When dealing with the earnings limit adjustments, timing is crucial. Since you're past the 30-day mark with no response, I'd recommend a three-pronged approach: 1. Call the national number first thing in the morning (they open at 8am local time) when wait times are shortest 2. Schedule an appointment at your local office through the SSA website rather than just showing up - this saves tremendous time 3. Send a follow-up letter via certified mail with return receipt requested so you have proof of delivery Also, make sure you understand exactly how the adjustment will work. When you reach FRA, SSA will automatically recalculate your benefit to give you credit for months when benefits were reduced or withheld. This results in a higher monthly payment going forward. However, if their earnings record for you is incorrect, that calculation will be wrong, so getting this fixed now is important. Don't worry too much about the late response - as long as you've provided the documentation, they should process it correctly even if it takes some time.

I'm dealing with a similar earnings verification issue right now! Been waiting 6 weeks since I sent in my W-2s and pay stubs. The anxiety is real when you're missing out on benefits you're entitled to. One thing that helped me was creating a detailed timeline of everything - when I received notices, when I sent documentation, etc. When I finally got through to someone at SSA, having those dates ready made the conversation much more productive. Also, if you do go to the local office, bring EVERYTHING - copies of your original notices, copies of what you sent them, your W-2s, recent pay stubs, even bank statements if you have them. The more documentation you have, the better they can help you on the spot. Hang in there - from what everyone's saying here, it sounds like these adjustments do eventually get processed, just not in any reasonable timeframe. The system is definitely broken but at least you'll get your money back at FRA even if this takes forever to resolve.

Just wondering - has anyone tried calling the SSA lately? Is it still super hard to get through? My mom waited 3 hours on hold last month before giving up!

As someone who works with seniors on benefit issues, I want to emphasize that you absolutely should pursue this! At 76, you have every right to apply for survivor benefits, and there's no time limit on when you can make this switch. One thing I'd add to the great advice already given - when you do get through to SSA, ask them to explain the "deemed filing" rules that were in effect when your husband passed in 2012. Depending on when you first applied for your own benefits, there might have been automatic considerations for survivor benefits that weren't properly processed. Also, don't be discouraged if the first representative you speak with seems uncertain about your situation. Survivor benefit calculations for cases like yours (where significant time has passed) can be complex, and sometimes you need to speak with a specialist or supervisor to get the full picture. The potential extra $550/month you mentioned could really add up over time, so this is definitely worth pursuing. Good luck!

im in kinda the same boat. divorce after 11 years and ex makes way more than me. but i heard you need to be married 10 years to get anything from their record. is that true?????

Thank you all SO much for the helpful responses! I've scheduled an in-person appointment for next Tuesday morning. I'm bringing ALL my documents - marriage certificate, divorce decree, birth certificate, current benefit statement, and I even managed to find his SSN in some old tax returns. I'm going to specifically ask about "independently entitled divorced spouse benefits" and make sure they understand I've been divorced over 2 years and we were married over 10 years. I'm feeling hopeful for the first time in years! If they try to tell me I don't qualify because he's still working, I'll politely ask them to check the rules again. If I hit another brick wall, I might try that Claimyr service to reach someone who actually knows these specific rules. I'll update after my appointment to let everyone know how it went. Crossing my fingers!

Another thing - make SURE you tell your employer that you're collecting Social Security! I didn't, and they withheld Social Security taxes from my paychecks even though I was already collecting benefits. You still pay Medicare taxes but the SS tax situation is different when you're collecting benefits.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! From what I understand: 1) Yes, there's a $22,750 limit for 2025 since I'm under my FRA, 2) If I earn over that, they'll reduce benefits $1 for every $2 over, 3) They'll adjust this after the year ends, not immediately, 4) The withholdings aren't permanently lost - they'll recalculate when I reach FRA, and 5) Investment income doesn't count toward the limit. I think I'll go ahead with the part-time job and not worry too much about the limit. The extra income will help, even with a slight benefit reduction.

Correct - you don't get both benefits added together. The way it actually works is: 1. You get your own retirement benefit amount 2. If 50% of your spouse's benefit is higher than your own benefit, you get the DIFFERENCE added on So in your example with your $45K salary vs his $96K salary: - Your benefit might be around $1,500/month - His might be around $3,200/month - 50% of his would be $1,600 - You would receive your $1,500 + $100 extra = $1,600 total This is why for couples with very disparate incomes (like one spouse who didn't work much or at all), the spousal benefit is more significant.

Great advice in this thread! One additional consideration for you and your husband: since you're 58 and he's 60, you might want to look into the "restricted application" strategy if either of you were born before January 2, 1954. This allows someone at Full Retirement Age to file for spousal benefits only while letting their own benefit continue to grow with delayed retirement credits until age 70. However, this strategy was mostly phased out for people born after that date. Also, don't forget that if your husband passes away first, you could potentially receive 100% of his benefit as a survivor benefit (rather than the 50% spousal benefit), which is why it's important to consider both of your claiming strategies together as a couple, not just individually.