After seeing the additional details, here's what you should know: Since your grandson's parents are alive (though unable to care for him), he likely wouldn't qualify for benefits on your record as a dependent grandchild. However, there's an important exception: if you've legally ADOPTED your grandson (not just conservatorship), then he could potentially qualify for benefits on your record. At that point, your wife could potentially qualify for child-in-care spousal benefits if your grandson is receiving benefits on your record. This is definitely a situation where you need to speak directly with SSA about your specific circumstances.

Just want to add that if you do decide to pursue adoption, make sure to keep all your legal documentation organized - court orders, conservatorship papers, etc. When I dealt with SSA for family benefits, they wanted to see everything multiple times. Also, the adoption process can take months, so if you're considering it anyway for your grandson's stability, it might be worth starting that process sooner rather than later. In the meantime, definitely explore those state programs that were mentioned - sometimes there are kinship care benefits or relative caregiver programs that can provide support while you're navigating the federal benefits situation.

I'm going through this exact same situation right now! Applied in October for January benefits and my MySocialSecurity account is completely blank too. It's so frustrating that in 2025 we still have to wait for snail mail to get basic information about our own benefits. I've been checking my mailbox obsessively every day hoping for that award letter. At least now I know from reading everyone's responses that I should expect my first payment on the second Wednesday of February (my birthday is the 8th). Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - it really helps to know this is normal even though it's anxiety-inducing!

I'm in a very similar boat - applied for benefits to start in January and my MySocialSecurity account shows absolutely nothing about payment amounts or schedules either. It's really frustrating that their online system is so outdated when we're trying to plan our finances around this income. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful though! Now I understand the payment timing (month behind schedule) and know to watch for that award letter. It's crazy that in 2025 we still have to rely on snail mail for such important financial information. Has anyone had luck calling the local SSA office directly instead of the main 1-800 number? I'm wondering if that might have shorter wait times.

One additional point that hasn't been mentioned: Make sure to formally apply for these benefits as soon as you're eligible. The SSA will not automatically recalculate benefits for people affected by the GPO elimination. You need to initiate the process, and benefits are generally not retroactive beyond 6 months. With the phase-out schedule, determining the optimal application timing can be complex, so you might want to consult with a financial advisor who specializes in Social Security planning to maximize your lifetime benefits.

I'm also a public school teacher (25 years) and just learned about the GPO elimination! This thread has been incredibly helpful. One thing I wanted to add - I called my state teacher retirement system last week and they confirmed they're working with SSA to streamline the documentation process. They said they can provide an official letter stating your pension amount and start date that SSA will accept, which might be easier than digging up old benefit statements. Also, for those worried about the phone wait times, I've had better luck calling SSA right when they open at 8am local time. Still a wait, but usually under an hour. Good luck to everyone finally getting the benefits we've earned!

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is that you might want to consider having your tax preparer or accountant help you calculate the right withholding percentage before you submit the W-4V form. Since you mentioned your accountant already flagged the underpayment issue, they probably have all your income details and can run scenarios to see which percentage (7%, 10%, 12%, or 22%) gets you closest to breaking even. It might be worth the consultation fee to avoid another big surprise next year. Also, keep in mind that if your pension or other income changes during the year, you may need to adjust your withholding accordingly.

As someone new to this community, I want to thank everyone for such detailed and helpful responses! I'm in a similar situation - just started receiving SS benefits and completely overlooked the tax withholding aspect. Reading through all these comments has been incredibly educational. A few things I'm taking away: 1) The W-4V form with only 4 percentage options (7%, 10%, 12%, 22%), 2) The 1-2 month processing delay, 3) The importance of considering your total income picture, and 4) That certified mail or hand delivery might be the safest way to submit. I'm definitely going to use the IRS Withholding Estimator tool and possibly consult with a tax professional before choosing my percentage. This thread should honestly be pinned as a resource for new SS recipients!

To answer your most recent question: Yes, you will receive an award letter in the mail after you apply that will show your exact benefit amount and how it was calculated. This typically arrives 2-4 weeks after your application is processed. The letter will show your PIA (Primary Insurance Amount), any delayed retirement credits, and your final monthly benefit amount. If you see any discrepancies or have questions about the calculation, you can call SSA for clarification after receiving this letter. I would recommend keeping this letter in a safe place for future reference since it contains the official record of your benefit calculation.

Just wanted to add - make sure you have all your documentation ready when you call! I'd recommend having your Social Security card, recent tax returns (especially if you've had 1099 income), and any previous benefit statements you can find. Also, if you do end up having trouble getting through on the phone, try calling right at 7 AM when they open - that's usually the best time to avoid the worst wait times. Tuesday through Thursday tend to be less busy than Mondays and Fridays. Good luck with your switch! It sounds like you made a smart decision waiting until 70 to maximize your benefits.