The SSA systems for SSI and retirement benefits don't communicate well with each other, so BE PERSISTENT! When my husband retired, they didn't automatically check if our disabled son qualified for benefits on his record. I had to specifically request it, then follow up multiple times. Don't assume they'll handle everything correctly the first time. Document EVERY conversation (get names, dates, confirmation numbers) and follow up if you don't hear anything within a couple weeks after your interview.

my daughters medicaid got messed up when she switched from ssi to dac benefits and it took MONTHS to fix!!! call your state medicaid office right away to ask about medicaid for disabled adult children who loss ssi. don't wait for ssa to tell you becuz they might not!

@username505 No, it was pretty straightforward. They just need your phone number so they can call you when an agent is ready. They don't need your SSN or any of your personal Social Security information.

To directly answer your original question - yes, the maximum benefit for someone filing at FRA is increasing for 2025, and yes, this is separate from the COLA adjustment. The COLA applies to people already receiving benefits, while the maximum benefit calculation applies to new filers. However, this doesn't mean you'll get more than a 2.5% increase overall. Your benefit is calculated based on your own earnings history, not on what the maximum potential benefit is. The only way this affects you personally is through small adjustments to the PIA calculation formula that happens each year. For most people, these formula adjustments result in very small differences - we're talking about maybe $5-15 per month different than if you had filed with the exact same earnings history the previous year. Your claiming age and earnings history are FAR more important factors in determining your benefit amount.

Thank you all for the incredibly helpful responses! I've made a list of questions based on your suggestions. One more thing - has anyone dealt with the lump sum retroactive payment? If I take the 6 months retroactive benefits, does that permanently reduce my monthly amount as if I had filed 6 months earlier? Or do I still get my full FRA amount going forward?

when i had my call they rushed me through everything and i forgot half my questions! write everything down ahead of time and dont let them rush you. if you have a spouse definitely mention that because they might not ask. good luck!!

wait so can he get benefits from both his own record AND his ex-wife's? or just the bigger one? i'm confused about this part

Thank you all for the responses! This has been incredibly helpful. I've made an appointment with SSA for next month and will specifically ask about surviving divorced spouse benefits. I'm gathering all my documents, including our marriage certificate, divorce decree, and her SSN. From what you've all shared, it sounds like I might be eligible since we were married over 10 years, even though we both remarried. I'll update once I learn more from SSA - this forum has already given me a much better starting point than I had before!

DONT FORGET!!! If you start collecting any SS while working under FRA (67 for you), you're subject to the earnings limit ($21,240 in 2023). They take away $1 in benefits for every $2 you earn over that amount. But they add it back later, which no one tells you!!

This whole system is DELIBERATELY CONFUSING!! I spent HOURS on the phone with SS last year to figure out my divorced spouse benefits. Then after all that they sent me a letter saying I wasn't eligible yet because my ex hadn't filed! Complete waste of time and the rules make no sense whatsoever.

One more thing to consider - since this involves a cancer case, you should mention to the Tampa office that this falls under Compassionate Allowances guidelines. This might help prioritize getting these documents processed quickly once they receive them. Also, document EVERYTHING about your attempts to submit these records. Note the date, time, and name of every person you speak with. If your husband's back payments get delayed because of their document mishandling, this documentation will be important for appealing any issues with the retroactive payment date.

just wondering did u get a receipt when u dropped off the papers?? they supposed to give u one i think. that could help prove u actually gave them the stuff if they try to deny it later

To summarize what everyone's discussed: 1. Your teacher's pension is NOT considered wages for the SSA application 2. Only include the $850 self-employment income as wages 3. Be aware of the Government Pension Offset (GPO), which will likely reduce your spousal benefits by 2/3 of your pension amount 4. Since you're under FRA (63), the earnings test applies, but your self-employment income is well below the threshold I'd recommend scheduling an appointment with SSA to discuss the GPO impact specifically before finalizing your application. They can calculate the exact reduction to your spousal benefit.

when is your birthday? if your turning 64 soon maybe wait? the earnings limit goes up when you hit your FRA year

Just wanted to say that once you get your benefit comparison, make sure you understand the impact of claiming early vs. waiting. I claimed at 62 on my ex's record and now regret it. Would have gotten 30% more if I'd waited until my FRA. No one explained that clearly to me at the time.

One quick tip - take detailed notes during any conversation with SSA. I always write down the date, time, name of the person I spoke with, and what they told me. Saved me multiple times when different reps gave conflicting info!

Social Security specialist here. To clarify the rules definitively: 1. When you claim a spousal benefit at your full retirement age (67 for you), you are entitled to 50% of your husband's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), which is the benefit amount he would receive at his full retirement age. 2. The fact that your husband claimed early at 62 and receives a reduced benefit does NOT affect your spousal benefit calculation. 3. However, if you were to claim spousal benefits before your own FRA, your spousal benefit would be permanently reduced. 4. Also important: you'll only receive the higher of either your own retirement benefit or the spousal benefit, not both. Based on your numbers (your benefit at FRA = $1,050, potential spousal benefit = $1,200), the spousal benefit would be more advantageous. I recommend claiming in the month you reach your FRA to maximize your benefit.

Has anyone dealt with the extra complications if one spouse worked for state government? My friend's husband never paid into Social Security (teacher in Illinois) and it completely changed how her benefits were calculated because of something called WEP or GPO? Just wondering if that applies here too?

My situation was similar but I had a completely different outcome. My husband died, I got survivors benefits, kept working, had some reductions. I'm thinking the rules must have changed recently? Because when I switched to my own benefit two years ago, they did some kind of adjustment. Maybe talk to a different SSA person?

Thank you everyone for the helpful information! I'm going to schedule my appointment to file for retirement benefits soon, and I'll make sure to check my earnings record carefully beforehand. It's disappointing about not getting those deductions back, but at least now I understand how it works and won't be surprised. I appreciate all your insights!