I just went through this exact process a few months ago! For line 4 on the W-4V, your Social Security number is correct - that's the identification number they're looking for. Regarding timing with your husband's form, definitely wait until his benefits are approved. I made the mistake of trying to submit my spouse's W-4V before approval and they couldn't process it because there was no active benefit record to attach it to. For the name change issue, I wouldn't worry too much. My brother had a similar situation from childhood and SSA never requested additional documentation during his application process. If there were any red flags in their system, they would have mentioned it during the initial application. But it's smart to have those papers on hand just in case they do ask later. One tip - when you do go to submit your W-4V, bring a copy of your benefit award letter. It helps speed up the process since they can quickly verify your information. Good luck with everything!

I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now! Just got my approval letter last week and was confused about the same things. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful - especially about using the SSN on line 4 and waiting for my spouse's approval before submitting his form. One thing I wanted to add that I learned from my local SSA office - they actually prefer if you call ahead to make an appointment for forms like the W-4V rather than just walking in. The wait times are much shorter with an appointment, and they can block out enough time to make sure everything is filled out correctly. My local office books appointments about 2-3 weeks out, so it's worth calling soon if you want to go the in-person route. Also, totally agree with everyone about having those name change documents ready just in case. My husband had a similar childhood name change and we're taking the same approach - have the papers ready but not worrying about it unless they specifically ask.

Your strategy is sound, and it's great that you're planning ahead! One thing I'd add to the excellent advice already given: consider requesting a formal benefit estimate in writing from SSA that specifically outlines your survivor benefit options. When you visit the local office (as Katherine suggested), ask them to document not just your current benefit amounts, but also what your survivor benefit would be at different claiming ages. Also, since you mentioned your husband is 74 and already collecting, make sure you both understand how his benefit amount could change if he decides to suspend and restart at a later age (though this becomes less advantageous the older he gets). This probably won't affect your strategy, but it's worth confirming. One last thought: have you considered consulting with a fee-only financial planner who specializes in Social Security strategies? Even a one-time consultation could help validate your calculations and potentially identify any scenarios you haven't considered. The peace of mind might be worth the cost given the complexity of your situation.

Yes, there are financial planners who specialize specifically in Social Security optimization! Look for advisors who hold certifications like RSSA (Registered Social Security Analyst) or NSSA (National Social Security Advisor). The National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts has a directory on their website where you can search by location. You can also check the XY Planning Network or NAPFA (National Association of Personal Financial Advisors) websites - both have search filters that let you find fee-only planners who specialize in Social Security strategies. A good Social Security specialist should be able to run scenarios using software that models different claiming strategies and can factor in variables like your part-time income, tax implications, and life expectancy assumptions. They typically charge anywhere from $300-800 for a comprehensive Social Security analysis. One thing to ask any planner you're considering: make sure they're up to date on the current rules around survivor benefits and deemed filing exceptions, since these rules have changed several times over the past decade and some advisors may not be current on all the nuances.

I'm so glad to see this discussion about Compassionate Allowances - it really highlights how the system can work efficiently when someone has the right documentation and qualifying condition. What strikes me most is how much peace of mind comes from understanding the process. For anyone reading this who might be starting their own application, the key takeaways seem to be: have all your medical records organized, be thorough with the initial application, and don't assume delays mean problems if your condition qualifies for expedited processing. Olivia, I hope your treatment goes smoothly and that this one less worry allows you to focus entirely on getting better. It's wonderful to see the system working as intended for someone who clearly needs and deserves these benefits.

As someone who just joined this community, I wanted to say how incredibly helpful this entire discussion has been! I'm currently gathering documents to apply for SSDI myself (chronic kidney disease), and reading about everyone's different experiences - both the quick approvals and the longer waits - has really helped me understand what to expect. Olivia, congratulations on your approval and thank you for sharing your timeline details. It's given me hope that if I get all my medical documentation organized properly from the start, the process might go more smoothly than I feared. The information about Compassionate Allowances was completely new to me, and now I understand why some conditions get processed faster than others. To everyone who took the time to explain how the system works - thank you for being so generous with your knowledge. This is exactly the kind of community support that makes such a difference when navigating something as overwhelming as disability benefits.

Hi Jenna! I'm new to this community but your situation hits close to home - I'm currently on SSDI and approaching my FRA in about 18 months, so I'm trying to learn as much as I can about this transition process. Reading through all the responses here has been incredibly helpful! It sounds like you've gotten some really solid advice, especially from folks who have recently been through the exact same situation. The consensus seems clear that you're definitely entitled to additional spousal benefits. One thing I noticed from the responses is that multiple people mentioned the importance of calling early (right at 8am) and using specific terminology like "auxiliary spousal benefits" when you call. It's amazing how much difference the right words can make when dealing with government agencies! I'm really hoping your call goes smoothly tomorrow. That potential $1,200 in retroactive payments plus the ongoing $150/month would make such a difference. Please do update us on how it goes - as someone who will likely be in your shoes soon, I'd love to learn from your experience. Good luck, and don't let them wear you down! You've clearly done your homework and you know what you're entitled to. You've got this! 💪

Hi Jenna! I'm new to this community but your post really resonates with me. I went through almost the exact same situation about a year ago when I transitioned from SSDI to retirement benefits at my FRA. The disappearing information on the SSA website is SO frustrating - it's like they deliberately make it harder once you convert! Just wanted to add a few things that helped me: 1. Your current monthly payment IS your PIA at FRA - all those COLA increases from your SSDI years are already included in that amount. 2. Based on your numbers ($1,250 vs your husband's $2,800), you're definitely leaving money on the table. You should be eligible for about $150/month in additional spousal benefits. 3. When I called SSA, I found that asking for the "excess spousal benefit" got me transferred to the right department faster than just saying "spousal benefits." 4. Don't forget to ask them to make it retroactive to when you first became eligible! That 8 months of back pay could be around $1,200. One more tip: if you're dreading the phone call (totally understandable), try calling right when they open at 8am. The wait times are usually much shorter in the early morning. You're absolutely entitled to these benefits - don't let the bureaucracy discourage you from claiming what's rightfully yours! Looking forward to hearing how your call goes. This thread has been really helpful for understanding the process better.

I applied for early retirement benefits at 62 last year and can confirm the process was pretty smooth! The key is making sure you understand exactly what you're requesting. When you select November as your start month, that's when your benefit period begins, and yes, you'll get paid in December (SS always pays the month after). The online application clearly asks "What month do you want your retirement benefits to start?" and you just pick from the dropdown. One thing I wish I'd known - double check that your estimated benefit amount shown during the application matches what you expected from your yearly statements. Mine was slightly off due to a small error in my earnings record that I caught just in time. The whole process from submission to first payment was about 3 weeks for me. Don't stress too much about the timing - applying in late October for November start is totally doable!

One more thing to keep in mind - if you're applying online, make sure you have a stable internet connection and set aside enough time to complete the application in one sitting. The system can time out if you leave it idle too long, and while it should save your progress, it's better to be safe. Also, after you submit, you'll get a confirmation number - definitely save that! You can use it to check your application status if needed. The SSA will also send you a letter confirming receipt of your application within a few days. Since you're cutting it close with the October deadline for November benefits, I'd recommend applying as early in the day as possible when the servers are typically less busy. Best of luck with your retirement!