Just wanted to add - if you're worried about the application process, SSA also has a retirement estimator tool on their website that can give you a rough idea of your benefit amounts at different claiming ages before you actually apply. It's at ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/estimator.html. Really helpful for planning! Also, once you do apply online, you'll get a receipt number - save that! You can use it to check the status of your application if needed.

As someone who just went through this process last year, I'd highly recommend taking your time to research all your options before applying at 62. The online application at ssa.gov is definitely legitimate and secure, but the financial implications of claiming early are permanent. I used the benefit estimator tool mentioned by others and was shocked at how much I'd be giving up by claiming at 62 vs waiting until my full retirement age. Also, if you're married and your husband is already collecting, definitely explore spousal benefits - sometimes that can be a better strategy than claiming on your own record right away. The SSA website has some great calculators that can help you run different scenarios. Good luck with whatever you decide!

Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this exact situation last year! I was 61 and divorced, and the SSA office was incredibly helpful with explaining all my options. They walked me through the divorced spouse benefit calculations and showed me exactly when it would make sense to claim vs. wait. One thing I learned that wasn't obvious - you can actually claim divorced spouse benefits at 62 even if your ex-spouse hasn't filed for their own benefits yet, as long as you've been divorced for at least 2 years. The in-person appointment was definitely worth it because they ran multiple scenarios and printed out a personalized benefit estimate sheet I could take home. Don't worry about the rumors - these appointments aren't going anywhere, especially for complex benefit decisions like yours!

As someone new to this community, I want to thank everyone for sharing such helpful information! I'm approaching retirement age myself and had similar concerns about SSA services. It's really reassuring to hear from multiple people with direct experience that in-person appointments are continuing and even expanding. The detailed advice about what documents to bring and specific questions to ask is incredibly valuable. I'm bookmarking this thread for when I need to schedule my own appointment. It's great to see a community where people share practical, real-world experience rather than just speculation or rumors.

This whole situation is exactly why I always recommend new beneficiaries check their my Social Security account online regularly during their first few months. The SSA website does show your payment schedule, but you have to dig for it. I know it's not intuitive, but if you log into your account and look under "Benefit Payments," it should show your scheduled payment dates going forward. That way you can plan ahead instead of being surprised like this. I learned this the hard way when I helped my mom navigate her benefits last year. The lack of proactive communication from SSA is really frustrating for people who depend on these payments for their monthly budgets.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now! I started receiving benefits in November 2024 and my birthday is on the 23rd. Got my November and December payments on the 3rd like clockwork, but then nothing on January 3rd. I was panicking until I found this thread! Just checked my SSA account online like Dylan suggested and sure enough, my January payment is scheduled for the 22nd (fourth Wednesday). It's really frustrating that they don't send any kind of notification about this change. I've already had to explain to my landlord why my rent will be late this month. Going to start calling all my creditors tomorrow to adjust due dates. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - at least now I know I'm not alone and this is "normal" (even though it shouldn't be such a surprise!).

Thank you everyone for all the helpful responses! I understand now that my husband had it completely backwards. He cannot claim on my record, especially since my benefit would be lower than his. I'm the one who could potentially receive spousal benefits. I think I'll wait until I'm closer to my full retirement age before filing since I'm still working part-time anyway. That way I can avoid both the early filing reduction and the earnings limit penalty. I appreciate all the clear explanations!

You're making a smart decision waiting until closer to your FRA! Just one additional thing to consider - since you're still working part-time, make sure to factor in the earnings test if you do decide to file before your full retirement age. In 2024, if you're under FRA, Social Security reduces your benefits by $1 for every $2 you earn above $22,320 annually. However, those "lost" benefits aren't truly lost - they get added back to your monthly benefit amount once you reach FRA through a recalculation. Also, don't forget that continuing to work might actually increase your future Social Security benefit if your current earnings are higher than some of your earlier years, since SSA uses your highest 35 years of earnings to calculate your benefit. Good luck with your planning!

I'm a case worker who's dealt with these SSI/DAC interaction issues many times. Based on your description, SSA definitely made an error by not including the allocation for your 12-year-old son. Here's what you should do immediately: 1. Call SSA and request an "informal conference" - this is faster than a formal reconsideration 2. Specifically state: "You failed to apply the ineligible child allocation for my 12-year-old son in the deeming calculation" 3. Have your son's birth certificate and proof he lives with you ready 4. Request continuation of benefits during the review (you have 10 days from the notice date) The math should be: Your DAC ($1640) - $20 general exclusion - $522 ineligible child allocation = $1098 subject to deeming, not the full amount they're currently using. This error could be costing you around $185/month in your daughter's SSI. Don't let them brush you off - this is a clear calculation error on their part.

This is such a common mistake by SSA! I went through the exact same thing when I started receiving DAC benefits and my younger sister was on SSI. They completely overlooked the allocation for my non-disabled brother who was living with us. Here's what worked for me: I called the 1-800 number first thing in the morning (around 8 AM seems to be the best time to get through) and immediately asked to speak with someone about a "deeming calculation error involving missing ineligible child allocation." Using those specific terms seemed to help get me transferred to someone who actually understood the issue instead of getting bounced around. The rep was able to see the error right away once I explained it, and they corrected it within about 2 weeks. I also got back pay for the months they had calculated it wrong. Make sure you emphasize that this is a calculation error, not a change in circumstances - that helped move things along faster in my case. Don't give up if the first person you talk to doesn't understand. I had to call back twice before I got someone who knew what they were talking about. Good luck!