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UPDATE: I called SSA again this morning and finally got someone who knew exactly what was going on! You all were right - the retroactive period works backward from the filing date (March 15), so technically Sept 2024-Feb 2025. BUT since the GPO repeal only made us eligible starting in January, we can only get retroactive benefits for January and February 2025. The second rep was completely wrong to include March and April as "retroactive" since those are just our regular benefit months going forward. Thank you all for your help! If anyone else is dealing with GPO repeal issues, definitely call multiple times until you get someone who understands the specifics of the repeal timeline.
Glad you got it sorted out! The GPO repeal has created a lot of confusion even among SSA employees. Make sure you keep documentation of everything in case there are any issues with your payment amounts later.
When I applied for Medicare, the representative looked at my earnings and told me I did not need to apply as I was not eligible. I was not advised to apply anyway. Shouldn’t the date I applied for Medicare be my protected filing date? Also, I do not see that the bill mentions that the protected filing date applies. So shouldn’t it be disregarded since the limits of WEP/GPO was widely known amongst those working under those retirement systems?
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To address some misconceptions in this thread: both login.gov and ID.me are acceptable options for your new Social Security account access. Login.gov is a federal government service while ID.me is a private identity verification company contracted by SSA. Either will work, but you only need to choose one. Regarding timeline, the SSA hasn't published the exact schedule for account transitions, but they are sending email notifications approximately 30 days before your account is scheduled for mandatory transition. Make sure your email address is up-to-date in your current mySocialSecurity profile. And for those concerned about the process: while it takes a bit of time to set up initially, the new login systems offer significantly enhanced security against fraud and unauthorized access to your Social Security information, which is crucially important given the rise in benefits fraud.
This whole thread has been super helpful. I guess I'll double-check my email in my SSA profile and then wait for my notification. At least I don't have to rush to do it immediately!
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Thanks everyone for such detailed responses! This clarifies a lot. Sounds like I need to: 1. Expect Medicare Part B to be automatically deducted ($207) 2. Consider Part D premiums as well 3. File that W-4V form for tax withholding 4. Be aware that 50-85% of my benefits might be taxable I'll definitely calculate all this before I finalize my retirement date. Really appreciate all the help!
Sounds like you've got it! One more tip: create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov if you haven't already. You can see your estimated benefit amount there, which makes planning easier. Good luck with your retirement planning!
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pro tip: if u can, try calling right when they open in the morning. usually less busy and u might get lucky and talk to someone who's still in a good mood lol
Oof, dealing with multiple agencies is THE WORST. Hang in there, OP! Maybe see if there's a local advocacy group that can help navigate the system? They often know all the ins and outs.
That's a great idea, I hadn't thought of that. I'll do some research and see if there are any groups in my area. Thanks!
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Am I the only one who thinks its ridiculous that we have to jump through so many hoops just to access OUR OWN MONEY that we've been paying into for decades? The system is broken, y'all. 😤
Preach! 🙌 It's like they're guarding Fort Knox or something
careful now, you're starting to sound like one of them socialists 😂
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When the Social Security Administration (SSA) designates someone as "permanently disabled," it typically means they've determined your condition is not expected to improve, and you won't need to undergo frequent medical reviews. This is often called being placed on a "MINE" (Medical Improvement Not Expected) review schedule. Regarding your benefits amount: Being classified as permanently disabled doesn't automatically change your benefit amount SSA disability benefits are generally calculated based on your earnings history, not on the severity or permanence of your disability The "scaled down" amount you mention might have been related to other factors, such as workers' compensation offset, early retirement benefits, or other income sources If you were receiving a reduced amount because of your age or potential for medical improvement, it would be unusual under standard SSA rules. However, disability programs can vary (SSDI, SSI, private insurance, etc.), and each has different rules. For specific information about your case and whether your new status affects your benefit amount, I'd recommend: Contacting your local Social Security office directly using https://claimyr.com Requesting a Benefits Planning Query (BPQY) from Social Security Consulting with a disability attorney or benefits counselor who can review your specific situation Congratulations on receiving permanent status! That typically means fewer reviews and more stability in your benefits going forward.
