I just wanted to add one more thing that really helped me during my CE - don't be afraid to ask for breaks if you need them! I was worried about seeming "dramatic," but halfway through my exam, I was experiencing significant fatigue and my legs were getting shaky. I asked if I could sit down for a minute, and the doctor was completely understanding. He actually made a note of it, which I think helped document how my conditions affect my stamina. Also, if you use any adaptive equipment at home (shower chair, grabber tools, etc.) or have made modifications to your daily routine because of your symptoms, definitely mention those. The doctor needs to understand not just what you CAN do, but what accommodations you need to do those things. One last tip - after your exam, write down everything you remember while it's fresh. Note how long the exam lasted, what tests were done, and how you felt afterward. If there's a significant delay in your case or if you need to appeal, these details can be really valuable. You're going to do great tomorrow. Remember, you're not asking for anything you don't deserve - you're simply documenting the reality of living with your conditions. Wishing you all the best!

Just wanted to wish you the very best for your CE tomorrow! Reading through everyone's advice here, it sounds like you're going in well-prepared. I went through a similar process for my disability claim (different condition, but same anxiety level), and what really helped me was remembering that this exam is just one piece of the puzzle - not the make-or-break moment I'd built it up to be in my mind. One small thing I'd add to all the excellent advice already given: if you take any photos or videos of yourself on particularly difficult days (maybe struggling to walk or showing tremors/coordination issues), consider mentioning that you have this documentation available. You don't need to bring it to the CE, but it can be valuable evidence for your overall case file. Also, try to get a good night's sleep tonight if possible. I know that's easier said than done with MS and neuropathy pain, but being as rested as you can be will help you communicate more clearly tomorrow. You've got an entire community here rooting for you! Please update us when you can - we'll all be thinking of you. Remember, you're simply documenting your reality, and you absolutely deserve support for the challenges you're facing. Good luck tomorrow! 🍀

Harper, I'm so deeply sorry for your loss. Losing your spouse is heartbreaking, and having to navigate these complex Social Security decisions during such a difficult time must feel overwhelming. Reading through all the excellent advice you've received, I wanted to add a perspective that might help as you move forward. Given your situation with a $72,000 salary being so far above the earnings limit, you're essentially choosing between two clear paths: 1. Claim now and lose approximately $24,300 annually in permanently withheld survivor benefits (these don't get recalculated later like retirement benefits) 2. Wait until your FRA and receive the full unreduced survivor benefit with no earnings restrictions What stands out to me is that you have some unique advantages - job security, excellent health insurance, and time to plan strategically. The fact that your employer has been supportive suggests they might be open to the compensation restructuring ideas others have mentioned. I'd also suggest when you speak with SSA, ask specifically about how the earnings test would apply if you were to reduce your hours rather than quit entirely. Sometimes working 30 hours instead of 40 can make a dramatic difference in the benefit calculation while still maintaining your health coverage. You're approaching this with such thoughtfulness during an incredibly challenging time. The systematic plan this community has helped you develop - getting SSA calculations, exploring employer flexibility, and creating comparison projections - will give you the concrete information you need to make the best decision for your situation. Take care of yourself, and remember this community is here to support you through this process.

Harper, I'm so deeply sorry for your loss. Losing a spouse is one of life's most devastating experiences, and having to navigate these complex Social Security decisions while grieving must feel incredibly overwhelming. This entire discussion has been remarkable in terms of the comprehensive and compassionate advice you've received. The community has really helped clarify the key decision points for your situation. What strikes me most is how your high income ($72,000) relative to the earnings limit ($23,400) creates such a clear financial impact - you're looking at roughly $24,300 in permanently withheld survivor benefits annually. The critical insight that keeps coming up - that survivor benefits withheld due to earnings are gone forever, unlike retirement benefits that get recalculated later - is absolutely vital for your decision-making process. Given everything discussed here, I'd encourage you to move forward with that systematic approach that's emerged: 1. Get those specific SSA calculations (the Claimyr service sounds promising for actually reaching them) 2. Explore compensation restructuring and potential reduced hours with your employer 3. Ask SSA about monthly earnings tests for variable pay months 4. Create those comparison spreadsheets for different time horizons Your job security and excellent health benefits are real advantages that factor into this equation. The math seems to favor waiting until FRA to claim unreduced survivor benefits without earnings restrictions, but those concrete SSA calculations will give you the clarity you need. You're demonstrating incredible strength in thoroughly researching all your options during such a difficult time. Whatever path you choose will be well-informed thanks to your careful approach. This community is clearly here to support you - don't hesitate to come back with updates or additional questions as you work through this process.

