theres actually a form you need to get - i think its W4-V or something close to that. You pick the percentage you want taken out. My sister had a heart attack when she got a $4000 tax bill her first year on SS!! dont let that happen to you!!

I'm still confused about how they tax Social Security in the first place. I thought we already paid taxes on our earnings before paying into the system?? So isn't this double taxation?? And with these new tax brackets I'm hearing about for 2025, will that change how much of my benefits are taxed? Sorry to hijack your thread but this whole system is so confusing.

To address your follow-up question - yes, the WEP reduction will apply to all retroactive payments. And you absolutely need to specifically request retroactive benefits when you apply - they don't automatically give you retroactive benefits even if you're eligible. Regarding the 6 vs. 12 months confusion: The law allows up to 12 months retroactive for retirement and spousal benefits when you're past FRA. However, spousal benefits cannot begin before your spouse started receiving their benefits. So if your wife only started her benefits 6 months ago (which doesn't appear to be your case), that would limit your spousal retroactive period. Given that your wife has been collecting for 3 years, you should be eligible for the full 12 months retroactive on both benefits.

watch out for taxes too!! my friend got a big retroactive payment and it pushed him into a higher tax bracket that year and he wasnt ready for the big tax bill!!

I think your best bet is to schedule an appointment with a claims specialist at your local SSA office and bring ALL documentation. Phone calls are hit or miss - sometimes you get someone knowledgeable, sometimes not. But in-person they can actually look at your documents and give better guidance. Just be prepared to wait FOREVER even with an appointment lol 🙄

To summarize what's been discussed and add a few more considerations: 1. Medicaid waiver payments for family caregivers are excluded from taxable income (IRS Notice 2014-7) 2. These payments should not count toward the Social Security earnings test 3. Bring documentation including IRS Notice 2014-7 and POMS reference RS 02505.240 4. Consider whether claiming at 62 vs waiting until FRA (67) makes financial sense long-term 5. Investigate whether your daughter could receive higher benefits as a DAC on your record 6. Remember the earnings test only applies until you reach your FRA 7. Document everything and get answers in writing from SSA Given the complexity of your situation, you might also want to consult with a financial advisor who specializes in Social Security claiming strategies, particularly one familiar with disability benefits. Some initial consultations are free or low-cost.

One more thing to consider: if you wait until your FRA in November, you'll also have the option to file a restricted application for spousal benefits only (if you're married and your spouse is already collecting), while letting your own retirement benefit continue to grow until age 70. This strategy isn't available if you file before your FRA. It could potentially be worth tens of thousands of dollars over your lifetime if you're in a position to use it.

guys wait what about delaying past FRA?? nobody mentioned that yet. doesnt your benefit grow 8% per year until 70? maybe OP should consider waiting even longer than just til november??

has anyone else noticed that the SSA website says different things about WEP than what the reps tell u on the phone???

Thank you all for the helpful responses! I feel much better knowing that WEP won't affect me until I actually start receiving my pension payments. I'm definitely going to keep my SS benefits in that separate account just to be safe. I'll make sure to contact SSA as soon as I start receiving my STRS pension so there are no surprises. Thanks again for clearing this up!

try calling first thing tuesday morning thats when i always get thru... monday is always packed with weekend backlog and friday everyone calls before weekend... tues/wed/thurs way better

I wanted to follow up on your two-factor authentication issue specifically. If none of the other methods work quickly enough for you, there's one more option: SSA has a specific technical support line for my Social Security account issues: 1-800-772-1213, then select the option for "help with a personal Social Security matter" followed by "online account help" or similar wording. When you reach a representative, immediately explain that you need help with two-factor authentication due to a changed phone number. They should be able to verify your identity through alternative means and help update your contact information. Additionally, if you have any official correspondence from SSA with a specific claim number or reference number, have that ready - it can help them locate your records more quickly.

Since we're discussing the earnings limit, I'd like to clarify one more important point: the limit is significantly higher in the calendar year you reach FRA, and only applies to months before your birthday. For example, in 2025: - Regular early retirement earnings limit: $23,520/year - Limit in year you reach FRA: $62,760 (and only counting earnings before your FRA month) Also, be aware that the earnings limit typically increases each year with inflation. So if you're planning several years in advance, expect these numbers to rise somewhat.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! I think I understand how it works now: 1. The earnings limit applies from when I claim at 63 until I reach my FRA at 67 2. Only wages count, not other income like investments or rentals 3. If I go over the limit, they'll withhold some benefits 4. When I reach FRA, I'll get credit for those withheld benefits 5. After FRA, I can earn unlimited income with no penalty I'm going to carefully plan my work hours to stay under the limit for those 4 years. Really appreciate all the advice!

Wait does anyone know if the prison tells SSA automatically when someone is locked up or do u have to tell them yourself???

I want to thank everyone for their help and advice. I called SSA this morning but couldn't get through after being on hold for over an hour before getting disconnected. I'm going to try that Claimyr service someone mentioned to see if I can actually speak to someone. I've also scheduled an in-person appointment at my local office for next week just in case. I'm bringing all the documents suggested - marriage certificate, both our Social Security cards, birth certificates, and information about his incarceration. It's a relief to know that the POA situation doesn't affect my eligibility for spousal benefits. I'll update once I get some resolution!

my neighbor got hers january 22 last year then i got mine february 8 so who knows when they actually send them out lol. but yeah definitely will come before you need to file taxes

Thank you all for the helpful responses. I'll check my mySocialSecurity account in mid-January, and if it's not there, I'll watch for the mailed form in early February. I'm definitely concerned about the tax implications now - I had no idea so much of my Social Security could be taxable! I'll look into filing that W-4V form to have taxes withheld going forward. This has been very educational!

just wanted to say im in the exact same boat! im 61 and trying to figure all this out too. i think im going to take mine early bc i need the money now, but its nice to know if my husband dies (hes got heart problems) i can still get his full amount. social security is so confusing!!

Just to add one more point - when you're making these decisions, consider your life expectancy and health status. If you have reason to believe you'll have a shorter-than-average lifespan, claiming early often makes mathematical sense. If you expect to live well into your 80s or 90s, waiting until FRA or even 70 (for your husband especially) can be better in the long run. Also, don't forget that if both of you are collecting benefits and one passes away, the survivor keeps the higher of the two benefits, not both. That's why it can be a good strategy for the higher earner to delay claiming as long as possible.