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OMG the whole WEP thing is SUCH A SCAM!!! I worked for 20 years in the private sector paying into SS and then 15 years teaching in Texas. They've cut my SS benefit by almost HALF because of my teacher pension. It's TOTALLY UNFAIR! They're basically STEALING money I earned!!!!!
While WEP can feel unfair, it's designed to address a specific issue with the Social Security benefit formula. Without WEP, people with non-covered pensions would receive proportionally larger SS benefits than people who paid into SS their entire careers. The formula provides higher replacement rates for lower earners, and without WEP, time spent in non-covered employment would appear as 'low earnings' rather than what it actually is - earnings covered by a separate pension system. That said, there are ongoing legislative efforts to reform WEP. The Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act has been introduced several times to modify how WEP is calculated.
Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! I'm going to try calling my local office first thing tomorrow morning, and if that doesn't work, I'll try the Claimyr service that a couple of you mentioned. I'll also have my pension increase letter ready to fax or mail if needed. I appreciate all the suggestions!
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the whole system is designed to wear us down until we give up. been there DONE THAT. good luck!!!!
While I understand your frustration, there are actually dedicated employees at SSA who really do try to help. The system has limitations, but most of the staff I've worked with genuinely want to help people navigate these issues. It's more a problem of outdated technology and limited resources than intentional obstruction.
Just to follow up on some of the advice given here - I think your best options are: 1. Try the Claimyr service mentioned above to reach SSA tech support directly - specifically ask for help with "representative payee account separation" 2. If that doesn't work, make an in-person appointment and ask about the BOAN option 3. As a last resort, the email trick (adding +text to your existing email) is worth trying The good news is that this is a solvable problem. The SSA has procedures for handling these representative payee situations, even if not all representatives are familiar with them. Just be persistent and specifically ask for technical help with the my Social Security account system.
Thank you for summarizing the options. I'll try calling the technical support line first using that Claimyr service, and if that doesn't work, I'll make an in-person appointment. I appreciate everyone's help with this!
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tell her to bring EVERYTHING to the appointment - marriage certificate, his death certificate, her ID, his social security #, tax returns if she has them. they will find any reason to make u come back with more paperwork!!
Good advice, thank you! She probably doesn't have his SS number memorized - would that be on their old tax returns?
One more important point - if your sister is planning to claim retirement on her own work record eventually, she needs to understand the strategy carefully. She can: 1. Take reduced survivor benefits now and later switch to her own retirement (which would continue growing until age 70) 2. Take her own reduced retirement at 62 and later switch to full survivor benefits at her full retirement age Which option is better depends on their respective earnings records. The local SSA office can run calculations to show which would give her more money long-term. Just make sure whoever she speaks with understands she wants to compare these two strategies.
That's incredibly helpful - I had no idea she could potentially switch between benefits. She's worked all her life but never made much money, so I suspect his benefit might be higher. I'll make sure she asks for these calculations!
Connor O'Neill
this happened to my friend and she went to her congressman's office for help!! they have caseworkers who deal with SS problems and they sorted it out in like 2 weeks! try that maybe??
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Miguel Castro
•I hadn't even thought about contacting my representative. That's a great suggestion if I can't get anywhere with these other approaches. I'll keep this as a backup plan. Thanks!
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Yara Khalil
Why are you trying to take someone's Social Security check??? That's terrible! Those benefits are protected for a reason - people need them to survive. Your ex worked for those benefits! I don't care what the court says, going after someone's SS check is just wrong.
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LunarEclipse
•The law limits garnishment to 65% of benefits specifically to ensure the beneficiary still has income for basic needs. The courts don't grant alimony garnishments without considering both parties' financial circumstances. This is exactly why these legal protections and processes exist.
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Kelly Sweetser
•@Yara Khalil how bout he stopped paying my alimony because the girlfriend didn't like it. I gthhave had to go on welfare and they are hiding assets in her grandchildrens names AND he threatened to kill my son and grandchildren if i took him to court. He is now drawiing SS and that is the only way i can get a FRACTION of what he owes me.
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