Can't reach Social Security Administration? Claimyr connects you to a live SSA agent in minutes.
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
If I could give 10 stars I would
If I could give 10 stars I would If I could give 10 stars I would Such an amazing service so needed during the times when EDD almost never picks up Claimyr gets me on the phone with EDD every time without fail faster. A much needed service without Claimyr I would have never received the payment I needed to support me during my postpartum recovery. Thank you so much Claimyr!
Really made a difference
Really made a difference, save me time and energy from going to a local office for making the call.
Worth not wasting your time calling for hours.
Was a bit nervous or untrusting at first, but my calls went thru. First time the wait was a bit long but their customer chat line on their page was helpful and put me at ease that I would receive my call. Today my call dropped because of EDD and Claimyr heard my concern on the same chat and another call was made within the hour.
An incredibly helpful service
An incredibly helpful service! Got me connected to a CA EDD agent without major hassle (outside of EDD's agents dropping calls – which Claimyr has free protection for). If you need to file a new claim and can't do it online, pay the $ to Claimyr to get the process started. Absolutely worth it!
Consistent,frustration free, quality Service.
Used this service a couple times now. Before I'd call 200 times in less than a weak frustrated as can be. But using claimyr with a couple hours of waiting i was on the line with an representative or on hold. Dropped a couple times but each reconnected not long after and was mission accomplished, thanks to Claimyr.
IT WORKS!! Not a scam!
I tried for weeks to get thru to EDD PFL program with no luck. I gave this a try thinking it may be a scam. OMG! It worked and They got thru within an hour and my claim is going to finally get paid!! I upgraded to the $60 call. Best $60 spent!
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 :)
Join the conversation
Join the conversation
My aunt had almost the exact same situation!!! She worked for the county for 22 years and was married 15 years before divorcing. She thought she'd get half her ex's benefit but ended up with almost nothing because of GPO. It's so unfair that government workers get penalized like this!
the whole system is RIGGED against public servants who already make less than private sector! my brother worked for USPS for 31 years and got hit with WEP even though he had plenty of SS credits too. complete SCAM if you ask me.
One additional point - even if your ex-spouse benefit is completely offset by GPO now, you should still file and establish eligibility. If your situation changes in the future (like if your pension amount changes), you might become eligible for some amount. Also, survivor benefits (if your ex passes away) are calculated differently - they're 100% of what your ex received rather than 50%, so you might qualify for survivor benefits in the future even if you don't qualify for spousal benefits now. Just be sure to bring as much documentation as possible when you apply: marriage certificate, divorce decree, information about your government pension, your birth certificate, and Social Security numbers for both you and your ex-spouse (if you have it).
That's really helpful advice about filing anyway. I didn't realize the survivor benefits would be calculated differently - that's important to know for future planning. I have most of that documentation already except maybe his current SS number. Can they look that up based on his name and DOB if we've been divorced for several years?
Yes, SSA should be able to locate your ex-spouse's record with his name, date of birth, and other identifying information like his parents' names if you know them. Having his SSN makes the process faster, but it's not absolutely required in divorced spouse cases. The important thing is your marriage certificate and divorce decree that proves the marriage lasted over 10 years.
Join the conversation
thanks! ill check it out. anything better than listening to that same hold music for 3 hours lol
I know exactly what you mean about that hold music - I think it's permanently stuck in my head now! 😂 Claimyr was definitely worth it for me to avoid that torture.
Update for everyone: I appreciate all the advice! I've decided to keep my appointment next month to apply for spousal benefits. Even though the increase might be small, it's still extra money. And if HR 82 or similar legislation passes in the future, I'll still be eligible for any retroactive payments for the period I was collecting my own benefit. Thanks for helping me understand this complicated situation!
That sounds like a sensible approach! Make sure to ask the SSA representative to calculate both your current WEP-reduced benefit and your potential spousal benefit before making any changes. That way, you can confirm the exact amount of increase you'll receive. Good luck with your appointment!
Join the conversation
my cousin works for the post office and they told him WEP doesnt apply to federal workers anymore only state/local govt is that true?????
