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Why is Social Security reducing my expected benefits by 30% despite what ssa.gov calculator showed?
I feel completely blindsided today! Been planning my retirement carefully for June 2025 and have been checking my estimated benefits on the ssa.gov calculator regularly. According to their graphs, I was expecting about $3050/month. Felt pretty good about it and made all my budget plans accordingly. But I just got off the phone with an SSA rep who dropped a bombshell saying my actual payment will be reduced by 30%!!! That's nearly $915 less per month than I was counting on. I'm completely panicking now because this throws ALL my retirement plans into chaos. I specifically asked her why there's such a huge difference between what their website shows me and what she's telling me, and she gave some explanation about WEP or GPO that I honestly didn't fully understand because I was so shocked. Has anyone else experienced this kind of discrepancy between the ssa.gov benefit estimates and what you actually received? Could the rep be wrong? I'm seriously considering delaying retirement now because I can't afford to live on 30% less than I'd planned for.
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my neibor had phone meeting and SSA made HUGE mistakes that took 6 months to fix!!! be careful what they tell u!!
It's always a good idea to get any benefit calculations or decisions in writing, regardless of whether the appointment is by phone or in-person. After your call, you can request a written benefit estimate that confirms what was discussed.
Whatever you do, make sure you understand the "deemed filing" rules that came into effect a few years ago. They changed how claiming one benefit affects your ability to claim others later. Since you were widowed, you have more claiming options than someone who's just dealing with their own retirement benefit. The telephone appointments absolutely can cover these complex topics - I've had success with them - but don't let them rush you through this critical decision. And remember, if you're not satisfied with the answers you get, you can always request another appointment with a different representative for a second opinion.
I've read about deemed filing but wasn't sure how it applies to survivor benefits. I'll definitely make this a key question during my call. And that's a good point about getting a second opinion if needed - I hadn't thought of that!
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One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet - even though your father won't receive your mother's benefits (since his own are higher), he should still officially apply for survivor benefits. This creates a record in the system that he was eligible for them, which can sometimes impact other benefits or future calculations. It sounds counterintuitive to apply for something you won't receive, but it's just how their system works. Also, make sure your father knows that if he had been receiving any Medicare premiums that were being deducted from your mother's benefit, those arrangements will need to be updated. Those deductions don't automatically transfer to his benefit.
That's really helpful information that I hadn't considered. I'll make sure Dad applies for survivor benefits even though he'll continue receiving his own higher amount. And good point about the Medicare premiums - I'll check on that too. Thank you!
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Just be careful your wife doesn't start working again! My husband lost half his benefits because I decided to pick up some part-time work after retiring and didn't know about the earnings limit. The Social Security Administration doesn't explain ANYTHING clearly and then they hit you with an overpayment letter months later! Always double-check everything they tell you.
That's rough, thanks for the warning. My wife has no plans to return to work, but it's good to know how strictly they enforce the earnings limits for retirees.
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Just another tip - when you go to your appointment take a notebook and write EVERYTHING down. They throw so much information at you about eligibility and payment dates and restrictions if your working and tax implications. I was so emotional at my appointment that half of what they said went in one ear and out the other. Thank goodness I wrote the important stuff down.
That's great advice. I'll definitely bring something to take notes. I'm already feeling overwhelmed with everything.
One important thing - if you're under Full Retirement Age and still working, make sure to discuss the earnings limit with them ($22,320 for 2025). If you earn over that limit, they'll reduce your survivor benefits by $1 for every $2 you earn above the limit. They should cover this in the appointment, but if they don't, make sure to ask about it specifically if it applies to your situation.
That's really helpful information. I'm 58 and still working part-time, so this definitely applies to me. I'll make sure to discuss this specifically.
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wait i'm confused about something - does he have to wait til hes FRA to get the spousal benefit or can he get it as soon as you file???
He can receive the spousal benefit as soon as she files for her own benefits, assuming she's at least 62 (which she will be). He doesn't need to wait until his FRA. However, since he's already receiving his own reduced benefit, the amount of the spousal addition will also be permanently reduced because he took his benefits early.
Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! So it sounds like: 1) Yes, he can get some additional amount when I file, but it won't be a full 50% of my benefit 2) The amount will be reduced because he took early retirement 3) We need to specifically apply for this when I file for my benefits 4) Every situation is different, but we might see a few hundred dollars extra per month This really helps us with our retirement planning. I appreciate all the responses!
That's an excellent summary! One additional thought - if your husband's income is quite low compared to yours, you might want to look into filing strategies that maximize your combined lifetime benefits. For instance, since you're the higher earner, it might make sense for you to delay until 70 if possible, as that would maximize both your benefit and any potential survivor benefit if you predecease your husband. The survivor benefit would replace his lower benefit. Every situation is unique, but it's worth considering.
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dont forget taxes too! ur ss benifits will be taxed if ur combined income is over the limit. with 84k already for 2024 ur gonna have 85% of ur benifits taxed if u get any this year.
This is a good point about taxation. Up to 85% of Social Security benefits become taxable when your combined income (adjusted gross income + nontaxable interest + half of your Social Security benefits) exceeds $34,000 for individuals or $44,000 for couples filing jointly. However, in the original poster's case, they'll likely have no benefits paid in 2024 due to the earnings test, so the taxation issue would only apply for 2025 and beyond.
Thank you all for the incredibly helpful advice! I'm definitely going to wait until January 2025 to start my benefits, but I'll apply in November 2024 to get the ball rolling. I'm relieved to understand that my 2024 earnings won't affect my 2025 benefits as long as I start in January. And I'll look into that Claimyr service to speak with an SSA agent about the specifics of my situation. For my wife, we'll need to compare her own benefit at 62 versus the reduced spousal benefit to see which would be higher. Looks like we have some calculations to do! I really appreciate everyone taking the time to explain everything so clearly. This stuff is complicated and it's easy to make costly mistakes when you don't fully understand the rules.
