Thank you all for the incredibly helpful responses! I've decided to apply for both early retirement and SSDI. I've gathered all my medical records going back to 2019, created a list of all treatments I've tried, and my doctor has provided a detailed statement about my limitations. I've also started tracking my daily pain levels and how they affect my work capacity. I'm still nervous about the SSDI process, but the potential difference in benefits makes it worth trying. I'll update this thread once I hear something from SSA. Thanks again for all the guidance!

As someone who went through a similar situation at 61, I want to emphasize how important it is to be completely honest about your functional limitations in the SSDI application. Don't downplay your symptoms or try to be "tough" - SSA needs to understand the reality of your daily limitations. A few practical tips that helped me: - Keep a detailed log of activities you can no longer do (lifting, prolonged sitting, walking distances, etc.) - Document any accommodations your employer has made for your condition - Note how often pain interferes with concentration/focus during work - Track any sick days or early departures due to your back issues Also, consider getting a functional capacity evaluation (FCE) from a physical therapist if your doctor thinks it would help. This provides objective data about your physical limitations that can strengthen your case. The wait can be frustrating, but having both applications in the system gives you the best chance at maximizing your benefits. You're making a smart decision by pursuing both options!

So glad you got it resolved! I recommend checking your payment every single month for the next few months. Their systems sometimes revert changes, especially when they're related to age milestones. And make sure to save a copy of your benefit verification letter with the corrected amount in case you need to reference it later.

Wow, what a frustrating experience but I'm so glad you got it sorted out! This is actually really helpful information for the rest of us. I had no idea that turning 70 could trigger automatic changes to withholding settings. It seems like SSA's computer systems have these age-based triggers that can cause unexpected adjustments. Thanks for sharing the resolution - I'll definitely keep this in mind when I turn 70 in a couple years. Those 3-hour wait times are absolutely ridiculous though. There's got to be a better way for them to handle customer service!

Thank you all for this helpful information! I just talked to my friend and let him know about applying for survivor benefits for his son. He had no idea this was available and was really grateful. He's going to call SSA tomorrow morning. I also mentioned the Claimyr service since several of you warned about the phone difficulties. I'll update once they've been through the process in case it helps someone else in this terrible situation.

You're such a good friend for looking out for them during this devastating time. I lost my spouse two years ago and the paperwork and phone calls feel overwhelming when you're grieving. One thing that really helped me was having a trusted friend like you handle some of the research and initial calls. If your friend is comfortable with it, you might offer to sit with him during the SSA call or help organize all those documents everyone mentioned. Sometimes just having moral support makes those difficult conversations easier. Also, make sure he asks SSA about any other benefits the family might qualify for - sometimes there are state or local programs that can help too. Sending prayers for healing during this incredibly difficult time.

ive been on SS for 15 yrs now and one thing i learned is always double check their math! my check was wrong for 3 yrs before i figured it out. they did give me backpay for their mistake tho so thats good.

Just wanted to add one more practical tip for your aunt's appointment: If possible, try to schedule it for early morning or right when the office opens. SSA offices tend to get busier as the day goes on, and the staff are usually more patient and thorough in the morning. Also, if the first representative seems unsure about the restricted application strategy, don't hesitate to ask to speak with a supervisor or claims specialist. This strategy isn't commonly used anymore since the rules changed in 2016, so some newer staff might not be familiar with it. Your aunt's situation (never having filed for her own benefits and being past FRA) is one of the rare cases where it still applies. One last thing - have her write down all the key numbers they give her during the appointment. It's easy to forget the exact benefit amounts when you're processing a lot of information, and you'll want to compare the survivor benefit amount to what her own benefit would be at age 70.

I think everyone is overthinking this lol. Your friend just needs to wait till she's fully retired age (November) and she'll be fine. All this talk about earnings limits is just confusing everyone. SSA doesn't care what you make before you start taking money from them!

Just wanted to add one more perspective as someone who works in retirement planning - your sister's strategy is spot-on! Waiting until her exact FRA is often the optimal approach when you can afford to do so. Not only does she avoid the earnings test entirely, but she'll also receive her full Primary Insurance Amount without any early retirement reductions. Since she's earning good income ($78k), she's also maximizing her Social Security earnings record right up until retirement, which could potentially increase her benefit calculation if 2025 becomes one of her highest 35 earning years. The peace of mind of not having to worry about complex earnings test calculations is just an added bonus!