Thanks everyone for the helpful information! I've decided to select February as my start month to get that additional 2/3% DRC. One month's wait seems worth it for a higher payment for potentially decades. I appreciate all the insights and personal experiences shared here - it really helped clarify my decision.

Great decision on choosing February! Just wanted to add one more tip from my experience - when you do apply, make sure to keep a copy of your application confirmation number and any correspondence from SSA. I had a processing delay last year and having all my documentation made it much easier to resolve. Also, if you have direct deposit set up, double-check that your bank account info is current in their system to avoid any payment delays once your benefits start.

I forgot to mention - make sure you get any information in WRITING from SSA. They have a process where they can send you an official Benefits Statement that outlines what everyone is eligible for. That way you have documentation in case there's confusion later.

As someone who's navigated similar SSA confusion, I'd recommend being very specific with terminology when you call back. Ask specifically about "mother's benefits under Section 202(g)" - that's the official code for what happens when a surviving spouse cares for a child under 16. Also, don't just ask one question - walk through the entire scenario: "If I marry my child's mother and then pass away while our child is under 16, would she be eligible for mother's benefits immediately?" This forces them to think through the complete situation rather than giving you a partial answer. The key point everyone's making is correct - your financial advisor knows what he's talking about regarding survivor benefits. The SSA rep was probably only thinking about current benefits while you're alive (where there wouldn't be additional spouse benefits unless she qualifies based on age).

wait ur blind? how r u typing all this?? just curious

Have you received any update on this situation? Were you able to reach someone at SSA to explain the payment?

As someone who just joined this community, I want to echo what others have said about how valuable this discussion has been! I'm 59 and considering early retirement at 62, but I was completely unaware of the earnings test until reading through all these responses. What really helped me understand this policy was Andre's explanation about it being a "temporary adjustment" rather than a penalty, and the fact that you're essentially getting paid twice (wages + benefits) if you're working substantial hours while collecting early retirement benefits. That framing makes the whole system seem much more reasonable. I'm particularly grateful for all the practical advice shared here - from keeping detailed earnings records to avoid surprises, to specific tips about calling SSA, and resources like Claimyr for actually reaching a human being when needed. These are the kinds of real-world insights you just can't get from official SSA publications. One thing I'm taking away is that early retirement with part-time work is definitely doable if you plan carefully and stay well under that $22,300 limit. The key seems to be going into it with your eyes wide open about the rules, rather than getting caught off guard like so many people apparently do. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this community is exactly what people like me need when navigating these complex Social Security decisions!

As someone new to this community and approaching retirement planning at 61, I can't thank everyone enough for this incredibly detailed discussion! I had heard vague mentions of "earnings limits" for Social Security but never understood the actual mechanics or reasoning behind them. What's been most helpful is learning that this isn't just an arbitrary restriction - it's actually designed to ensure benefits go to people who are truly transitioning into retirement rather than those still working full careers. The fact that any withheld benefits result in permanently higher monthly payments after FRA makes this policy much more reasonable than I initially thought. I'm particularly grateful for all the practical advice shared here. Diego's point about tracking earnings monthly to avoid seasonal surprises, the tips about optimal times to call SSA, and resources like Claimyr for actually reaching an agent - these are exactly the kinds of real-world insights that official SSA materials don't provide. For those of us still in the planning phase, it sounds like the key is understanding these rules upfront and building them into your retirement strategy rather than getting caught off guard. Quinn's situation with the garden center job is a perfect example of how manageable this can be when you plan ahead and stay well under the limits. This discussion has definitely influenced my thinking about timing my benefit claim versus continuing part-time work. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences!

I'm dealing with a similar situation with my aunt who's on SSI, so this thread has been incredibly valuable! Based on what I'm seeing here, it sounds like the safest approach is: 1. Get multiple documented valuations of the old car's actual condition/value 2. Have your cousin sell to a third party (junkyard, dealer, etc.) rather than to you directly to avoid family transfer scrutiny 3. Keep all receipts and documentation 4. Only after that sale is complete and reported, then gift your vehicle as a separate transaction The horror story from Ella about losing 6 months of benefits really drives home how important it is to get this right the first time. Has anyone had success working with a disability advocate or attorney for something like this? I'm wondering if a consultation might be worth it given how much is at stake. Also, for those who've been through this - did SSA require any specific forms to document the vehicle transactions, or is it just a matter of reporting the resource changes during regular check-ins?

I've been helping SSI recipients with vehicle transitions for over a decade as a benefits counselor, and I want to add some crucial points that haven't been fully covered: **Critical timing issue**: The month you complete the old car sale matters enormously. If your cousin receives the sale proceeds in December, for example, they must spend it down by December 31st - not January 31st. I've seen people lose benefits because they misunderstood this monthly deadline. **Documentation strategy**: Beyond getting valuations, create a "vehicle condition report" with photos, mileage, and a detailed list of all mechanical issues. Have a mechanic sign and date it. This creates an official record that's harder for SSA to dispute later. **The "arms length" transaction is key**: Several people mentioned selling to junkyards/dealers vs family. This is absolutely critical. SSA has a much higher scrutiny standard for intrafamily transfers, even when properly documented. **Reporting timeline**: Report the sale immediately when it happens, but frame it as "disposed of resource at fair market value" with full documentation attached. Don't wait for them to ask - proactive reporting with solid documentation usually prevents problems. **Emergency backup plan**: Keep documentation of the old car's condition even after disposal. I've seen SSA question transactions months or even years later during redeterminations. The key is treating this like a business transaction with complete documentation, not a family favor. Good luck!