Your cousin is partially correct. Federal employees hired after January 1, 1984 are covered by Social Security through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), so WEP doesn't apply to them. However, federal employees hired before that date under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) who didn't switch to FERS are still subject to WEP because CSRS doesn't include Social Security coverage. Most postal workers hired in recent decades are covered by Social Security, so they wouldn't face WEP reductions. But state and local government employees in non-covered pension systems (like the original poster) continue to be subject to WEP when they also qualify for Social Security benefits from other employment.
By the way, it's worth checking if your state has any supplemental programs to offset the WEP reduction. A handful of states have recognized how WEP hurts their public employees and created special supplemental benefit programs. I know Colorado, Massachusetts, and Ohio have something like this. Might be worth asking your HR department if there's anything similar in your pension system.
I've never heard about states offering supplements to offset WEP. That's really interesting! I doubt my state (Nevada) does this since I've never heard it mentioned in any retirement seminars, but I'll definitely ask about it at our next pension meeting. Thanks for the tip!
Join the conversation
To clarify for everyone in this thread: 1. The earnings test is based on age, not benefit type 2. Once you reach your Full Retirement Age (FRA), the earnings test no longer applies regardless of benefit type 3. The monthly earnings test only applies in the calendar year you first become entitled to benefits 4. Switching from one benefit type to another doesn't trigger a new application of the monthly test Since the original poster is reaching FRA in August 2025, they need to be concerned about the earnings test for January-July only. After that, they can earn unlimited amounts without affecting either benefit type.
This SHOULD be correct but my experience proves SSA doesn't always FOLLOW their own rules!! The system sometimes applies annual limits even when it shouldn't. OP better document EVERYTHING and keep records of all conversations!!!
just wanted to say thanks for asking this question, im in almost same situation but switching in october. this thread is really helpful
You're welcome! It's been so confusing trying to get straight answers. I think I'm finally understanding it now - once I hit FRA in August, the earnings test disappears completely regardless of which benefit I'm receiving. Good luck with your October switch!
Join the conversation
Thanks everyone for the helpful information! I'm relieved to learn that my pension doesn't count toward the earnings test - that changes everything. Based on your advice, it seems like I should: 1. Apply for survivor benefits right at 60 2. Understand I'll face some reduction due to my $15K part-time income 3. Later switch to my own retirement benefit at my FRA I'm going to try using that Claimyr service to get specific numbers from SSA before making my final decision. It's so helpful to hear from others who've been through this complicated process!
That's exactly right. One more tip: keep careful records of your application and specifically request a SURVIVOR-ONLY application. Some SSA representatives mistakenly file for all benefits you're eligible for, which could prevent you from switching to your higher benefit later. Get the representative's name and direct number if possible, and follow up with the MySocialSecurity online account to verify everything is processed correctly.
BE CAREFUL!! Even with the pension not counting, they'll still reduce your survivors benefit by 28.5% for taking it at 60 instead of waiting till your full retirement age!!! That's a PERMANENT reduction!!! The SSA doesn't make this clear until AFTER you apply!!!
While you're correct about the reduction for claiming survivor benefits early, this is actually still a good strategy in many cases. The reduction only applies to the survivor benefit - it has NO effect on her own retirement benefit. By taking reduced survivor benefits at 60 and then switching to her own full benefit at FRA (which she mentioned would be higher), she can maximize lifetime benefits. The reduction is indeed permanent, but only on the survivor portion she receives between 60 and FRA.
Join the conversation
That's excellent news! Be sure to follow up if you don't see the increase in your benefit within 60 days. Sometimes these adjustments can take a while to process, but they should backpay you to the date of your application if there's any delay. Congratulations on the successful outcome!
Join the conversation
To answer your original question about quarterly tax payments - yes, you should consider making them if you won't have enough tax withheld from your pension and Social Security. The general rule is that you need to pay at least 90% of your current year tax or 100% of last year's tax (110% if your AGI was over $150,000) through withholding or estimated payments to avoid an underpayment penalty. Form 1040-ES is what you'll use for quarterly payments. The due dates are April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 of the following year.
