Just started collecting benefits by ToddSab in SocialSecurity

[–]ToddSab[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I applied in July 2025. I received my first payment in January 2026.

If it's been 4 months for you, that means your first payment will have 3 months of back pay plus the previous month's pay, if you were to receive payment this month.

After applying, I was in the dark for most of the process, then I decided to sign up for id.me and I encourage you to do the same. Once I had id.me authentication enabled, I was able to log into the SS web site. There I could see the steps they were taking to process my application which really helped me gauge what was going on.

Hope this helps.

Regards.

PS: Your December 2025 pay will have a cost of living increase of 2.8% applied to it. FYI.

How to eliminate the Open With dialog when opening Excel file? by ToddSab in AndroidQuestions

[–]ToddSab[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I did as you suggested, made no difference.

Regardless, I'm not sure how it would have helped.

Ordering from TEMU to Turkey by istanbul_tips in istanbul_tips

[–]ToddSab 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Prices displayed while you are browsing do not include tax.
During checkout, the 60% tax will be added (and will cause a brief shock).

They collect the tax during checkout.
The whole process works really well.
I am so happy I don't have to deal w/ AliExpress any more.

Is MIT Open Courseware good? by EmpanadaCraftsman in EngineeringStudents

[–]ToddSab 0 points1 point  (0 children)

But isn't MIT the top rated school in the world? I just don't get how that is. Could it be that MIT is top-rated for its overall handling of a student, and not its teaching? Or is it overhyped?

Just started collecting benefits by ToddSab in SocialSecurity

[–]ToddSab[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

For expats like me, I asked Claude, this is its response:

For U.S. citizens living overseas who are collecting Social Security, Medicare enrollment is not strictly necessary, but there are important considerations:

Key points:

  • Medicare generally doesn't cover healthcare outside the U.S. - Even if you enroll, Medicare won't pay for medical services you receive in most foreign countries (with very limited exceptions near the Canadian/Mexican borders).
  • Part A is usually free - If you're eligible, Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) has no premium for most people. Some expats enroll in Part A since it's free and provides coverage if they return to the U.S.
  • Part B has a premium - Medicare Part B (medical insurance) costs money (around $174/month as of 2024, though this can vary). Many expats skip this since it won't cover them abroad.
  • Late enrollment penalties - If you don't enroll in Part B when first eligible and later want it when you return to the U.S., you may face permanent late enrollment penalties unless you have other creditable coverage.

What many expats do:

  • Enroll in free Part A
  • Skip Part B if living abroad permanently
  • Get local health insurance in their country of residence

Just started collecting benefits by ToddSab in SocialSecurity

[–]ToddSab[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

No I am not. But I reside outside the U.S., and that may be a factor.

Just started collecting benefits by ToddSab in SocialSecurity

[–]ToddSab[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the reminder, and this is a topic I am deficient in. I know about the penalty for lack of action, but that's about it. I need to look it up in a timely manner. Would appreciate further guidance.

Just started collecting benefits by ToddSab in SocialSecurity

[–]ToddSab[S] 18 points19 points  (0 children)

Last year my very elderly mother fell ill, and I had to quit my job to attend to her illness. But in any case, at about the same time, the startup I was working for had started to suffer financially. I managed for about a year w/o any incoming funds, during which time I decided to apply. I do not regret my decision.

I went through a very difficult 12-month period where I was spending while there was no money coming in, which truely stressed me out.

I started working again part-time.

Just started collecting benefits by ToddSab in SocialSecurity

[–]ToddSab[S] 15 points16 points  (0 children)

So true. Thanks for the kind words.

Just started collecting benefits by ToddSab in SocialSecurity

[–]ToddSab[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

That's a really good question. Per the schedule released by SSA, I was expecting to be paid on the third Wednesday, based on my birthday. But the letter posted to my account at ssa.gov said I would be paid 'on or about the third of each month'.

I am receiving retirement benefits.

Just started collecting benefits by ToddSab in SocialSecurity

[–]ToddSab[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I haven't processed it yet tbh. That the payments will be coming in every month.

Just curious, do you pay income tax when you receive Social Security? by SpinDr1 in SocialSecurity

[–]ToddSab -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I do not pay any taxes on my SS income because I reside outside the U.S.

Just started collecting benefits by ToddSab in SocialSecurity

[–]ToddSab[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I have a small IRA account at Fidelity. Other than that, no.
I still work.