This is such a common frustration! I went through the same thing when I suspended my benefits at 65 last year after returning to work. The calculator disappearing is definitely a system limitation that SSA really should fix. A few things that helped me navigate this situation: 1. **Call timing matters**: I had the best luck getting through around 2:30pm on Wednesdays. Seems like mid-week afternoons are less busy than Mondays or Fridays. 2. **Request specific documents**: When you do get through, ask for both a benefit verification letter AND a PEBES statement. The verification letter shows your current suspended amount, while PEBES gives you projections at different ages. 3. **Calculate your own estimates**: Since you're suspending before FRA, your benefit is essentially "frozen" at the reduced amount you were approved for. You won't earn delayed retirement credits until after your FRA (which should be 66 years and 10 months for someone born in 1961). 4. **Keep detailed records**: Document everything - your original benefit amount, suspension date, and any communications with SSA. This helps if there are any issues when you restart benefits later. The good news is that suspending was definitely the right call given your earnings. The earnings test would have clawed back most of your benefits anyway, so you're avoiding a lot of administrative headaches. Just be patient with getting the projections you need!

I'm so glad I found this thread! I'm 63 and considering applying for benefits early but have been worried about losing access to the calculator if my situation changes. Reading everyone's experiences here has been incredibly valuable. A few things I've learned from researching this issue: 1. **Third-party calculators**: While not as accurate as SSA's personalized tool, there are some decent retirement calculators from AARP and other sites that can give you ballpark estimates if you have your earnings history. 2. **Local SSA office visits**: I know calling is tough, but some people have had better luck scheduling in-person appointments at their local Social Security office. The wait times can be long, but you're guaranteed to speak with someone. 3. **Annual statements**: Don't forget that SSA still mails annual Social Security statements to people over 60 who don't have online accounts. These include benefit projections at different claiming ages, though they won't reflect recent changes like suspensions. For those dealing with suspension situations like Miguel's, I'd also recommend keeping a simple log of your suspension period - start date, reason, and any communications with SSA. This documentation could be helpful when you're ready to restart benefits later. The whole system really needs to be modernized to handle these common scenarios better!

One thing nobody mentioned - when you switch to survivor benefits, you'll need his death certificate and marriage certificate. Get multiple certified copies of the death certificate (at least 5-10) when the time comes. Every organization will want one and some won't accept photocopies. Just a practical tip I wish someone had told me!

Just wanted to add another perspective as someone who works with retirees - you might also want to consider the tax implications when making this decision. Your reduced retirement benefit at 65 will be taxed as income, but when you eventually switch to survivor benefits, that will also be taxable income (potentially at a higher amount). If you're still working or have other income sources, this could push you into a higher tax bracket. It's worth running the numbers with a tax professional to see how the timing affects your overall financial picture, especially if you're planning to work past 65.

Just wanted to add another data point here - I had the exact same middle initial issue but mine was because my Social Security card has my middle initial but my Medicare card doesn't! It's like the reverse of your situation. Same frustrating lockout though. What really helped me was keeping a detailed log of every discrepancy I found between my various government documents (SS card, Medicare card, tax records, etc.) before calling. The agent was able to see patterns in where the data got mixed up across different enrollment periods. One thing I learned: if you have any old W-2s or tax returns handy, bring those reference numbers too. Sometimes the IRS records can help the SSA agent figure out which version of your name/address is the "master" record that everything else should match. The whole system is definitely a mess, but at least there are people like Isabella who share solutions that actually work!

What a journey this has been to follow! As someone who's been dreading dealing with my own SSA online account setup, this thread has been incredibly educational. It's both helpful and terrifying to see how many different ways the system can fail - middle initials, address spacing, name changes, reverse situations... it's like a minefield of potential data mismatches. I really appreciate everyone who shared their experiences and solutions, especially the suggestion about that Claimyr service. The fact that we need third-party help just to reach our own government agencies says a lot about the current state of things. One question for the group: for those who successfully got their accounts working, how often do you run into glitches or lockouts even after the initial fix? I'm wondering if this is a one-time headache or something that might resurface periodically. Thanks again to everyone for documenting this whole process - this thread is going to be a lifesaver for future people dealing with the same issues!

