Hello everyone, I was working full time and waiting to turn 70 so I could retire with max $. My position was eliminated and I am forced to retire 6 mos before I wanted to. I get a severance and will get money for Cobra premiums. I don’t want to spend it on Cobra, I would rather apply for Medicare first, apply for SS when I turn 70 in March. But then my husband is left with no insurance since I covered him. Anybody have suggestions or experienced something similar? Thanks in advance!

My mother-in-law, Julie, is not receiving surviving spousal social security benefits. Bud died 23 years ago. He had collected SS when he was alive. I have his SS #. I do not have his employment history except the name of the company he retired from. I have Julie's SS # also and I know what she is currently receiving from SS. She is also receiving surviving spouse VA benefits. Will she still quality for surviving spouse SS benefits? I am handling this because she is in an assisted living facility. Can you please let me know if she qualifies and how I can get the paperwork started? Thank You...

I had submitted my redetermination back on 6/3 online. (This is my second one) A lady called me on 7/8 that was confirming the Drs listed. About a week later I received a paper letter asking for further information about one of my health issues. I faxed it back the next day. I haven't heard anything since then. I understand there's a new system in play now, but it's still extremely stressful not hearing anything at all for over a month. Has anyone experienced similar? Or what was you redetermination experience in 2026?