As a newcomer to this community, I wanted to share a resource that might help with finding a Certified Social Security Advisor. The National Social Security Association (NSSA) has an online directory where you can search for CSSAs by location. You can find it at nssa.com - just look for their "Find an Advisor" tool. I used this when I was dealing with my own complex Social Security situation involving spousal benefits and it was really helpful. Many CSSAs also offer virtual consultations, so even if there aren't many in Kentucky specifically, you might be able to work with someone remotely. Also, I wanted to add that some non-profit organizations like AARP and local Senior Centers sometimes have volunteers or staff who are trained in Social Security basics and can help you organize your questions before you meet with SSA or a paid advisor. While they can't give the same level of specialized advice as a CSSA, they can often help you understand the terminology and prepare better for those more detailed consultations. Your situation really highlights how valuable this community is for sharing experiences and resources!

As a newcomer to this community, I want to echo what others have said about how valuable this discussion has been! I'm currently helping my sister navigate Social Security disability benefits, and reading through all these responses has taught me so much about the complexity of these systems. One thing I'd like to add that might be helpful - when you're gathering all the documentation people have mentioned (IRS Notice 2014-7, POMS references, Medicaid waiver paperwork), consider making multiple copies of everything and organizing them in a binder or folder system. I learned this the hard way when helping my sister - having everything organized and easily accessible makes such a difference when you're dealing with multiple agencies or advisors. Also, based on what others have shared about the importance of timing between your retirement application and your daughter's potential DAC benefits, you might want to create a timeline document that shows key dates like your 62nd birthday, when you plan to apply, and any deadlines or windows for optimizing benefits. This can help you visualize the decision points and make sure you don't miss any important timing considerations. Best of luck with your research and decision-making process!

This is exactly the kind of advocacy we all need to do for ourselves and our families! I'm a retired federal employee (not SSA) and I've seen how institutional knowledge gets lost when experienced staff leave without proper knowledge transfer. What really concerns me is how many people don't have the confidence or knowledge to push back when they get questionable information. Your story could literally save people thousands of dollars. The "child in care" provision for widow's benefits is fundamental - any SSA rep should know that you're eligible at ANY age when caring for a child under 16, period. I always recommend people bring a friend or family member to important SSA appointments if possible. Having someone else there to ask questions or take notes can be invaluable, especially when you're dealing with grief or stress. And don't be afraid to say "I'd like to think about this" and come back later if something doesn't sound right. Thank you for sharing this - your persistence probably helped not just you but everyone who reads this thread!

As someone currently going through the SSA process myself (applying for disability benefits), this thread is both terrifying and incredibly helpful. I've already gotten conflicting information from two different representatives about my work history requirements, and now I'm wondering how many other people are out there getting bad advice. What really strikes me is how this isn't just about individual representatives making mistakes - it seems like a systemic training and knowledge management problem. When people are dealing with life-changing financial decisions (often during already stressful times like job loss, disability, or death of a spouse), getting accurate information the first time should be the standard, not the exception. I'm definitely going to start documenting everything and asking for supervisor reviews when something doesn't sound right. Has anyone had success getting SSA to correct missed benefits retroactively when you can prove you were given incorrect information initially? I'm worried about how to prove what was said in phone conversations if there's a dispute later. Thank you @facf45268409 for sharing your experience so openly - it's given me the confidence to be more assertive in questioning information that doesn't seem right.

Just to add a bit more info - as the representative payee, you should have received a "Representative Payee Report" form from SSA to complete each year. This isn't a tax form, but it's the SSA's way of making sure the benefits are being used properly for your daughter. Make sure you complete and return that form when it arrives (usually around the anniversary of when you began receiving benefits). The SSA can suspend payments if they don't receive this form.

I went through something similar when my nephew came to live with me after his mom passed. One thing I learned that might help - even though you don't report the survivor benefits on YOUR tax return, it's still a good idea to keep records of all the payments. I created a simple folder with the monthly benefit statements and any correspondence from SSA. This helped me when I had to complete that representative payee report form someone mentioned, and it's also useful if you ever need to show proof of income for things like school lunch programs or other assistance programs your daughter might be eligible for. The benefits often qualify kids for reduced-price meals and other programs, so having that documentation handy can be really helpful.