As a newcomer to this community, I'm incredibly impressed by the depth of knowledge and support being shared here! I'm just beginning to research disability benefits for a family member, and this thread has been an absolute goldmine of practical information. What strikes me most is how many critical details aren't readily available in official SSA publications - things like the specific Medicaid protection provisions, the importance of requesting experienced DAC representatives, and the various state agency coordination requirements. It's clear that successfully navigating these transitions often requires insights that can only come from families who've actually been through the process. I'm particularly grateful for the emphasis on proactive documentation and timeline planning. The advice about creating transition binders, tracking all communications, and applying well in advance of when you actually need the benefits seems like it could prevent many of the administrative headaches others have experienced. The generosity of knowledge sharing here is remarkable - from specific regulatory citations to practical form completion strategies to emotional support during what can be an overwhelming process. This kind of peer-to-peer guidance is invaluable for families already dealing with significant challenges. Thank you all for creating such a supportive environment where complex benefit questions can be addressed with both expertise and empathy. This thread will be an incredible resource for anyone facing similar transitions!

As a newcomer to this community, I'm absolutely blown away by the comprehensive guidance shared in this thread! I'm currently facing a very similar situation with my 38-year-old daughter who has intellectual disabilities, and reading through everyone's experiences has been both educational and deeply reassuring. What I find most valuable is how everyone has emphasized the critical importance of documentation and proactive communication. The "transition binder" concept mentioned by several members seems like an absolute must-have, especially given how many different agencies and systems need to coordinate during this process. I'm particularly grateful for the specific regulatory references like Section 1634(c) and the detailed explanations of DAC Medicaid protections. These are exactly the kinds of technical details that can make or break a smooth transition, but they're not information you'd easily find without guidance from families who've navigated this successfully. The timeline insights have been incredibly helpful too - understanding that we're looking at potentially 8-12 months from application to first payment, plus the various waiting periods, is crucial for financial planning. It's clear that starting this process well before you actually need it is essential. Thank you all for being so generous with your hard-earned knowledge and for creating such a supportive environment. This community is an invaluable resource for families dealing with these complex benefit transitions!

Since you'll be 65 in April 2025, your Full Retirement Age is actually 67 (for people born in 1960 or later). Keep in mind that claiming at 65 means you'll get approximately 86.7% of your full benefit amount. Also remember that the annual earnings limit for 2025 will likely be around $23,000 if you're under FRA the entire year. Since you'll only have $15,000 in wages that count toward this limit, you should be fine even without considering the pension (which, as others have correctly noted, doesn't count toward the earnings test).

I just wanted to add that you might want to consider timing your retirement strategically around the earnings test. Since you're retiring in March and only working part of the year, SSA uses a monthly earnings test for the first year you retire (if it's more favorable). For 2025, this would be around $1,920 per month. Since you'll be done working by March, any months where you earn under this amount won't count against you - even if your annual total exceeds the yearly limit. This could potentially give you even more flexibility with your early retirement timing!

I want to clarify something important: Your first month of entitlement (April in your case) is the first month you're eligible for benefits. The actual payment for April will come in May. Here's what I recommend based on my experience: 1. Work until your birthday (April 28th) 2. Make sure your April earnings stay under the monthly limit (around $2,000/month in 2025) 3. Have savings to cover expenses from your last paycheck until late May 4. Apply for benefits 3-4 months before April (so December 2024/January 2025) This approach minimizes your income gap while ensuring you don't lose benefits due to excess earnings. And applying early gives SSA time to process everything so your May payment isn't delayed.

Just wanted to add one more tip that helped me - consider setting up direct deposit for your Social Security benefits BEFORE your first payment is due. You can do this online at ssa.gov or when you apply. This ensures your May payment goes straight into your account without any additional delays from waiting for a paper check to arrive in the mail. Also, if you have a credit union or bank that offers short-term emergency loans to members, it might be worth asking about that option to cover the gap. Some financial institutions have special programs for retirees in exactly this situation.