Just wanted to add my experience as someone who started benefits mid-year - I filed in July and received the full COLA increase in January with no issues whatsoever. The Social Security Administration's system automatically applies the adjustment to everyone receiving benefits when it goes into effect, regardless of how long you've been collecting. Don't let anyone tell you there's a waiting period because there simply isn't one! Since you're at your FRA, you're in a great position to start now and still get the 2.45% increase come January. The online application really is the best route - I had mine processed within a few weeks and avoided all the phone hassles. You've got this!

As a newcomer to this community, I just want to say how helpful this entire thread has been! I'm in a similar situation - turning 67 next month and planning to file for Social Security. Reading through everyone's experiences and confirmations about the COLA eligibility has been incredibly valuable. It's clear from all the responses that the cost-of-living adjustment applies automatically to anyone receiving benefits when it takes effect in January, regardless of when you started during the year. The consistency of information here, especially from people who have actually gone through this process recently, gives me a lot of confidence. Thanks to everyone who took the time to share their knowledge and experiences - this is exactly the kind of supportive community I was hoping to find!

I'm so sorry for your loss and the additional stress this bureaucratic maze is putting you through. What you went through caring for your uncle shows real dedication, and it's heartbreaking that the system doesn't recognize that. From what I'm reading in the other responses, it sounds like you have a solid path forward through establishing yourself as the estate representative. I wanted to add one more thing that might help - when you do file your appeal or reapplication, consider including a brief letter explaining the circumstances. Sometimes having a human story attached to the paperwork can make a difference, especially since you were his primary caregiver. Also, if your uncle received any veterans benefits or had any other federal benefits, those agencies sometimes have different rules for final payments that might be worth looking into. Keep pushing forward - you clearly cared deeply for your uncle, and you deserve to have your expenses covered. The system is complicated but not impossible to navigate when you know the right steps.

I'm really sorry for your loss and the frustration you're dealing with on top of everything else. Your dedication to caring for your uncle during his final months is truly admirable. Based on what everyone has shared here, it sounds like you have legitimate options to pursue this. The estate representative route seems like your strongest path forward, especially since there are no higher-priority survivors. One thing I'd add - when you're gathering documentation for the small estate process, make sure to include any evidence that shows you were acting on your uncle's behalf during his lifetime (bank records showing you paid his bills, medical appointment records, etc.). This can help establish that you were already functioning as his informal representative before his death. Also, if you do use a service like the one mentioned to get through to SSA, it might be worth having them confirm exactly which forms you need and what documentation they'll accept as proof of your estate representative status before you submit everything. The 60-day deadline is crucial, but don't let the time pressure force you into filing incomplete paperwork. As someone mentioned, you can file the appeal first to preserve your rights while you're getting the estate documentation together. Wishing you success with this process - you clearly went above and beyond for your uncle and deserve to be reimbursed for those expenses.

This thread has been incredibly helpful for someone just starting to navigate this process! I'm approaching my FRA in May 2026 and was completely overwhelmed after getting contradictory advice from different sources. Reading through everyone's real experiences has made this so much clearer. The key insight about the difference between application submission date and benefit start month selection was huge for me - I had no idea these were separate things! It explains why there's so much conflicting advice out there. Based on all the successful approaches shared here, I'm planning to apply online at ssa.gov in February 2026 (3 months early), select May 2026 as my benefit start month, and create that visual timeline several people mentioned to keep everything organized. It's so reassuring to see that despite the initial confusion with phone agents, everyone who followed this basic approach got their benefits processed correctly. Thank you to this amazing community for turning what seemed like an impossible maze of bureaucracy into a clear, manageable process!

This discussion has been incredibly enlightening! I'm approaching my FRA in August 2026 and was feeling completely lost after getting wildly different advice from SSA representatives. One told me to apply on my exact birthday, another said to wait until September, and a third insisted I needed to apply six months early. The inconsistency was making me anxious about missing something important. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been such a relief - it's clear that getting conflicting information from phone agents is unfortunately standard, not an exception. The crucial distinction between when you submit your application versus what benefit start month you select on the form was a complete revelation to me! Based on all the successful strategies shared here, I'm going to apply online at ssa.gov in May 2026 (3 months before my August FRA), make absolutely sure I select August 2026 as my benefit start month, and skip the phone system entirely. I'm also going to create that visual timeline that so many people have recommended - it sounds like a great way to keep all these important dates straight. Thank you to everyone who shared their real-world experiences and practical advice. This community has transformed what felt like an impossible bureaucratic puzzle into a clear, actionable plan. It's so reassuring to know that despite all the initial confusion, people are successfully getting their benefits processed when they follow this straightforward approach!

This thread has been incredibly informative! As someone new to navigating Social Security, I'm amazed at how complex these rules are. @Diego, your situation sounds very similar to what my aunt went through a few years ago. One thing I'd add based on her experience - when you do talk to SSA, consider asking about the "break-even" point between claiming now versus waiting. She found it helpful to know approximately how many years it would take for the delayed retirement credits to make up for the benefits she'd miss by waiting. Also, don't forget to factor in potential COLA increases when doing your calculations. The annual cost-of-living adjustments can really add up over time, especially if you're looking at a multi-year delay strategy. Good luck with your decision!

As someone who recently went through the Social Security application process myself, I wanted to share a few additional tips that might help. First, when you call SSA (whether through regular channels or the Claimyr service others mentioned), have all your documentation ready - marriage certificate, divorce decree, and your ex-husband's SSN if you have it. This speeds things up considerably. Second, I'd recommend asking specifically about how your current earnings affect the calculation. At $40k, you're definitely subject to the earnings test, but the SSA rep can show you exactly how much would be withheld monthly versus annually. Third, consider timing - if you're planning to reduce your work hours or retire completely in the next year or two, that could significantly impact which strategy makes more sense. The break-even analysis someone mentioned earlier becomes much more favorable if your earnings will drop below the earnings test threshold soon. Finally, don't feel pressured to decide immediately. You can gather all the information first, then take time to really think through your options. This is a decision that will affect your finances for decades, so it's worth getting it right!

I'm going through this exact same transition right now with my adult son! He just moved from SSI to DAC benefits last month and I got that same confusing packet of paperwork. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been so helpful - it sounds like this is just how SSA handles these transitions and the paperwork is more confusing than it needs to be. I think I'm going to follow the advice about calling to confirm everything is processed correctly, especially after hearing about those overpayment situations. Better to spend a few minutes on the phone now than deal with months of headaches later. Thanks everyone for sharing your stories!

I'm dealing with this exact situation right now too! My adult daughter just transitioned from SSI to DAC benefits this month and I received the same confusing paperwork. It's so reassuring to read everyone's experiences here. From what I'm gathering, the key points are: 1) The transition is actually a good thing with higher, more stable benefits, 2) SSA's systems should handle the SSI termination automatically, but 3) it's worth making a confirmation call to avoid potential overpayment issues later. I was really stressed about all those forms, but it sounds like they're just part of SSA's standard (though confusing) process. I think I'll follow the advice about using Claimyr to actually get through to someone - those horror stories about multi-hour hold times are exactly why I've been putting off calling. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences, especially the detailed explanations from Dmitry and Paolo. This community is so valuable for navigating these complex SSA situations!