Some additional information that might help: 1. The spousal benefit maximum is 50% of your spouse's PIA (Primary Insurance Amount) at their full retirement age, not 50% of what they're currently receiving. If your spouse delayed claiming beyond their FRA, their actual benefit is higher than their PIA due to delayed retirement credits. 2. When you file, SSA will calculate both your own retirement benefit and your potential spousal benefit, and pay you whichever is higher. 3. Since you're already past your FRA, you won't face any reduction for early filing, and you're eligible for full benefits immediately. 4. The online application does have a section where you can indicate you're also filing for spousal benefits. Don't skip this section even though you might think it's automatic. One final note: If you do talk with an SSA representative, ask them to run a calculation of both benefit amounts so you can see exactly what you'll receive under each scenario.

Quick update - I called SSA yesterday using the Claimyr service I mentioned and got through in about 20 minutes. The agent confirmed that with the WEP/GPO repeal, you'll receive the higher of either your own benefit or the spousal benefit automatically. In my case, even though my own benefit was lower than 50% of my spouse's PIA, they still calculated and compared both options before determining which to pay me.

One more important thing to consider: If your disability began during the 7-year period but has worsened over time, make sure to emphasize this to SSA. They can establish what's called an "amended onset date" that reflects when your condition first met their criteria for disability, even if you were still working at reduced capacity at that time. Also, if you're denied when you first apply (which happens to many people), don't get discouraged. File an appeal and consider getting representation at that point. The appeals process often has better results, especially when the case involves technical rules like the disabled widow's benefit timing requirements.

my sister didnt apply til like 9 years after but her disability started in year 6 so they still approved her. its when the disability starts not when you apply thats what matters

dont forget about taxes!!!! if ur still working and take ss early u might hit the earnings limit and have to pay some back. happened to my friend and it was a huge mess. also they tax up to 85% of ss benefits if ur other income is high enough. just something else to think about

Thank you all for such helpful responses! I think I've decided to wait until my FRA to claim the widow's benefit. The 82.5% cap vs. 100% at FRA makes a big difference financially. I'm going to schedule an appointment with SSA to discuss that switching strategy too - taking my own benefit early and then switching to widow's benefits at FRA. I hadn't even considered that possibility! I'm also going to request someone who specifically understands the RIB-LIM rule. I'll try using that Claimyr service to get through since many of you mentioned how hard it is to reach someone. I truly appreciate everyone taking the time to share your knowledge and personal experiences - it's made a confusing situation much clearer!

my cousin got ssi then ssdi later but he did it himself no lawyer. its possible just gotta fill out all the papers right and have good medical stuff.

Update: I wanted to thank everyone for their advice! I was able to get through to SSA using Claimyr (thanks for that tip!) and confirmed my SSDI benefit would be $972/month - much higher than my current SSI. The agent also explained that because I have more work credits now than when I first applied, my case might be stronger. I'm going to apply on my own first as suggested, and then look for an attorney for the appeal if needed. I'll specifically mention the benefit amount difference when talking to attorneys. Really appreciate all your help!

Has anyone else noticed that the SSA website hasn't been updated with ANY information about the WEP repeal yet? I've been checking every few days but there's nothing official about how they're planning to implement it.

After reading through all the comments, I want to emphasize a strategic approach. File now, but be prepared for some administrative challenges. The SSA will almost certainly implement the WEP repeal retroactively once it's signed into law, meaning anyone affected will eventually receive the correct amount regardless of when they file. The key is documentation and follow-up. Keep copies of everything, use the Remarks section of your application to note your WEP situation, and be prepared to follow up regularly. While the SSA systems may take time to adjust, establishing your benefit entitlement at your FRA is valuable from a planning perspective. Regarding your spousal benefit top-off, that calculation will automatically adjust based on your new primary insurance amount after the WEP repeal is implemented.

YOU AREN'T STUPID AT ALL!!! The system is DESIGNED to be confusing! I worked for 40 years and when I went to apply the SS rep told me things I'd NEVER heard before. It's like they want us to make mistakes so they can pay out less in benefits.

One approach that might help is to focus only on terms relevant to your specific situation. It sounds like you're nearing retirement age, so terminology about disability determination or childhood benefits probably isn't essential for you right now. Focus first on understanding: 1. The difference between retirement age options (62, FRA, 70) 2. How spousal benefits work (if applicable) 3. How earnings might affect your benefits if you continue working Don't try to become an expert on every aspect of the system. Even Social Security employees specialize in different areas because no one can master it all. Learn what you need for your specific situation, then expand your knowledge gradually.

My mom just went through this whole process. Make sure you have ALL your documents ready when you apply - birth certificate, marriage certificate if applicable, tax returns, etc. She had to reschedule her appointment because she forgot some papers and it delayed everything by weeks!

One last thing to consider: Even though you're reaching FRA in January 2025, your payment date will be determined by your birth date. If you were born on the 7th, your payment will typically arrive on the second Wednesday of each month. So your January 2025 benefit would be paid on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. Just something to keep in mind for your budgeting.

To clarify some of the information provided: The Social Security Administration uses your highest 35 years of earnings (indexed for inflation) to calculate your retirement benefit. If you file for benefits in April 2025, your initial calculation will NOT include 2024 earnings since they haven't been fully processed yet. Later in 2025 (typically September-October), SSA runs the AERO process which automatically recalculates benefits to include recently posted earnings. If your 2024 earnings replace a lower year in your top 35, your benefit will increase retroactively to January 2025, and you'll receive a lump sum payment for the difference. You don't need to request this recalculation - it happens automatically for all beneficiaries.

By the way, make sure all your past earnings are correct on your SS statement! I found a year missing from 2008 that cost me $65/month until I got it fixed. They only go back 3 years for corrections without extra proof, so check carefully!!

I've been running a small Etsy shop since I was 68 (I'm 74 now), and while my Social Security hasn't been affected, the tax situation is something you really need to understand. At tax time, my first year was super confusing with the Schedule C, self-employment tax, and estimating quarterly payments. Would it be an actual job with a W-2 or are you doing independent contractor work with a 1099? That makes a big difference for tax purposes.

Based on all the information shared here, let me summarize for you: 1. Your Social Security benefits will NOT be reduced no matter how much you earn (since you're over FRA) 2. Your Medicare premiums probably won't increase unless your household income is already close to $206,000 3. You may need to pay taxes on more of your Social Security benefits if your combined income exceeds the thresholds mentioned 4. As a 1099 contractor, you'll need to pay self-employment tax and possibly quarterly estimated taxes A consultation with a tax professional would definitely be worthwhile before you start. They can help you plan for quarterly payments and maximize any home office or business deductions you might be eligible for.

I herd that Oregon PERS is different from some other states because Oregon never opted out of Social Security completley. Is that right? Some of my Oregon freinds pay into both systems I think??

I thought Biden already signed something about this! Now I'm confused. My brother who retired from teaching in Illinois got a letter about his SS benefits going up but maybe that was just the regular COLA?