I wanted to add one more resource that's been incredibly helpful for me as someone who's navigating work with a disability - the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) at askjan.org. They have free consultants who can help you think through what workplace accommodations might help with your fatigue issues. Some accommodations that have worked well for people with fatigue conditions include: - Flexible start/end times to work around your peak energy hours - Permission to take short breaks as needed - Option to work from home on bad days - Modified lighting or workspace setup to reduce energy drain - Reduced travel or meeting requirements The great thing about JAN is they can help you figure out how to request accommodations professionally and what's reasonable to ask for. They also have sample accommodation request letters. Since you mentioned your fatigue is unpredictable, having a plan for accommodations before you start working could make the difference between success and having to stop again. Many employers are more willing to work with you if you come prepared with specific, reasonable solutions rather than just saying "I have fatigue issues." Best of luck with whatever you decide! The Trial Work Period really does give you a safety net to test things out.

I've been following this thread as someone who's also considering returning to work while on SSDI, and wow - there's so much valuable information here! I had no idea about programs like Ticket to Work or the Job Accommodation Network. One thing I'm curious about that I haven't seen discussed much - for those who've successfully returned to work, how did you handle the psychological/emotional side of it? I've been on SSDI for about 3 years now, and honestly, part of me is terrified of losing that financial security, even with the Trial Work Period protections. There's also this weird guilt/anxiety about whether I'm "disabled enough" to deserve benefits but "able enough" to work. Did anyone else struggle with these feelings? I know logically that the work incentives are designed to help people transition, but emotionally it feels like such a big risk. Any advice for getting past that mental hurdle would be really appreciated. Also, @Libby Hassan - your original question really resonated with me. The unpredictable fatigue is probably my biggest concern too. Some days I feel like I could work a full day, other days I can barely function. It's encouraging to see all the flexible work options people have shared.

I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago and can share my experience. My online estimate showed $1,847/month at age 62, and my actual first payment was $1,821 - so pretty darn close! The small difference was because I had one final paycheck that pushed my earnings slightly higher than what was in the system when I got the estimate. The key thing I learned is that the estimates are very accurate IF your work situation stays consistent with what they're projecting. Since you mentioned your construction work is slowing down and you might stop 8 months early, I'd definitely recommend getting that more detailed calculation Jasmine mentioned. In my case, stopping work a few months early didn't hurt much because I already had my 35 highest years locked in, but everyone's situation is different. The peace of mind from knowing the real numbers was worth the extra effort.

I'm in a very similar boat - also in construction and considering filing early due to family circumstances. This thread has been incredibly helpful! One thing I wanted to add from my research is that if you do decide to file at 62, make sure you understand the earnings test limits if you plan to do any work at all. For 2024, you can earn up to $22,320 without any benefit reduction, but they'll reduce your benefits by $1 for every $2 you earn above that limit. Since construction work can be sporadic and sometimes involves good-paying short-term projects, this could be something to factor into your decision. I've been tracking my MySocialSecurity estimates for the past year and they've been very consistent, which gives me more confidence in their accuracy. Thanks to everyone who shared their real experiences - it's so much more valuable than just reading the official SSA explanations!

As a newcomer to this community, I want to express how incredibly valuable this entire discussion has been! I'm 62 and recently started receiving SS benefits, but I've been hesitant to pursue some part-time bookkeeping opportunities because I was worried about the earnings limit. The solo 401k strategy you've all discussed is completely new to me - I had no idea that retirement plan contributions could reduce your countable income for the Social Security earnings test. Reading through everyone's real-world experiences, especially the detailed explanations about how SSA calculates net self-employment income and the practical tips about timing and record-keeping, has been more helpful than anything I've found elsewhere. What really stands out is how this transforms what seemed like a difficult either/or choice into a manageable planning opportunity. The fact that I can potentially continue working while maximizing both my current income and retirement savings is exactly what I was hoping to find. I'm planning to set up a solo 401k with Fidelity next week so I can start taking on some bookkeeping clients without worrying about benefit reductions. Thank you all for sharing such practical, detailed guidance - this community is an incredible resource for navigating these complex early retirement decisions!