Thank you for the detailed information. I think I'll have taxes withheld from both my pension and SS to avoid having to deal with quarterly payments. This is all more complicated than I expected!
Don't forget that the taxable thresholds for Social Security have not been adjusted for inflation since they were introduced in 1984!!! The $25,000/$32,000 limits would be over $70,000/$90,000 if they had been indexed for inflation. More and more middle-class retirees get pushed into paying taxes on their benefits every year because of this. It's a total scam by the government!
That's actually a valid point. Those thresholds have never been adjusted for inflation, unlike many other parts of the tax code. This means that over time, a higher percentage of beneficiaries end up paying taxes on their benefits, even though the law wasn't originally designed that way.
Join the conversation
Do you actually need your physical SS card for the I-9? Most employers just need the number, not the physical card. I haven't shown my actual card for employment in years - usually just provide the number and show my driver's license instead. Might be worth asking your employer if that's an option while you wait for the corrected card.
That's a good point - I'll definitely ask them. I assumed I needed the physical card since they specifically listed it as one of the acceptable documents, but maybe they'll be flexible.
After reading all the comments, here's what I'd suggest: 1. Call the SSA first thing tomorrow morning (use that Claimyr service someone mentioned if needed) to explain the situation and ask about expediting due to their error 2. If they can't help by phone, go to the SS office in person without an appointment, arriving about 30-45 minutes before they open 3. Bring multiple forms of ID and the incorrect card 4. Ask your employer if they can accept your driver's license + SS number for the I-9 temporarily The SSA can be frustrating to deal with, but when it's clearly their error, they usually have procedures to fix it quickly.
Thank you for summarizing everything so clearly! This gives me a solid plan of action. I'll start with the phone call tomorrow and then plan for an in-person visit if needed. Really appreciate everyone's help with this!
Join the conversation
This happened to my sister too! The award letter eventually came and showed that SSA had paid the LTD company directly for the offset (only the SSDI portion, not the full LTD amount). Don't forget that SSDI also has that stupid 5-month waiting period where you don't get any benefits at the beginning of your disability period.
Thank you - we did forget about that waiting period! That accounts for $16,000 right there. Combined with the lawyer fee of about $7,000, we're still missing around $18,000. Really hoping it's not a calculation error on SSA's part because I've heard those are a nightmare to fix.
UPDATE??? did u ever get this figured out? I'm curious what happened with all the money!
Yes! Finally got through to SSA yesterday after using that Claimyr service someone suggested. The rep confirmed they paid $39,700 directly to the LTD company. When I add the 5-month waiting period ($16k) and attorney fee ($7k), it actually accounts for almost everything. There was also about $2,300 in Medicare premiums that had been deducted. Mystery solved! Now we're just waiting for the official award letter to arrive.
Kennedy Morrison
Jus wondering - what kinda work do u do at ur daughters accounting firm? I'm 69 and thinking about working again but not sure what jobs r good for seniors
0 coins
Jay Lincoln
•I mainly do client reception and basic admin work during tax season (Jan-April). Not too stressful, flexible hours, and I get to see people all day which I enjoy. The rest of the year I just work about 10 hours a week helping with filing and office organization. It's perfect because I can take time off easily when I want to travel or visit my grandkids.
0 coins
Grace Thomas
To summarize what others have said correctly: 1. After Full Retirement Age (FRA): NO earnings limit whatsoever 2. Before FRA: Earnings limit applies ($22,320/year for 2025, with $1 deduction for every $2 over) 3. Year you reach FRA: Higher limit applies ($59,520 for 2025, with $1 deduction for every $3 over), and only earnings before your birthday month count Since you're 72, you're completely free to earn as much as you want with no impact on your Social Security benefits. The only consideration is potential increased taxation of your benefits if your combined income exceeds certain thresholds.
0 coins
Jay Lincoln
•This is such a clear breakdown - thank you! I really appreciate everyone's help. I feel much more confident about picking up more hours now.
0 coins