I actually had a different experience - I submitted my SSA-131 form about 6 months ago and while it didn't show up in my online account, I did receive a letter about 8 weeks later acknowledging they had processed it. The letter didn't say much, just that they had reviewed my special payments information and applied it to my record. Maybe it depends on your local office? I'd suggest keeping an eye on your mail too, not just the online portal. Also, make sure you have documentation that those commission payments were for work done BEFORE your retirement date - that's the key thing they're looking for with the SSA-131.

I just went through this exact process a few months ago! You're right to be concerned about tracking - the SSA really needs to modernize their systems. I submitted my SSA-131 for some consulting fees that were paid after I retired, and like everyone else has mentioned, there's absolutely no way to track it online. What I did was create a simple spreadsheet tracking when I mailed it, when the return receipt came back, and then set myself a calendar reminder to call 4 weeks later. When I finally got through to someone at SSA, they confirmed they had received and processed it, but said it would only show up as "applied to my record" - no separate notification or online status update. One tip that helped me: when you do call to follow up, have your SSA number ready and ask them to check if any "special payment exclusions" have been noted on your earnings record. That's apparently the internal term they use. The whole process took about 6 weeks from mailing to being fully processed in their system. Hang in there - the bureaucracy is frustrating but the form does work when filed correctly!

I'm so sorry you're having to worry about this, but you're absolutely doing the right thing by planning ahead. I went through this with my mom when my stepdad passed away a few years ago. One thing that really helped us was understanding that you have up to 2 years to apply for any retroactive survivor benefits you might be owed, but it's much easier to apply sooner rather than later when all the paperwork and memories are fresh. Also, I'd suggest keeping a simple file with copies of both your Social Security cards, marriage certificate, and any divorce decrees from previous marriages (if applicable) in an easily accessible place. When my mom had to apply, the SSA agent told her that having the marriage certificate ready sped up the process significantly. The earnings limit that others mentioned is really important if you plan to keep working. But here's something encouraging - once you reach your full retirement age, any benefits that were withheld due to the earnings test are recalculated and added back into your monthly benefit amount going forward. So it's not actually "lost" money, just delayed. I hope you have many more years together, but having this knowledge will definitely give you peace of mind. You're being such a thoughtful planner!

I'm really glad to see so many people sharing their experiences and advice here - this is exactly the kind of information that's so hard to find clearly explained anywhere else! One additional resource I wanted to mention is that some local Area Agencies on Aging offer free Social Security counseling services through their SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) volunteers. These counselors are trained specifically on Medicare and Social Security issues and can help you run different claiming scenarios to see which strategy might work best for your situation. Also, I noticed several people mentioned the frustration of dealing with SSA phone lines. In addition to the Claimyr service someone mentioned, you can also try calling SSA first thing in the morning (right at 8 AM local time) or later in the day (after 4 PM) when hold times tend to be shorter. And if you get an agent who doesn't seem knowledgeable, it's perfectly okay to politely end the call and try again - the quality of help can vary significantly between different representatives. You're really doing everything right by planning ahead and asking these questions now while you can think clearly and research your options without the pressure of an immediate crisis. That kind of preparation will serve you so well if you ever need to use this information.

Thanks for all the helpful responses everyone. I've shown my wife this thread and she now understands how the delayed retirement credits work. We've decided she'll file in April 2025 as planned, and now she's not worried about missing out on any increases. Really appreciate the clear explanations!

