Social Security payment amount changing between application date and first payment - confused about benefit start date!

I can help clarify this for you. The $7 difference you're seeing is normal and related to the COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) that Social Security applies at different times. For your first question: You'll receive $1358 if February is your first benefit month. That's because January would be considered your filing month, and February would be your entitlement month, with payment coming in March. The system is now showing the updated amount that includes applicable adjustments. Regarding suspending benefits at FRA for DRCs: You should specify the month you want the suspension to BEGIN, which would be your birth month if you want to maximize the DRCs. The suspension starts with the month you request it, not the following month. Each month of suspension after FRA earns you 2/3 of 1% in additional benefits (8% per year). Does that make sense?

when i got my ss i saw the same thing happen!! the amount changed like 3 times before i got my first check lol. dont worry too much about it, the ssa computers are always doin weird stuff. but yeah you'll get the february amount since thats your first month

I'm dealing with the EXACT same thing right now! My estimate changed by $12 between when I applied and my first payment month. Called SSA and sat on hold for 2.5 HOURS only to get disconnected!!! This system is a nightmare. I just want to know what my actual payment will be so I can plan accordingly. The website is so confusing and contradicts itself.

im confused why ur worried about 7 dollars lol just take whatever they give u

Let me provide some technical clarity on your questions: 1) The benefit amount difference relates to the computation date used in the estimate. Your January amount was based on earlier data, while the February amount includes the most recent calculations after your application was processed. The $1358 is your actual benefit amount for February 2025 (paid in March). January would be your application month, not a payment month. 2) For suspending benefits at FRA to earn DRCs: You need to specifically request suspension starting with your birth month if you want to maximize DRCs. There's no automatic suspension. Each full month of suspension earns you 2/3 of 1% (8% per year) up to age 70. Important: For the suspension, you need to contact SSA the month before you want the suspension to begin. You can do this online, by phone, or at an office. There's Form SSA-795 for the suspension request, but it's typically handled through direct contact with SSA. The system is showing you the correct information now - $1358 will be your benefit amount.

For restarting after suspension, you don't need a new application. You simply contact SSA to request reinstatement of your benefits. This can be done by phone, in person, or online through your my Social Security account. When you request reinstatement, benefits resume the month after your request (unless you specify a future month). The amount will include all accumulated DRCs. My recommendation: Set a calendar reminder about 30 days before you want to restart. This gives SSA time to process everything so there's no gap in payments.

just a tip from someone who did the suspend thing last year - write down EVERYTHING when u talk to them! i didnt get the name of the person i talked to when i suspended and then they had no record of my request! lost a month of credits because of it. always get confirmation numbers and names!!!!!