make sure u bring ur marriage certificate when u go to ssa!! my aunt had to reschedule her whole appointment because she forgot it and they wouldnt process anything without it even though shed been married 50+ years

Since you've already been identified in the system with a "suspended" status, SSA should theoretically process your case automatically when the GPO phase-out begins. However, based on my experience helping clients with similar situations, I strongly recommend: 1. Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to verify they have your current contact information 2. Ask them to note in your record that you're affected by the GPO repeal 3. Request written confirmation of your expected benefit amount starting January 2025 4. If you have online access, check your mySSA account monthly starting in December The SSA is likely to be overwhelmed with these adjustments, so being proactive will help ensure you don't fall through the cracks.

For restarting after suspension, you don't need a new application. You simply contact SSA to request reinstatement of your benefits. This can be done by phone, in person, or online through your my Social Security account. When you request reinstatement, benefits resume the month after your request (unless you specify a future month). The amount will include all accumulated DRCs. My recommendation: Set a calendar reminder about 30 days before you want to restart. This gives SSA time to process everything so there's no gap in payments.

just a tip from someone who did the suspend thing last year - write down EVERYTHING when u talk to them! i didnt get the name of the person i talked to when i suspended and then they had no record of my request! lost a month of credits because of it. always get confirmation numbers and names!!!!!

Since you're still working, have you verified whether your current earnings would replace an earlier, lower-earning year in your top 35? If so, working until 70 could increase your benefit beyond just the delayed retirement credits. You can check this on the SSA website by looking at your earnings record. Also, something people often overlook: if you're planning to work until 70 anyway, you could file a restricted application for just the next 12 months and then suspend benefits at 70 if you decide the increased amount is worth it. This gives you a chance to "test drive" having benefits while working and see how it affects your tax situation in real-time.

Whatever you do DON'T call the regular SS number to discuss this!!! I wasted THREE DAYS trying to talk to someone about my retirement options. Kept getting disconnected or waiting for hours. System is BROKEN!!! If you need actual help you'll have to find another way to reach them.

A lot of misinformation in this thread. The spousal benefit isn't always 50%. That's just the maximum. The actual formula is more complicated and takes into account whether you're eligible for your own retirement benefit, when you file, and whether the WEP/GPO rules apply. Calling SSA directly is your best bet. Ask them for a breakdown of your benefit calculation. They can tell you exactly how your benefit was determined and whether there are any options to increase it. You might need to speak with a technical benefits advisor though, not just the first person who answers the phone.

One more thing to consider - if your husband passes away, you would become eligible for survivor benefits, which can be up to 100% of what he was receiving (depending on your age when you claim them). So while your current spousal benefit might seem low, the survivor benefit would be significantly higher. If your husband is in good health, you might want to discuss having him delay taking his own benefits as long as possible (up to age 70) to maximize the eventual survivor benefit you'd receive if he passes before you. Each year he delays past his FRA increases his benefit by 8%, which also increases the survivor benefit you'd eventually receive.

btw have u checked if ur eligible for medicare yet? u might qualify before 65 if ur on disability

One final clarification - I notice some confusion in the thread about exactly when SSDI converts to retirement benefits. To be precise: 1. If you're receiving SSDI, benefits automatically convert to retirement benefits when you reach your Full Retirement Age (FRA) 2. For people born 1960 or later, FRA is age 67 3. For people born 1959, FRA is 66 and 10 months 4. For people born 1958, FRA is 66 and 8 months Since you mentioned you're 59 now, you were likely born around 1966, so your FRA would be 67. That's when the automatic conversion will happen. Again, the amount stays exactly the same - there's no reduction when SSDI converts to retirement benefits at FRA.

My neighbor told me that if you make too much money they'll take your wife's whole benefit away!! Is that true? This is making me worried about my situation too.

Something nobody's mentioned yet: when your wife reaches her Full Retirement Age, SSA will actually recalculate her benefit to give credit for the months when benefits were withheld due to excess earnings. So if she does end up having some benefits withheld, she'll eventually get some of that back through a higher monthly benefit amount after FRA.

I want to clarify something important about SSDI applications filed in January. The current average processing time for initial disability determinations is 6-8 months, so your application timeline isn't unusual. That doesn't excuse the broken callback promises, but your application itself isn't necessarily delayed beyond normal processing times. Your application is likely at the state Disability Determination Services (DDS) office, not the local SSA office. The DDS works under contract with SSA but is a separate entity, which is why SSA reps sometimes can't give you specific updates - they're waiting on DDS too. If you need immediate financial assistance while waiting, ask about the "presumptive disability" provision or emergency advance payments. These are available in limited situations but could help with your eviction risk.

i think sometimes they dont call back cause they just forget tbh. there all probably overworked and underpaid just like the rest of us.

tell her to bring EVERYTHING when she goes to SS office. death certificate, marriage license, birth certificates, tax returns. they asked my mom for everything plus the kitchen sink lol

Just to clarify one more point in your original question: The concept of "switching" from one's own benefit to a spousal benefit at age 70 was eliminated by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 for anyone born after January 1, 1954. That strategy (called "file and suspend" or "restricted application") is no longer available for most people. However, survivor benefits operate under different rules. Your neighbor can switch between her own retirement benefit and survivor benefits at any age, choosing the higher of the two. This flexibility is unique to survivor situations and remains available despite the 2015 law changes.

THINK ABOUT MEDICARE!!!! You said your turning 64 in June so you NEED to sign up for Medicare next year 3 months before your 65!! This has NOTHING to do with when you take SS but people always forget and then get penalties!!!!

Based on everything in this thread, here's my recommendation: 1. Take your unemployment benefits immediately after separation 2. Don't file for SS until at least your FRA (66+4mo) if you can afford to wait 3. Ensure your severance is properly structured as a lump sum for past service 4. Consider waiting until 70 for SS if financially feasible - that's a 76% higher monthly payment than filing at 64 5. Speak with a tax professional about managing the tax implications Having an exact calculation of your benefit amounts at different ages is crucial for this decision. Get your Social Security statement online at my.ssa.gov or contact SSA directly.

btw if ur going to the office bring all ur documents even if u think they dont need them. bring ur id, ss card, marriage certificate, husbands death certificate, benefit statements, everything u have. they always ask for something u didnt bring lol

That's helpful advice - thank you! I have a folder with all those documents that I keep for situations like this. I'll make sure to bring everything.