Has anyone actually succeeded in getting spousal benefits approved since the GPO repeal? I keep hearing about denials but no successes yet. Makes me wonder if we're all misunderstanding something about the implementation timeline...

Update: I finally spoke with an SSA representative! After trying for days, I got through this morning. The rep confirmed I should absolutely file an appeal rather than a new application. She said they're aware of the issue with applications being automatically denied and are working on a fix, but it could take months. She also mentioned they're developing special procedures for GPO-affected claims. I've submitted my appeal online and included specific reference to the Social Security Fairness Act repealing the GPO provision. Now I just wait... again! Thank you all for your help and advice.

my cousin gets both ssi and ssdi is that possible maybe ur daughter can get both?

One important thing no one has mentioned: when your daughter switches from SSI to DAC benefits, she'll have a 2-year waiting period before Medicare begins, but she should keep her Medicaid during this period. After the 2 years, she'll have both Medicare and Medicaid (called "dual eligible"). This is actually better coverage than just having Medicaid alone. Medicaid will then act as a secondary insurance and will cover many costs that Medicare doesn't, like certain prescriptions and long-term care services. So while the monthly cash benefit might be lower now, the healthcare coverage will eventually be more comprehensive once she has both Medicare and Medicaid.

my friend said theres a lump sum death benefit too dont forget to claim that its not much but its something

One additional consideration: If your own benefit at Full Retirement Age would be more than 50% of your ex-spouse's PIA (Primary Insurance Amount), you might want to run the numbers on a different strategy. It might be worth delaying your own retirement claim and taking reduced ex-spouse benefits now (if you're eligible). The math gets complicated, but a good SSA agent can help you compare scenarios. Also, when calculating potential survivor benefits, remember that your ex receiving $4,900/month means he delayed until 70, receiving 132% of his PIA. Survivor benefits are based on that higher amount (including the delayed retirement credits), not his original PIA.

THE SSA IS A JOKE!!! My cousin and his wife were separated for YEARS and they STILL counted her income against him!!! The whole system is rigged to deny benefits to people who deserve them!!! Don't expect fair treatment, they'll find ANY reason to say no!!!

my neighbor just went thru this whole thing last year! she said the important thing was proving they didnt share ANY finances at all. no joint accounts, no being on each others insurance, nothing like that. thats what finally convinced SSA they were really seperate households

Just to add a practical note - if your brother-in-law's bipolar disorder includes periods where he has trouble managing his finances, you might want to look into becoming his representative payee. My daughter has bipolar and during manic episodes, she would spend all her money immediately, leaving nothing for rent and necessities. Being a rep payee allowed me to ensure her benefits were used for housing and basic needs first. It's a bit of paperwork but worth considering if money management is an issue during episodes. SSA has a specific form for this (SSA-11).

A quick update on timing expectations: the reconsideration phase typically takes 3-5 months (though some areas are faster). If denied again, requesting a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) can take 8-12+ months depending on your location. The good news is that the ALJ approval rate is much higher (around 50%) than initial applications or reconsideration. With appropriate medical documentation and attorney representation, those odds improve significantly. For SSI/SSDI concurrent benefits calculation: if he's approved for SSDI at $1,200/month, his SSI would be reduced to approximately $743 (current $943 SSI minus $200), for a total of $1,200. This is because SSA counts SSDI as unearned income for SSI purposes, but they disregard the first $20 of unearned income. Hope this helps with planning!

I WENT THRU THIS EXACT SITUATION!!!!! My second husband died when my son was 15. I got $2000/month in child support and was TERRIFIED we wouldn't qualify. DONT STRESS - we still got survivor benefits for my son BUT they were reduced because of the child support. Instead of like $1800/mo we got about $950/mo. Still REALLY HELPED US survive!!!! The SSA office made me bring in TONS of paperwork so be prepared!!!!! Bank statements for 6 months, tax returns, proof of child support, death certificate, marriage license, EVERYTHING!!!!!!

One other thing worth mentioning - if your stepdaughter does qualify for survivor benefits, you'll need to determine who should be the payee for her benefits. Since your daughter's biological father is still in the picture and paying child support, this could potentially get complicated. SSA generally prefers the custodial parent (you in this case) to be the representative payee, but sometimes non-custodial parents contest this. Also, just to clarify a technical point - your husband reached his maximum Social Security earnings, which means he had good earnings that would translate to a higher benefit amount. This is different from reaching the maximum benefit amount, which would only happen if he had delayed retirement beyond his full retirement age (which wasn't applicable since he was only 59). Have you gathered your husband's last W-2 or tax return? That will help SSA calculate the benefit amounts more accurately.

i heard somwhere that some countries don't let americans get SS benefits? is that true?

One thing nobody mentioned - if you're keeping your US bank, make sure it's one that doesn't require a US mailing address or regular US presence. Some banks have closed accounts when they discover customers live overseas permanently. Chase is usually OK with part-time overseas living, but for full-time expats, banks like Schwab, Capital One, and some credit unions are better options.

I think I have a simillar situation. I claimed SS at 64 (im 66 now) and my FRA is 66 and 8 months. I have a work pension and a 403b account, neither affects my SS payment. But my question is - when I reach my FRA next year, can I go back to work full time with NO limits on my earnings while still collecting SS? Will my benefit amount increase if I keep working?

I just remembered something else! Make sure u check if your state taxes Social Security! Some states do and some don't. That made a BIG difference in my retirement budget!!

To address your question about ABLE accounts - yes, that would be an excellent option if your state's Medicaid program does have asset limits. ABLE accounts allow disabled individuals to save up to $100,000 without affecting benefits that have resource limits. Since your brother's disability began before age 22, he definitely qualifies. The money in an ABLE account can be used for qualified disability expenses, which is a very broad category including housing, transportation, healthcare expenses, education, and basic living expenses. As for reporting the inheritance - there's no requirement to report assets/resources for DAC benefits, but if your brother is receiving any means-tested benefits (like Medicaid, SNAP, etc.), those programs might have reporting requirements.

One more thing I forgot to mention!!! If your brother works at all, make sure he stays under the SGA limit ($1,550/month in 2025)! That WILL affect DAC benefits regardless of assets. My daughter lost benefits for 3 months when she accidentally went over before we understood the rules. Such a headache getting them restarted!

I want to mention one more important consideration: If you're planning to continue working up to your own retirement age, you might want to factor the Government Pension Offset (GPO) or Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) into your planning if either of you have pensions from jobs where you didn't pay Social Security taxes (like certain state or federal government positions). These provisions can significantly reduce Social Security benefits and often catch people by surprise. Even if this doesn't apply to your situation now, it's something everyone should be aware of when planning for survivor benefits.

Another tip that might be helpful: Consider gathering important documents now while your husband can help. You'll need his Social Security number, birth certificate, death certificate (when the time comes), your marriage certificate, tax returns, and military records if applicable. Having these organized in advance can make the application process smoother. Also, survivor applications cannot be done online - you'll need to call SSA for an appointment or visit an office.