I had this exact same experience when I applied for disability benefits last year! The missing direct deposit section in the application definitely threw me off at first. What I learned is that SSA handles banking information separately as a security measure. I ended up setting mine up through the mySocialSecurity online account right after submitting my application, and it worked perfectly - my first payment went straight to my bank account with no delays. The process is really straightforward once you know where to look. Just log in, go to Settings, find Direct Deposit, and enter your banking details. The system will validate your information immediately, so you'll know right away if everything is correct. Don't worry about the timing - you can set this up even while your application is still being processed, and it will be ready for when your benefits start. Much easier than waiting for mail or trying to get through on the phone!

I'm in the exact same boat right now! Just submitted my retirement application this morning and had that exact moment of "wait, where do I put my bank info??" Reading through everyone's experiences here is such a huge relief. It sounds like this two-step process is completely by design for security reasons, which actually makes a lot of sense when you think about it. I'm definitely going to log into my mySocialSecurity account today and set up the direct deposit under Settings rather than wait around for them to mail me forms. Thank you all for sharing your experiences - this thread has been incredibly helpful for understanding that this confusion is totally normal and the online method works reliably. It's so reassuring to know I didn't miss anything obvious in the application process!

The original poster has outlined the correct approach in their last comment. To summarize this thread with accurate information: 1. Due to the deemed filing rules for those born after 1954, you can't file a restricted application to claim ex-spouse benefits first, then switch to your own later. 2. When you apply for benefits, SSA will calculate both your own retirement benefit and your ex-spouse benefit (50% of their PIA), and pay you the higher of the two amounts. 3. If you claim any benefits before your full retirement age (67), they will be permanently reduced. 4. Working while collecting benefits before FRA will subject you to the earnings test, which may temporarily reduce your benefits. 5. The mathematically optimal strategy (if you can afford it) is usually to wait until 70 to claim the higher of the two benefits, especially if you expect to live beyond approximately age 82.

One more thing to keep in mind - since your ex is on SSDI, his disability benefits will automatically convert to retirement benefits when he reaches his full retirement age (probably 66 or 67 depending on his birth year). The amount stays the same, but this conversion might affect how SSA calculates your potential ex-spouse benefit. When you call them, make sure to mention that he's currently receiving disability benefits rather than retirement benefits. Also, just to be extra clear - you don't need to be in contact with your ex or get his permission. SSA has all the records they need to determine your eligibility and benefit amounts. Good luck with your decision!

As a newcomer to this community, I'm really impressed by the quality of information shared here! @Carmen Ruiz, your question was exactly what I needed to hear about - I'm in a similar situation with a 10-year gap in my work history and was worried about losing credits. The responses from @Andre Lefebvre and @Jamal Anderson were particularly helpful in explaining how the system actually works versus the misconceptions many of us have. It's such a relief to know that Social Security credits don't expire and that career interruptions for family care don't permanently disqualify us from benefits. This thread is a perfect example of why community support matters - thank you all for sharing your knowledge and experiences!

As someone new to this community, I'm so grateful to have found this discussion! @Carmen Ruiz, your question perfectly captures the anxiety many of us feel about Social Security eligibility after career gaps. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly educational - I had similar misconceptions about credits expiring and was worried about my own 8-year gap for caregiving. The detailed explanations from @Andre Lefebvre about lifetime totals and @Jamal Anderson about the 35-year benefit calculation have really clarified things for me. It's reassuring to see such a knowledgeable and supportive community where people freely share their expertise. Thank you all for creating such a welcoming space to discuss these important financial security questions!

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is the importance of understanding the "do-over" option if circumstances change. If you apply for benefits at 62 and then realize within the first 12 months that you made a mistake (maybe your health improves, you get a better job, etc.), you can withdraw your application using Form SSA-521. You'd have to pay back all benefits received, but it lets you restart later at a higher benefit amount. This might give you some peace of mind knowing you're not 100% locked into the early retirement decision forever - though obviously the goal is to make the right choice from the start. Also, since you're concerned about application delays, consider setting up text or email alerts through your my Social Security account. They'll notify you of any status changes or if additional documentation is needed, which can help you respond quickly to keep things moving. And one practical tip: when you do apply in November 2025, try to submit it early in the week and early in the day. SSA systems tend to be less congested then, and if there are any technical issues, you'll have business days to resolve them rather than waiting over a weekend.

I went through this exact same situation two years ago - turned 62 and needed to start benefits immediately due to health issues making work difficult. Here's what I wish someone had told me upfront: **Timeline is everything** - Start your application exactly 4 months before you want benefits to begin. Don't wait until 3 months, don't do it 5 months early. The 4-month window is optimal for processing without delays. **Get a phone consultation first** - Before you submit online, call your local SSA office and do a pre-application review. They'll spot potential issues with your work history or earnings that could delay processing. Yes, you'll wait on hold, but it's worth it to avoid a 6-month delay later. **The work income reporting is crucial** - You'll need to estimate your 2026 earnings during the application. Be conservative in your estimate. If you underestimate and earn more, they'll claw back benefits. If you overestimate and earn less, you'll get the difference back later. Better to be cautious. **Document checklist** - Beyond the obvious ones, also gather: all bank statements from accounts you want direct deposit into (some banks require this), your most recent tax return, and if you've ever been married, ALL marriage/divorce documents even if from decades ago. One last thing - that $1,680 estimate will likely change slightly when they do the final calculation, so budget for maybe $100-200 less just to be safe. The reduction calculations can vary based on your exact birth date and when benefits start. You've got a solid plan starting in November 2025. Just don't procrastinate on the document gathering!

Glad you got the information you needed! This is exactly why I always recommend speaking directly with SSA about your specific situation. The rules around these benefits can be quite complex with different programs interacting in ways that aren't always obvious. One additional suggestion - make sure to keep documentation of your reporting (date, time, name of representative if possible). If there's ever a question in the future about whether you reported the change, having that documentation can be invaluable. SSA's internal notes systems aren't always perfect.

Great advice from everyone here! Just wanted to add one more thing that might be helpful - if you do decide to cash out the pension, consider consulting with a tax professional beforehand. Lump sum pension distributions can have significant tax implications, especially if it pushes you into a higher tax bracket for that year. You might end up owing more in taxes than expected, which could eat into the funds you need for the medical equipment. Some people find it beneficial to roll part of the pension into an IRA to spread out the tax burden. Just another consideration for your financial planning!