Just to follow up on my earlier comment - I wanted to clarify that DAC benefits can actually be substantially higher than SSI in most cases, so continuing to pursue this is definitely worthwhile. The monthly benefit will be based on your deceased husband's earning record, and unlike SSI, DAC benefits aren't reduced by other income or resources. Plus, after 24 months on DAC, your daughter would qualify for Medicare in addition to her Medicaid. One thing to check: has your daughter ever worked? Even minimal work can sometimes complicate DAC claims if SSA needs to determine if she's engaged in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). If she has never worked, make sure you emphasize this point to help streamline the determination.

I've been through this exact nightmare with my brother. The DAC benefits are worth fighting for though. Have you followed up with the congressional office recently? They can request something called a "congressional inquiry status report" which forces SSA to provide updates. In our case, we found out the application was just sitting on someone's desk for MONTHS with no action. Also, don't forget to ask about retroactive benefits. Since your application has been pending for a year, they should backpay from the application date. Make sure they don't try to reset the clock because of their error!

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS RIGGED ANYWAY!!! These tiny COLAs don't even come CLOSE to covering real inflation!!!!! I got a pathetic 3.2% this year while my rent went up 12% and groceries up AT LEAST 20%!!! They use some bogus calculation that ALWAYS underestimates the REAL cost increases seniors face!!!! They don't care about us AT ALL!!!!

Thank you all for the helpful information! So to make sure I have this straight: 1. When I start benefits in April 2025, my payment will already include the 2025 COLA that was applied in January 2. In January 2026, I'll receive the 2026 COLA increase like everyone else 3. I don't have to be on benefits for a full year to get a COLA increase This is really reassuring to know for my retirement planning. I appreciate everyone's expertise!

so ur ltd insurance stops at 67 and then u just get ss? does that mean ull get less money each month? that sounds scary

Make sure you look into Medicare too if you haven't already. Since you've been on SSDI for 2+ years, you should already have Medicare Parts A and B, but it's a good time to review if your plan choices are still the best for you as you transition to retirement. Sometimes people don't realize they have different options once they're past 65.

This happened to my neighbor and he did get his benefits but they were calculated wrong. Be prepared for a long fight with SSA to get it fixed. Just make sure he files those returns ASAP!

Thank you all SO MUCH for the helpful advice. I just talked to my brother-in-law and gave him all your suggestions. He's going to file the tax returns this week (he's meeting with an accountant tomorrow). He's also going to apply for Social Security right away and check his earnings record. I'm really worried about those Medicare penalties though - sounds like he's going to be paying extra for the rest of his life. :( I'll update this thread once we know more about how it all works out.

Social Security rules are INCREDIBLY unfair to women!!! I was in a similar situation and ended up losing thousands in benefits because of remarriage timing. The system is designed to keep women financially dependent on men and punish us for our choices. It's DISGUSTING how they treat divorced women after decades of marriage. I hope you find a solution but don't expect SSA to be helpful - they just quote rulebooks without understanding real human situations.

After reading everyone's responses, I think I need to reconsider my approach. The risks to my current husband's financial security seem too great with the divorce-remarry strategy. I'm going to use that Claimyr service to connect with SSA and discuss my specific situation. Maybe there are options I haven't considered. Does anyone know if there's a financial advisor who specializes in these complex Social Security cases? I'm willing to pay for professional advice given how much money is at stake over our lifetimes.

To follow up on my earlier comment - I just want to emphasize that you should request a detailed, written survivor benefit estimate from SSA based on your wife's exact earnings record. Online calculators won't handle your GPO situation accurately. HR82 has significant bipartisan support but there are still questions about how it would be implemented if passed. Some versions phase out the offsets gradually rather than eliminating them immediately. Until it's actually signed into law, I'd suggest planning conservatively. Also, make sure you file for the one-time death benefit of $255 if you haven't already.

my neighbor works for ssa and she says they're getting training about the wep/gpo changes already, so they must think it's really happening this time! good luck with everything!

have u looked into the childhood disability benefit (CDB)? its different than SSI and might be better in your case since your son already gets benefits from dad

Thank you everyone for the helpful responses! I called my local SSA office this morning and got some additional information. They confirmed what many of you said - my son can receive both benefits, but the SSI amount will be reduced. They also explained that the autism diagnosis doesn't affect his current benefits from his dad at all. I'm going to go ahead with the SSI application mainly for the Medicaid coverage. Really appreciate all your help navigating this complicated system!

After reading all your responses, I'm leaning toward waiting until my Full Retirement Age now. The combination of the earnings test withholding whole checks plus the permanent reduction for claiming early doesn't seem worth it. I'm healthy and both my parents lived into their 90s, so maximizing my lifetime benefits probably makes more sense. One last question - if I do decide to claim at 65 despite the earnings limit, do I need to notify SSA about my expected earnings when I apply? Or do they just find out when tax returns are filed?

why is this system so COMPLICATED??? I swear they make it confusing on purpose so people mess up and lose money. i'm 63 and give up trying to understand when i should file. probably just gonna wait till 70 and avoid this headache!!!

my uncle worked for govt and when he died my aunt got like half his pension. she said the paperwork was a mess though. good luck

One thing nobody mentioned - if you're planning to work while collecting survivor benefits, be aware of the earnings limit! In 2025 if you earn over $24,000 (I think that's the new amount), they'll deduct $1 from benefits for every $2 you earn above that limit. The limit goes away when you reach full retirement age though.

Just curious - did you or your wife pay into Social Security? If your wife didn't have enough work credits that could be another issue. For survivor benefits the deceased needs 40 credits (10 years work) OR if they died young sometimes fewer credits. But SOMEONE needs to have paid in for benefits to be available.

Based on everything you've shared, I believe you have a case worth pursuing. The fact that: 1. You both had legal custody before your wife passed 2. You were actively in the adoption process 3. You were providing support and care for the child 4. Your wife had sufficient work credits All point to a potential approval with proper representation. I'd suggest: 1. Contact the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) to find a qualified attorney 2. Gather ALL documentation showing the timeline of custody, adoption process, and your wife's involvement 3. Request a formal reconsideration rather than just calling again 4. Reference your previous inquiry to maintain the retroactive date I've seen cases like yours succeed, but they typically require persistence and proper legal representation.