One thing I haven't seen mentioned here is that you should definitely apply online rather than in person if possible. I applied in person at my local SSA office and it was a nightmare - had to wait 3 hours just to be seen, then the person helping me made several data entry errors that I had to call back to fix. When I compared notes with my neighbor who applied online the same week, her process was much smoother and faster. The online system also gives you a receipt number immediately so you can track your application status. Just my experience, but I'd definitely recommend going the online route first!

I'm in a similar situation - turning 67 next month and getting ready to apply! From reading all these responses, it seems like the key factors are: 1) Apply online for fastest processing, 2) Have all your documents ready (birth cert, SS card, W-2s, bank info), 3) Expect 4-6 weeks realistically, and 4) Apply early in the month if possible. The payment schedule based on birth date is something I didn't know about - that's really useful info! Thanks to everyone who shared their actual timelines. It's so much more helpful than the generic "it varies" answers you get from official sources.

Regarding sedentary work while on SSDI - there are also programs specifically designed to help SSDI beneficiaries return to work if they're able. The Ticket to Work program provides free employment support services and protection against medical Continuing Disability Reviews while you're participating. Depending on your situation, this might be a good option to explore after you're approved for benefits. You can test your work ability with various supports in place. Look into Benefits Planning Assistance and Outreach (BPAO) services in your area for personalized guidance on how working might affect your benefits.

Just wanted to add one more perspective as someone who went through this exact situation. I was a roofer for 15 years before my back gave out at 48. Got approved for SSDI after 14 months and one appeal. The key thing that helped my case was getting my orthopedic surgeon AND a pain management doctor to both write detailed RFC assessments specifically stating I couldn't sit for more than 20-30 minutes at a time, needed to lie down 2-3 times during an 8-hour period, and would miss more than 2 days of work per month due to pain flares. Those specific functional limitations are what convinced the judge that even desk jobs weren't viable for me. I now do some freelance bookkeeping from home (maybe 10-12 hours a week) staying well under the SGA limit. The flexibility to work when I'm having good days and rest when I'm not has been a lifesaver. My advice: don't let anyone pressure you into thinking you're "too young" for disability if you truly can't work. Document everything thoroughly and consider getting a disability attorney if you get denied initially.

As someone who recently navigated this exact timing decision, I can share what ultimately worked for me. I was in almost the same situation - planning to start SS at 65 while still working, then switch to survivor benefits at FRA. After going through all the calculations and calling SSA multiple times, I ended up starting benefits in the month after I retired (similar to your July plan). Here's why this worked best: 1. **Simplicity is golden** - Avoiding the earnings limit entirely eliminated so much stress and potential for errors or delays in payments. 2. **The monthly benefit increase was more significant than I expected** - Those extra months of delayed claiming (January to July) actually added up to a meaningful difference in my monthly payment. 3. **Documentation was crucial** - When I called SSA to set everything up, I asked them to email me a summary of our conversation confirming my retirement date and that the monthly earnings test would apply for the remainder of the year. Having that written record gave me peace of mind. One thing I wish I'd known earlier: SSA's processing time for benefit applications can be unpredictable. I applied 4 months before I wanted benefits to start, which turned out to be just right. Don't wait until the last minute. Your survivor benefit strategy is spot-on. The early claiming reduction on your own benefits truly doesn't affect survivor benefits - I confirmed this multiple times with different SSA representatives. The July start plan sounds very well reasoned given your work situation!

This has been such an educational thread! I'm not in this exact situation yet, but I'm getting close to having to make similar decisions and this conversation has highlighted so many important details I wouldn't have thought about. A few things that really stood out to me: 1. The distinction between the monthly vs annual earnings test in the first year - I had no idea this existed and it seems like it could make a huge difference for people retiring mid-year. 2. The importance of getting written documentation from SSA about retirement dates and which earnings test will apply. Given how complex these rules are, having that paper trail seems essential. 3. The timing of applications - starting the process 3-4 months early to account for processing delays is such practical advice. One question for those who've been through this: When you called SSA to discuss the monthly earnings test, did you find that all representatives were familiar with this rule, or did you have to ask for supervisors or specialists? I'm wondering if I should be prepared to escalate if the first person I talk to isn't familiar with the process. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this kind of real-world knowledge is so much more valuable than just reading the official SSA publications!