Just want to add another perspective here - I work as a benefits counselor and see this confusion ALL the time. The key thing to remember is that Social Security calculates your benefit based on the exact month you start receiving payments. So if your wife files in April 2025, her benefit will include all the DRCs she's earned through that month. There's no "magic date" where you suddenly get a big jump - it's truly incremental each month. One tip: when she does file, make sure to ask for her benefit estimate in writing so you can verify the DRC calculation is correct. I've seen cases where the initial calculation had errors that needed to be corrected.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Zara. I went through this same situation when my husband passed away two years ago at age 64. I can absolutely confirm that COLA increases DO apply to your survivor benefit estimates while you wait to claim them. What really helped me understand this was calling SSA each January after the new COLA was announced to get updated benefit projections. I kept a simple log and watched my estimated benefit at FRA grow from $2,280 in 2023 to $2,478 in 2024 - that 8.7% COLA really made a difference! This year's 2.5% increase brought it to about $2,540. Since you're 57, you have time to really think this through. I was 61 when my husband died, so I had less time to benefit from the compounding effect of multiple COLAs. The fact that these adjustments protect your purchasing power while you decide takes a lot of pressure off the timing decision. One practical tip: I set a calendar reminder each October to check the SSA website for the COLA announcement, then call in December to get my updated projections. It helps me stay on top of how my potential benefits are growing and adjust my retirement planning accordingly. The hardest part of this whole process is making financial decisions while grieving, but knowing that your benefits are inflation-protected while you take the time you need is one less thing to worry about.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Zara. I can absolutely confirm what everyone else has shared - COLA increases DO apply to your survivor benefit estimates while you wait to claim them. I lost my husband in early 2022, and I've been tracking my benefit statements carefully ever since. My estimated survivor benefit at full retirement age has grown from $2,340 in 2022 to $2,760 today - that's over $400 more per month just from COLA adjustments! The 8.7% increase in 2023 was particularly significant. What I found most helpful was creating a simple Excel file where I track the benefit amounts at different claiming ages each year. It's reassuring to see those numbers grow and know that inflation isn't eroding the value while I make my decision. I'm 62 now and still deciding between claiming reduced benefits now versus waiting until my FRA for the full amount. One thing that gave me peace of mind was learning that these COLA increases are automatic and guaranteed - they happen every January regardless of whether you've claimed yet or not. The SSA applies them to the underlying benefit calculation, so all your potential claiming amounts adjust upward together. Take your time with this decision. At 57, you have several years for these increases to compound before you even reach the earliest claiming age. That's actually a real advantage that many people don't fully appreciate when they're in the thick of grief and decision-making.

This thread has been absolutely invaluable! I'm in almost the exact same boat - turning 62 in August and will have earned around $45K by then. I was terrified about the earnings test until I read about the grace year provision here. What really struck me is how many people got different answers from SSA representatives initially. It seems like this monthly earnings test option isn't widely known even among their own staff! The fact that multiple people had to correct their initial awards is concerning but also reassuring that it can be fixed. I'm definitely planning to apply in person now and will be armed with all the right terminology: "grace year provision," "monthly earnings test," and "complete retirement." I'll also bring my resignation letter as documentation. One question for those who've been through this - did any of you have issues with direct deposit setup or other administrative details that might cause delays in receiving that first payment? I want to make sure I have everything ready to go so there are no unnecessary complications. Sean, it really sounds like you've got a clear path forward. Based on everyone's experiences, starting benefits in August after completely stopping work in July should work perfectly with the grace year provision. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories - you've probably saved dozens of people from making costly timing mistakes!

Wow, this has been such an enlightening thread! As someone who works in financial planning, I see clients struggle with this exact earnings test confusion all the time. The grace year provision that everyone has mentioned is absolutely real but unfortunately not well-publicized by SSA. I want to emphasize something that a few people touched on but bears repeating: the distinction between "complete retirement" and "reducing hours" is critical. SSA is very strict about this - if you do ANY substantial work after your benefit start date, even just a few hours, it can disqualify you from using the monthly earnings test. Also, for anyone reading this thread for their own planning: consider whether you truly need the benefits immediately or if waiting might make more financial sense. While the grace year provision solves the earnings test problem, you're still looking at a permanent 25-30% reduction in your monthly benefit compared to waiting until Full Retirement Age. That said, Sean, your situation sounds like a textbook case for successfully using the grace year provision. Complete work cessation in July, benefits starting August, and you should be golden! Just remember to use that specific terminology when you apply. Thanks to everyone who shared their real-world experiences here - this is the kind of practical information that's impossible to find on the SSA website!