Welcome to the community, Arjun! Your bookkeeping background is actually a huge advantage for implementing this strategy successfully. Since you already understand the importance of detailed financial record-keeping, you'll be well-positioned to track all the moving parts - business income, expenses, and retirement contributions - that make this approach work. One thing that's particularly great about bookkeeping as a self-employed service is that you typically have relatively low overhead costs, which means a larger percentage of your revenue can potentially go toward the solo 401k contribution if needed to stay under the earnings limit. Plus, your existing client relationships might provide a steady, predictable income stream that makes it easier to project your annual earnings and plan your contribution strategy. Fidelity is an excellent choice for the solo 401k setup. When you call them, make sure to mention that you're self-employed and specifically want to use this strategy to manage Social Security earnings test implications. They're usually very helpful with the self-employment aspects and can walk you through the contribution limits and timing requirements. The combination of your financial expertise and this community's shared knowledge should set you up perfectly for success with this approach. Best of luck with setting up your plan and getting back into bookkeeping - it's wonderful that you'll be able to do both without the stress of benefit reductions!

Just wanted to jump in as someone who works with families navigating adoption and benefits - you've gotten some excellent advice here! One additional tip that might help: if your local SSA office offers online appointment scheduling, definitely use that instead of calling. I've found it's much more reliable and you can see available time slots without the phone hassles. Also, when you do get your first payment, don't panic if the amount seems different than expected - sometimes there are small adjustments for processing fees or other factors that get worked out in subsequent months. The Representative Payee responsibilities aren't too burdensome - basically just keeping receipts for major expenses like clothing, medical costs, school supplies, etc. Congratulations on your growing family - what you're doing for your granddaughter is truly special, and having this financial support will definitely help ease some of the practical concerns so you can focus on the joy of officially making her part of your family!

As a newcomer here, I just wanted to say how incredibly helpful this entire discussion has been! I'm not personally dealing with this exact situation, but reading through all the detailed advice and real experiences from people who've actually navigated the SSA adoption benefits process is so valuable. The practical tips about document preparation, appointment scheduling, direct deposit setup, and realistic timelines paint such a clear picture of what to expect. Mary, it sounds like you have a wonderful support network here and all the information you need to move forward confidently. Congratulations on your upcoming adoption - your granddaughter is so fortunate to have grandparents who care enough to not only provide her with a loving home but also research all the resources available to support her future. Best wishes with the finalization and application process!

As a newcomer to this community, I'm absolutely amazed by the depth of knowledge and practical advice shared in this thread! Maya, your original question perfectly captured the confusion so many of us face when trying to understand these Social Security rules. I'm also planning to start benefits before my FRA and had no idea about the grace year rule until reading this discussion. The way everyone has explained the monthly vs. annual earnings test distinction is incredibly clear - much more so than anything I've found in the official SSA materials. A few key takeaways that really stand out to me: - The grace year rule is a game-changer for first-year planning - Documentation is absolutely critical (love the spreadsheet suggestions!) - The timing of "when earned" vs "when paid" can be tricky but important - Getting things in writing from SSA is essential given the inconsistent information from different reps I particularly appreciated the tips about structuring contract work around the monthly limits and the reminder about tax implications for those January-April earnings. These are the kinds of real-world considerations that make such a difference in actual planning but are nowhere to be found in the official guidance. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences - this thread is going to be my reference guide as I navigate this process myself!

As a newcomer to this community, I'm so grateful to have found this incredibly detailed discussion! I've been putting off starting my Social Security research because the official materials seemed so overwhelming, but this thread has made everything crystal clear. What really strikes me is how the grace year rule seems to be such a well-kept secret - I've talked to several people who started benefits early and none of them mentioned this monthly vs. annual distinction for the first year. It makes me wonder how many people might have missed out on benefits they were entitled to simply because they didn't understand this rule properly. Maya, your systematic approach to planning is inspiring. The fact that you can potentially earn more in those first four months of 2025 (before benefits start) without any restrictions, then carefully manage the monthly limits from May-December, and finally have full flexibility with annual limits starting in 2026 - it's like a roadmap for strategic retirement planning. The documentation tips everyone has shared are gold. I'm definitely setting up that spreadsheet and separate business account that others mentioned. After reading about all the conflicting information people have gotten from SSA reps, having your own detailed records seems absolutely essential. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this discussion - you've created an invaluable resource for people like me who are just starting to navigate this complex system!