I've been following this thread with great interest as I work with Social Security issues regularly. A few additional points that might help: First, if you're still struggling to get through by phone, try using the automated system to schedule a "callback" - you can request SSA to call you back rather than waiting on hold. This often works better than trying to stay on the line. Second, regarding the protective filing for children's benefits that Jamal mentioned - this is absolutely correct and crucial. Even if you can't complete the full application, establishing that protective filing date in writing will preserve their retroactive benefits. Third, I wanted to clarify the conflicting information about retroactive benefits - the POMS (Program Operations Manual System) is very clear that auxiliary beneficiaries (including children) can receive benefits retroactive to the primary beneficiary's entitlement date, provided the auxiliary application is filed within the appropriate timeframes. Any office that tells you otherwise is either misinformed or applying incorrect procedures. Don't hesitate to ask for a supervisor and reference POMS sections if needed. Finally, if all else fails, definitely contact your Congressional representative as Mei suggested - their constituent services offices are specifically designed to help with federal agency issues like this.

I'm a newcomer here but have been reading through all these responses with great interest as I'm facing a somewhat similar situation. I wanted to add something that might help - have you tried contacting your state's Department of Aging or Area Agency on Aging? Many people don't realize that these agencies often have advocates who specifically help with Social Security issues and can sometimes intervene on your behalf with SSA. They're familiar with the system and may be able to help expedite your children's applications or at least ensure you're getting accurate information. Also, regarding the Claimyr service that Liam mentioned - I actually used them successfully about 6 months ago for a different SSA issue. While results may vary as others noted, they did get me connected to an agent much faster than I could on my own. The key is to have all your documentation ready before you use their service so you can make the most of the connection once it's established. Good luck with getting this resolved - it sounds like you're doing everything right and just dealing with typical SSA bureaucracy delays!

Welcome to the community! As someone who recently went through a very similar situation, I can definitely relate to your concerns about those 3-paycheck months. The advice everyone has shared here is spot-on - being proactive is absolutely the way to go. I work part-time earning about $280 weekly and faced the exact same worry about exceeding SGA limits during months with 3 paychecks. What really helped me was creating a simple tracking system right from the start: I keep a small calendar where I mark my work hours each day and note my pay dates. This way, I have clear documentation showing that my work pattern is consistent even when the pay timing creates those higher monthly totals. One thing I learned is that when you call SSA proactively (which I highly recommend), be very specific about your situation. Explain that you work consistent hours but get paid bi-weekly, resulting in 26 pay periods per year. Most representatives understand this issue once it's explained clearly, but having your numbers ready helps - like your weekly earnings, total annual projected income, and the specific months when 3-paycheck situations will occur. The peace of mind from getting ahead of this is totally worth the effort. Good luck with your new job, and don't hesitate to update us on how your proactive call with SSA goes!

Welcome to the community! I'm also new to working while on SSDI and this thread has been incredibly eye-opening. Like many others here, I had no idea about the 3-paycheck month complications until reading everyone's experiences. What really stands out to me is how this seems to be such a common issue, yet SSA's systems aren't designed to handle it automatically. It's frustrating that we have to become experts in payroll timing just to work part-time safely, but I'm so grateful for communities like this where people share real-world solutions. I'm currently in the job search phase and now I know to ask about pay schedules upfront and start documenting everything from day one. The advice about keeping daily work logs, getting employer letters, and calling SSA proactively seems like the winning combination based on everyone's successful experiences here. Has anyone dealt with this situation while working for multiple part-time employers? I'm wondering if having two different pay schedules makes the documentation more complex or if the same principles apply. Thanks to everyone for sharing such detailed experiences - this kind of practical guidance is invaluable for those of us navigating these waters for the first time!