I forgot to mention in my earlier post - if your brother has worked enough (usually 10 years) and paid into Social Security, make sure he applies specifically for SSDI not SSI. They're completely different programs! SSDI is based on work credits and doesn't look at assets/resources. SSI is needs-based with strict asset limits. Also, he should apply for Medicare at the same time as SSDI. There's a 24-month waiting period for Medicare after SSDI approval (with some exceptions), but getting the application in early helps.

One more critical piece of advice based on my experience: Your brother should NOT attempt to return to work before applying and getting a decision. The SSA will use any work attempt as evidence that he's not disabled, even if he tries and fails or can only manage a few hours. I know it's tough financially, but trying to work during the application process can torpedo his case. Instead, focus on documenting the medical treatment, surgical history, and recovery attempts. The fact that he has a documented infection that requires additional surgery creates a very clear medical case. Make sure the doctors document that the infection is preventing proper healing and causing ongoing limitations.

this is why the government is so USELESS!!! they send out emails that confuse millions of people and then don't answer the phone. my husbands ben on hold for 3 HOURS today trying to get a simple question answered about his benefits. they say one thing online and another thing when you finally talk to someone. RIDICULOUS!!!

One thing I should add - while you won't receive the 2.5% COLA this January, your benefit amount should still be correct based on the application you submitted. If you applied recently, your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) calculation already includes wage indexing factors that account for inflation up to your eligibility year. If you want to double-check your benefit calculation, you can request a PEBES (earnings statement) from SSA which breaks down how they calculated your benefit amount based on your lifetime earnings. This might give you peace of mind that you're receiving the correct amount even without the COLA.

I see from your comments that you're planning to call SSA. When you do, make sure to ask specifically for a "payment explanation." The representative should be able to pull up a transaction code associated with that payment that will explain exactly what it was for. Common codes for small adjustments include: - 396/397: COLA adjustment - 310: Medicare premium adjustment - 150: Retroactive payment - 456: Taxation adjustment It's important to get this documented in case there's ever a question about it in the future. Also, verify if this impacts your total expected 2025 benefits in any way or if it was strictly a one-time correction for a past period.

I just realized something - check if this might be related to the Medicare Part B premium adjustment that was announced for 2025. The standard premium went up to $174.70 (from $164.90 in 2024), but if you were entitled to a smaller increase based on the "hold harmless" provision, they might have made an adjustment. Did your Medicare premium change recently?

So what DOES change on the statement year to year? Is it just my earnings record being updated? Is there any way to see what my family would ACTUALLY get with COLA included if something happened to me next year instead of right now?

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! I understand much better now. Seems like this is just a limitation in how the Statement displays information rather than an actual difference in how benefits are adjusted. I wish SSA would make this clearer on the Statement itself to avoid confusion.

one more thing nobody said is about TAXES!! if u take both benefits you might push urself into higher tax bracket. thats what happened to my friend Judy and she was so mad!!

After reading through this whole thread, here's what I'd suggest based on what you've shared: 1. Since you don't need the immediate income (you have your teaching pension) and won't exceed the earnings limit with your consulting work, waiting until your FRA (67) to claim unreduced survivor benefits makes sense. 2. Then at 70, switch to your own retirement benefit which will have grown to approximately $3,224/month. 3. Before making a final decision, schedule an appointment with SSA to get a personalized analysis. They can run exact calculations based on your earnings record. 4. Consider meeting with a financial advisor who specializes in Social Security claiming strategies to factor in your complete financial picture, including tax implications. This strategy should maximize your lifetime benefits while providing income security.