As a newcomer to this community, I wanted to share my experience from a slightly different angle. I'm a retired paralegal who worked in estate planning for over 20 years, and I've seen firsthand how well-intentioned informal arrangements like your neighbor is proposing can create legal nightmares. Beyond all the excellent points raised about Medicare IRMAA increases and family conflicts, there's another issue I haven't seen mentioned: potential liability as executor. If that house has foundation problems, roof issues, and plumbing problems totaling $45k, there could be environmental concerns (like mold from water damage) or safety hazards that could expose you to personal liability if someone gets hurt while the property is under your control as executor. Also, the "distribute as I see fit" language is problematic from a legal standpoint. Courts prefer clear directives, and vague instructions can lead to challenges of the will itself, potentially tying up the entire estate in probate litigation for years. I'd strongly echo everyone's suggestions about proper estate planning. Even a simple will with specific bequests would be infinitely better than the current proposal. And if your neighbor is concerned about fairness or changing circumstances, she could always update her will - it's much easier to modify a proper legal document than to deal with the consequences of an informal arrangement gone wrong. The stories shared here about Medicare premium increases and family estrangement should be taken very seriously. Your financial security in retirement is too important to risk for even the most well-meaning neighbor.

I'm new to this community but have been dealing with similar Medicare concerns as I approach retirement. After reading through this entire discussion, I'm amazed at how many people have shared real experiences with IRMAA increases and family drama from inheritance situations. Your neighbor's proposal really does sound like it could create a perfect storm of problems - Medicare premium increases that could last for years, potential family conflicts that could destroy relationships permanently, and legal complications that could expose you to personal liability. The fact that so many community members have lived through these exact scenarios should be a huge red flag. I particularly appreciate the practical solutions people have shared, like the trust with specific percentages but limited discretionary adjustment that one person described. That seems like it could give your neighbor the flexibility she wants while protecting you from all the potential negative consequences. Given that you're already receiving $2,300/month from Social Security and are on Medicare, protecting your financial stability should be the top priority. The stories here about people paying an extra $1,800-2,400 annually in Medicare premiums for two years after an inheritance really drive home how significant the financial impact could be. It sounds like you have a solid plan now to help your neighbor explore proper estate planning alternatives. She's fortunate to have someone who cares enough to seek advice rather than just jumping into an arrangement that could hurt both of you in the long run. Good luck with that conversation!

Hi Ravi! I'm new to the community but have been following this discussion closely as I'm dealing with similar questions about Social Security timing. One aspect I haven't seen discussed yet is the impact of inflation on your decision. While waiting until FRA or 70 gives you higher monthly benefits, the purchasing power of those dollars will be different 5-8 years from now. Given current economic conditions, some financial advisors are suggesting that getting guaranteed income flowing sooner (even if reduced) might be worth considering, especially if you can invest the early benefits in assets that historically outpace inflation. That said, based on everything shared here about your earnings history and the 2015 rule changes, it does sound like your own benefit will likely be your best option regardless of timing. The key question becomes whether you can afford to wait for the higher monthly amounts. Have you considered doing a break-even analysis? Calculate at what age the higher monthly benefits from waiting would equal the total cumulative benefits you'd receive by claiming early. For many people, that break-even point is somewhere in their late 70s to early 80s, which can help inform the decision based on your health and family longevity history. Thanks for starting such an educational discussion - I'm learning a lot from everyone's insights!

Hi Ravi! I'm new to this community but wanted to jump in since I just went through a very similar situation last year. Like you, I had multiple long marriages and was hoping to use the ex-spouse benefit strategy to bridge income from 62 to FRA. The 2015 rule change really is a game-changer that catches a lot of people off guard. What I found most helpful was sitting down with a fee-only financial planner who specializes in Social Security optimization. They helped me model different scenarios including the tax implications of early vs. delayed claiming, especially important if you have other retirement income sources. One thing I'd add to the great advice already given - if you do decide to claim early due to financial necessity, remember that the reduction isn't necessarily permanent if you change your mind within the first 12 months. You can withdraw your application (pay back what you received) and refile later for a higher benefit. It's called a "do-over" and while not ideal, it's an option if circumstances change. Also consider that as a divorced woman, you statistically have a higher chance of outliving your retirement savings compared to married couples, so maximizing that guaranteed monthly Social Security income becomes even more critical. The longevity insurance aspect of waiting might outweigh the immediate gratification of early benefits. Best of luck with your decision - this thread has been incredibly informative for all of us navigating these waters!