You're making a wise choice. Waiting until January will save you from losing benefits to the earnings test, and applying 3 months early ensures your benefits will start on time. Good luck with your retirement!
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my aunt just went thru something similar, she didnt try for disability but did apply for help with her medicare premiums and got it which saved her like $170/month i think? might be worth looking into
That's really helpful information! $170/month savings would make a big difference for me right now. I'll definitely look into the Medicare premium assistance programs.
To clarify for everyone: SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and retirement benefits are essentially the same benefit pool. At full retirement age, disability benefits automatically convert to retirement benefits - they are not separate programs you can receive simultaneously. For the original poster, since you mentioned medical expenses, I strongly recommend: 1. Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) - can help pay Medicare premiums and in some cases deductibles/coinsurance 2. Extra Help program - assists with prescription drug costs 3. State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs (SPAPs) - additional medication help in many states 4. Medicaid - if your income and resources are low enough Contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free counseling on these options. They can help determine what you qualify for.
Thank you so much for this comprehensive information. I had no idea about some of these programs. I'll contact SHIP right away to see what I might qualify for. It's been overwhelming trying to navigate all this while dealing with health issues.
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The online application process won't show you comparative amounts before filing. To make an informed decision, you need to consult with SSA directly. If you're at FRA, you have a unique advantage - you can actually file a "restricted application" for just your ex-spouse benefits while letting your own benefits continue to grow (if you were born before January 2, 1954). This strategy can significantly increase your lifetime benefits. I recommend scheduling an appointment with your local office and specifically asking about this strategy. Many SSA representatives aren't familiar with this option unless you specifically inquire about it. Bring your marriage certificate, divorce decree, and any other relevant documentation.
Wait - I've never heard of this "restricted application" option! I was born in 1958, so I don't think I qualify for that specific strategy based on what you said. Is there anything similar available to me? This is exactly why I wanted to explore all options before filing!
You're right - being born in 1958 means you don't qualify for the restricted application strategy (only those born before Jan 2, 1954 qualify). For you, SSA will automatically pay the higher of your own benefit or the spousal benefit - you can't receive both or switch between them. Still worth checking both amounts though!
Just to add to all this - when you DO talk to someone, make sure to ask about cost of living adjustments too. My ex took benefits early so his base amount was lower, but after all the COLAs over the years, it ended up being more than expected. They should factor that in when giving you estimates but sometimes they forget to mention it.
This is an excellent point that many people overlook. COLAs can significantly impact benefit amounts over time, especially with the high inflation adjustments we've seen recently (5.9% in 2022, 8.7% in 2023, 3.2% in 2024, etc.). These adjustments compound over time and can make a substantial difference.
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Just to address your specific question about the amount: Your husband would be eligible for up to 50% of your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), but there will likely be a reduction since both of you claimed benefits early. There's a complicated formula SSA uses that factors in his age when he applies for spousal benefits and when you claimed your retirement benefits. Also, he'll receive either his own benefit or the spousal benefit, whichever is higher - not both. Given that his current benefit is so small, the spousal benefit will almost certainly be higher. Once the SSA publishes their implementation guidelines for the GPO repeal, the calculation should become clearer.
That's really helpful, thank you. Even with some reduction for claiming early, it sounds like he'd still get significantly more than his current $210. We'll definitely follow up on this in early 2025.
one more thing - make sure u have ur marriage certificate! they made us bring original or certified copy, no photocopies allowed. was a whole extra trip to county office to get it
Good point! Our marriage certificate is in a safety deposit box. I'll make sure to get it out and have it ready. Thanks for the tip!
KylieRose
My husband just went through this exact thing! Called SSA and found out about WEP reduction. Just wondering - do you have specific questions ready for when you call them back? We found the first call confusing but got more helpful info when we called with specific questions.
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Aaliyah Jackson
•Excellent point about having specific questions ready. Here are key questions to ask SSA about WEP: 1. How many years of substantial earnings do I have under Social Security? 2. Can you provide a year-by-year breakdown of my substantial earnings years? 3. What is my current WEP reduction amount and how was it calculated? 4. How would additional years of work affect my WEP reduction? 5. Can you calculate my benefit if I work X more years before retiring? 6. Are there any exceptions that might apply to my situation? 7. How will future COLAs affect my WEP-reduced benefit? Get the answers in writing if possible. The calculations are complex and it helps to have documentation.
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Zoe Papadopoulos
I just wanted to thank everyone for the helpful advice. I called SSA this morning (finally got through after trying for 2 hours) and got confirmation that it's definitely WEP affecting my benefits. The agent walked me through my earnings record and confirmed I have 22 years of substantial earnings under Social Security. The good news: working just 3 more years would reduce my WEP penalty by about $300/month! That makes a huge difference, so I'm now planning to work until 2028 instead of retiring in 2025. Not ideal, but better than trying to live on significantly reduced benefits for the rest of my life. For anyone else in this situation - definitely call and ask for a detailed WEP calculation and how additional working years would change it. The differences can be substantial!
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Giovanni Rossi
•That's excellent news about reducing your WEP penalty significantly with just 3 more years of work! It's always worth getting the personalized calculation. One additional tip: make sure your earnings for each year exceed the "substantial earnings" threshold (which increases annually with inflation). If you work part-time and don't meet the threshold, the year won't count toward reducing your WEP penalty.
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