As someone who's been navigating the GPO maze for the past few years, I want to emphasize something that hasn't been mentioned yet - timing matters! If you're planning to apply for ex-spousal benefits, consider doing it sooner rather than later. Even if the GPO eliminates your benefit now, your ex-husband's earnings record continues to grow if he's still working, and the calculation could potentially change in your favor over time. Also, having an official determination on file with SSA can be helpful if any legislative changes to GPO ever do happen - you'd already be in the system. The process itself is educational too - you'll get a detailed breakdown of exactly how the offset is calculated with your specific numbers, which can help with your overall retirement planning.

As a newcomer to this community, I want to thank everyone for this incredibly informative discussion! I'm a recently retired teacher from California (32 years) and had no idea about the GPO until I started researching my ex-spouse benefits. Reading through all these experiences has been both eye-opening and honestly a bit disheartening - it sounds like my $3,800 monthly pension will likely eliminate any benefits I might have received from my ex-husband's record. But I really appreciate the practical advice about getting an official determination from SSA and checking for any after-tax pension contributions. The suggestion about using Claimyr to actually reach someone at SSA without the endless hold times is gold! Even though the GPO seems like a major obstacle, it's clear that every situation is unique and worth investigating. Thank you all for being so generous with your knowledge and experiences - this community is exactly what people like us need!

Just want to update - I just got my 1099-SSA in the mail TODAY after requesting it 3 weeks ago. So it's taking way longer than they say. I would definitely push your husband to create an online account, it's so much faster!!

I'm dealing with this exact same issue! My mom is 78 and didn't receive her 1099-SSA either. She's not comfortable with computers at all, so the online account isn't really an option. I called SSA for her last Monday and was on hold for over 90 minutes before finally getting through. The agent was helpful and said they're seeing this problem nationwide - apparently it's a combination of USPS delivery delays and some printing/mailing issues on SSA's end. They expedited a replacement form for her and said it should arrive within 7-10 business days. For anyone helping elderly relatives with this, I found that calling right at 8:00 AM sharp seems to have shorter wait times. Also, have all their information ready (SSN, address, etc.) because they'll verify everything before processing the request.

The REAL problem is that the SSA's systems are outdated and the different offices don't communicate. I've had THREE different answers from THREE different representatives about the same question. Your best bet is to DOCUMENT EVERYTHING. Write down who you talked to today, the time, what they told you, and any confirmation numbers. Trust me, when they inevitably mess something up, you'll need this information to fight them!!!

I went through this exact situation when I applied for survivor benefits at 60. The protective filing date is crucial - it saved me about $1,800 in back benefits! When you call SSA, they should give you what's called a "receipt notice" or confirmation that you initiated contact on today's date. If you didn't get one, I'd recommend calling back tomorrow and specifically asking for documentation of your protective filing date from today's call. Also, during your October 31st appointment, bring up the protective filing date first thing - don't wait for them to mention it. Some reps are great about this, others need reminding. The system works, but you have to be proactive about protecting your rights.

I'm a retired SSA employee and wanted to add some reassurance from an insider perspective. Your mother-in-law is absolutely entitled to this underpayment regardless of the 5-year delay - there's no statute of limitations for surviving spouses filing SSA-1724 claims. The closed bank account is completely irrelevant to the process. When we process these claims, we ONLY look at the survivor's current banking information or mail a Treasury check directly to them. We never attempt to use deceased beneficiaries' old accounts. A few insider tips that can help speed things up: - Make sure she signs the form in both required places (Part 4 and Part 7) - missing signatures are the #1 reason for delays - Use black ink only - some processing centers reject blue ink forms - Include a cover letter listing all enclosed documents - Consider requesting direct deposit by including her voided check - it's faster than waiting for a mailed check Current processing times are running 6-8 weeks in most regions. The $4,800 will definitely come through - I processed hundreds of these during my career and properly completed SSA-1724s from surviving spouses are virtually always approved. Don't let the phone wait times discourage you from this legitimate claim!

I'm also dealing with a similar situation and wanted to share what I learned from calling SSA directly last week. My father passed away 6 years ago and we just discovered he was owed around $2,100 in underpayments. The representative I spoke with was very clear that surviving spouses can file SSA-1724 at ANY time - there's absolutely no deadline or time limit. She also confirmed what everyone here is saying about the closed bank account being irrelevant. SSA will either mail a Treasury check directly to your mother-in-law or deposit the funds into HER personal account if she includes direct deposit information on the form. They don't even attempt to access deceased beneficiaries' old banking information. One thing the rep emphasized that I haven't seen mentioned much here is to make sure your mother-in-law keeps the claim number they assign once she files. They'll send a receipt letter with this number, and it makes it much easier to check status if needed. She said current processing is taking 8-10 weeks in most areas but that $4,800 will definitely come through. Don't let the phone wait times discourage you - this is a straightforward process for surviving spouses and the money is rightfully hers!

Thank you everyone for all the great advice! I feel much better about trying to work now. I'm going to: 1. Look into the Ticket to Work program 2. Start with very part-time hours keeping well under the SGA limit 3. Report everything properly to SSA from the start 4. Keep good records of all my earnings and communications This has been so helpful. I was feeling really isolated and uncertain about my future, but knowing I can at least try working without immediately losing everything gives me hope. I appreciate all of you sharing your experiences and knowledge!

Great question Isabella! I'm 48 and have been on SSDI for 3 years due to chronic back issues. I started working part-time about 8 months ago at a local library doing data entry - very low physical demands. Here's what I've learned from experience: - The $1,550 SGA limit for 2025 is key, but remember it's GROSS income before any deductions - I work about 15-20 hours per week and make around $1,200/month, which keeps me safely under the limit - You absolutely MUST report your work to SSA immediately when you start - I called them on my first day and they opened a work case file - Keep meticulous records of everything - pay stubs, hours worked, dates, etc. The mental health benefits of working again have been huge for me. Having structure and purpose back in my life has helped with the depression that came with my disability. Just start slowly and be very transparent with SSA about everything. Good luck!