benefits can sometimes be paid retroactive to the date of death (if you were already at eligible age) or the date you reached eligible age. Just be aware that any retroactive payment may affect your tax situation for the year you receive it.
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Carmella Fromis
•Oh! I hadn't thought about retroactive benefits. That would be really helpful if possible. I'll definitely bring that up when I talk to them. Thank you!
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Margot Quinn
congrats on the benefits!! my mom got survivors from my dad and its been a life saver for her. just make sure u call them right away cause they dont give u benefits from before u apply usualy.
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