I'm going through a somewhat similar situation as a green card holder considering my options, and reading through all these responses has been incredibly educational. The consistency in advice from the legal and SSA professionals here is reassuring - it seems like the citizenship-first approach really is the safest path. One thing I wanted to add that might help others in similar situations: I recently discovered that many local SSA offices have International Operations specialists who visit on specific days of the month. You might want to call your local office and ask when their international specialist will be available for appointments. I was able to schedule directly with someone who actually knew the Germany-specific rules, and it was night and day compared to speaking with general claims representatives. Also, for what it's worth, I've been tracking naturalization processing times in my area through the USCIS website's case processing times tool. It's been pretty consistent at 10-11 months lately, which might help you plan your timeline. The documentation advice from everyone here is spot-on too. I started keeping a dedicated folder with copies of every form, notes from every phone call (with dates and names), and screenshots of relevant SSA publications. It's already saved me from conflicting information twice. Thank you for posting this question - the expert responses here have helped me understand my own situation so much better!

I'm a retired federal employee who dealt with international benefits coordination during my career, and I want to emphasize something that hasn't been fully addressed: the importance of understanding how your survivor benefits will be treated for tax purposes once you move to Germany. As a US citizen living abroad, you'll still need to file US tax returns on your worldwide income, including your Social Security survivor benefits. However, the US-Germany tax treaty may affect how these benefits are taxed. Germany may also have tax implications for your US Social Security income. Additionally, I'd strongly recommend requesting a "benefit verification letter" from SSA once your survivor benefits are approved. This official document proves your benefit entitlement and can be crucial when dealing with German authorities for residency, healthcare, or other social services. Many countries require proof of foreign income sources. One more practical consideration: set up online access to your my Social Security account before you move abroad. Some people have reported difficulty accessing or managing their accounts from certain international locations, so having everything set up while you're still in the US is wise. The legal and SSA experts here have given you excellent advice about the citizenship-first approach. I just wanted to add these practical considerations that often get overlooked but can create significant headaches later if not planned for properly.

I'm glad to see so many helpful people sharing their experiences here! As someone who works with seniors navigating benefits, I wanted to add a few more practical tips: 1. **Timing of payments**: Survivor benefits are typically paid on the second Wednesday of each month, but your very first payment might take 4-6 weeks after approval to arrive. 2. **Bank account requirements**: Make sure the bank account you use for direct deposit is in your name only - SSA won't deposit into joint accounts where you're not the primary account holder. 3. **Change of address**: If you move after your benefits start, update your address immediately with SSA. Delayed mail can cause payment issues or missed important notices. 4. **Annual statements**: You'll receive a Social Security Statement each year showing your benefit amount and any deductions. Keep these for your records - they're helpful for taxes and proving income. The fact that you're asking these detailed questions shows you're well-prepared. One last suggestion: consider bringing a trusted friend or family member to your SSA appointment if possible. Having an extra set of ears can be helpful when you're processing a lot of new information during an emotionally difficult time. Best wishes with your application process!

I'm sorry for your loss and want to share some additional information that might help with your survivor benefits application. One important detail that hasn't been mentioned yet is that survivor benefits aren't subject to the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) or Government Pension Offset (GPO) that can reduce other Social Security benefits. Since you mentioned not working enough to qualify for benefits on your own record, this probably doesn't apply to you, but it's good to know. Also, regarding your $1,750 monthly estimate - make sure to ask SSA whether this figure already accounts for the early claiming reduction. Sometimes the online calculators can be confusing about whether they're showing the full benefit amount or the reduced amount you'd actually receive at 60. Another tip for your appointment: if you have any questions about your late husband's work history or benefit amount, bring his most recent Social Security Statement if you have it, or any award letters he may have received. This can help expedite the process and ensure they're using the correct earnings record for your calculation. Finally, don't forget to ask about Medicare enrollment when you turn 65. Even though you won't qualify for premium-free Part A based on your own work record, you should still be eligible based on your husband's work history, which will save you significant money on healthcare costs. Good luck with your appointment - you're asking all the right questions and will do great!