Social Security Administration
CommunityGovernment Services
Can't reach Social Security Administration? Claimyr calls for you, so you don't have to wait on hold.
Claimyr is a pay-as-you-go service. We do not charge a recurring subscription.
Using Claimyr will:
- Connect you to a human agent at the SSA
- Skip the long phone menu
- Call the correct department
- Redial until on hold
- Forward a call to your phone with reduced hold time
- Give you free callbacks if the SSA drops your call
Ask the community...
- DO post questions about your issues.
- DO answer questions and support each other.
- DO post tips & tricks to help folks.
- DO NOT post call problems here - there is a support tab at the top for that :)
Does Social Security have an actual SSDI tracking app? Can't see if my application moved past stage one
I'm completely confused about tracking my SSDI application. Someone at my doctor's office mentioned there's a Social Security Disability portal or app where I can track my application progress, but I've searched the Play Store and can't find anything official from SSA. All I've found is the MySocialSecurity website where I created an account. The problem is, the website only shows my application at 'Stage 1' even though I signed and returned all their paperwork over two weeks ago. The status hasn't budged at all! Does an actual SSA app exist that might show more updated information? Or is there some other way to check if they've actually received my signed documents? I'm starting to worry my paperwork got lost in the mail and my application is just sitting there.
Join the conversation
Social Security benefits for minor child when divorced father files - what about the ex-spouse?
I'm so confused about how Social Security benefits work in my situation. My ex-husband is turning 65 next month and plans to file for his retirement benefits. We've been divorced for 8 years (after 12 years of marriage). We have a son who's 14 and lives with me full-time. I know our son is eligible for some kind of child benefit when his dad files, but what about me? Am I eligible for anything as the ex-spouse who's raising our child? I'm only 52, so I know I'm not at retirement age, but I've heard there might be something called a mother's benefit? The SSA website is so confusing on this. Has anyone been through this situation before?
Join the conversation
Hello, sorry to hijack your feed, a lot of good questions and answers on the thread, thought I would try my question here. My ex filed for Social Security for herself and my minor son at the time, she didn't tell neither of us, we found out 2 years later. When she was collecting benefits for my son, she lived in a different state, and I have full custody of him during that time and currently. I read on the SSA webs-site that the I would have been the representative payee considering I am his biologic father and he lived with me full time. I would be the one who provides the well-being to the beneficiaries. I don't know what she told SSA about me and/or if my son lived with her in another state. Do I have any recourse? Even my son who is now an adult doesn't think that this was right. She gets the money for his well-being, doesn't pay anything for his well-being and I am the one who supported hm in every way including financially. FYI- I had no idea about the mothers/father/parent benefits otherwise, I would have applied if I knew.
I've been following this conversation and there's so much valuable information here! As someone who works with families navigating government benefits, I wanted to add a few practical tips that might help everyone: 1. **Create a benefits timeline**: Write down key dates - when your ex plans to file, when you plan to apply, and when benefits should start. This helps you track if there are any delays. 2. **Know your local SSA office policies**: Some offices allow walk-ins for certain issues, others are strictly appointment-only. Call ahead to understand their current procedures. 3. **Consider applying online first**: For some benefit types, you can start the application process online at ssa.gov, which can save time and create an initial record of your filing date. 4. **Prepare for the "family maximum" conversation**: If you're getting both mother's and child benefits, the total family benefits might hit the maximum allowed on your ex's record. Understanding this upfront prevents surprises. For DT JR and others dealing with past issues - definitely pursue it. The SSA has fraud investigators specifically for these situations, and they can order benefit recalculations and recovery when appropriate. Don't let anyone tell you it's "too late" without getting a definitive answer from SSA directly. This thread shows how complex these situations can be, but also how much community knowledge can help navigate them!
Great questions, Grace! Let me help clarify those points: **Online Applications**: You can start applications for retirement, disability, and some auxiliary benefits online, but mother's/father's benefits and child benefits often require additional documentation that may need to be submitted in person or by mail. The online system will tell you what you can complete digitally versus what needs follow-up. Starting online at least creates your filing date, which can be important for benefit timing. **Family Maximum Estimation**: The family maximum is typically 150-180% of the primary earner's PIA (Primary Insurance Amount). So if your ex's PIA is $2000, the family max might be around $3000-3600. If you and your son would each be entitled to $1000 (50% each), but the total would exceed the family max, your benefits get proportionally reduced. The SSA website has a benefit calculator, but for complex situations like this, calling them directly usually gives more accurate estimates. One tip: when you do apply, ask the SSA representative to explain exactly how your family maximum affects your specific situation - they can run the calculations during your appointment and show you the projected amounts. The fact that you're thinking through all this ahead of time puts you in a much better position than many people who discover these complexities after applying!
Great questions, Grace! Let me help clarify those points: **Online Applications**: You can start most benefit applications online, including retirement, disability, and some auxiliary benefits like child's benefits. However, for more complex situations like mother's benefits or cases involving divorced spouses, you'll likely need to complete the process by phone or in-person. The online system will tell you if your specific situation requires additional steps. **Family Maximum Estimation**: The family maximum is typically 150-180% of the primary earner's PIA (Primary Insurance Amount), but it varies based on the benefit formula. You can get a rough estimate by creating a my Social Security account at ssa.gov - it shows projected benefits for different scenarios. For a more precise calculation, you'd need to speak with an SSA representative who can run the numbers with your ex's actual earnings record. **Pro tip**: When you do apply, ask the SSA representative to explain exactly how the family maximum affects your specific situation and request a written breakdown if possible. This helps you understand what to expect and catch any calculation errors. The online application is definitely worth starting with - even if you need to finish by phone, it gets your information in their system and establishes your filing date!
Social Security 1099 Form missing from mail delivery - how to get one for tax filing?
I'm frustrated because I didn't receive my Social Security 1099 form in the mail this year. I need it for filing taxes! I checked my mailbox repeatedly throughout January but nothing came. My husband didn't receive his either which makes me think something's wrong. I've already downloaded mine from my online Social Security account (finally figured that out after an hour), but my husband doesn't have an online account set up. Anyone else missing their 1099 forms? Is this happening to lots of people? Does SSA have a problem with mailing them this year? What's the fastest way for my husband to get his 1099 without creating an online account? Tax deadline is approaching and we need this document!
Join the conversation
Just want to update - I just got my 1099-SSA in the mail TODAY after requesting it 3 weeks ago. So it's taking way longer than they say. I would definitely push your husband to create an online account, it's so much faster!!
Thanks for the update! 3 weeks is way too long to wait. I've been pestering him about creating an account. I might just sit him down tonight and help him set it up whether he likes it or not!
I'm dealing with this exact same issue! My mom is 78 and didn't receive her 1099-SSA either. She's not comfortable with computers at all, so the online account isn't really an option. I called SSA for her last Monday and was on hold for over 90 minutes before finally getting through. The agent was helpful and said they're seeing this problem nationwide - apparently it's a combination of USPS delivery delays and some printing/mailing issues on SSA's end. They expedited a replacement form for her and said it should arrive within 7-10 business days. For anyone helping elderly relatives with this, I found that calling right at 8:00 AM sharp seems to have shorter wait times. Also, have all their information ready (SSN, address, etc.) because they'll verify everything before processing the request.
Starting SS retirement application online at FRA - can I save and finish later?
I've finally hit my full retirement age and decided it's time to apply for my Social Security benefits online. I'm a bit nervous about the process though. Has anyone done this recently? My main concern is whether I can start the application, save my progress, and come back to finish later if needed. My home computer is pretty temperamental, and I'm worried it might crash mid-application. Also wondering if I'll need to scan and upload any documents? I could schedule an in-person appointment at my local office, but that would mean taking time off work which I'd rather avoid if the online process is straightforward enough. Any advice from those who've recently gone through this would be appreciated!
Join the conversation
Congrats on reaching FRA! I just went through this last month and found it pretty easy. Just make sure you're on the official ssa.gov website - there are some scam sites out there.
Thank you! And good point about making sure I'm on the official site. I'll double-check the URL before I start.
I went through this process about 6 months ago and it was much smoother than I expected! The save feature is definitely reliable - I actually had to use it three times because I kept getting interrupted by phone calls. Each time I came back with my re-entry number, everything was exactly where I left it. One thing I'd add to the great advice already given: make sure you have your most recent W-2 or self-employment tax records handy. The system asked me to verify some earnings information from recent years. Also, if you've ever changed your name (marriage, divorce, etc.), having those documents nearby can be helpful just in case. The whole thing really is designed for people like us who want to avoid those long office waits. Just take your time with each section - there's no rush once you start!
Do I calculate SS benefit withholding before or after standard tax deduction?
I'm turning 67 next month and trying to figure out how much tax will be withheld from my Social Security checks. My financial advisor mentioned something about standard deductions affecting withholding, but I'm confused about the calculation process. Do I figure the withholding based on my gross Social Security amount or after applying the standard deduction? I'll have about $32,500 in SS benefits annually plus a small pension. I want to make sure I'm budgeting correctly for what I'll actually receive each month. Any help would be appreciated!
Join the conversation
Thank you all for the helpful explanations! I think I understand now - I need to file Form W-4V if I want any taxes withheld, and the withholding would be calculated on my full benefit amount. The standard deduction just affects how much I'll actually owe when I file my taxes. I'll probably go with 10% withholding to start and adjust later if needed. This forum has been so much more helpful than my advisor who left me confused!
That sounds like a good approach. You can always change your withholding percentage later by submitting a new W-4V if you find 10% is too much or too little. Just remember, even with withholding, you should still review your overall tax situation, especially if you have other income sources beyond Social Security and your pension.
Great to see you got the clarity you needed! Just wanted to add one more tip - since you mentioned having a pension too, you might want to consider having taxes withheld from that as well if possible. Many pension providers offer withholding options, and it could help you avoid underpayment penalties if your total tax liability is higher than expected. With both SS and pension income, you'll definitely want to keep an eye on your overall tax situation. The 10% withholding on SS sounds like a reasonable starting point!
Lilah Brooks
@profile3 I was on hold for almost 2 hours before I got through! And that was after trying three different times over two days when I just got busy signals. It's ridiculous how hard it is to reach them. I might try that service next time if I need to call again. Two hours is a lot of my day to waste on hold.
0 coins
Julia Hall
This is unfortunately quite common. For future reference, the best times to call SSA are Tuesday through Thursday, either first thing in the morning (right when they open) or in the late afternoon around 4 PM. Mondays and Fridays typically have the highest call volumes and longest wait times.
0 coins
Ezra Beard
I'm dealing with the exact same frustration right now! Filed my SSDI application about 6 weeks ago and it's been stuck at Stage 1 the whole time, even though I sent back all the paperwork they requested. It's really reassuring to read that this is normal - I was starting to panic that something went wrong with my case. The lack of real-time updates on their system is so stressful when you're already dealing with a disability and financial concerns. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and timelines here - it helps to know I'm not alone in this waiting game!
0 coins