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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!
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Really made a difference, save me time and energy from going to a local office for making the call.
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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!
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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.
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Emily Parker
My sister tried to get answers from SS on this EXACT question and got nowhere!! She called for THREE DAYS and either got disconnected or told different things by different ppl. its so frustrating!!!!
Ezra Collins
•Tell her to try Claimyr.com - they get you through to an actual Social Security representative without the wait. I was skeptical, but it worked for me when I needed to sort out my husband's disability application. You can see a demo video at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU showing exactly how it works.
Justin Evans
Just to add one more consideration: while your benefits are reduced due to the earnings test, you're still earning additional credits that might increase your future benefit amount. When you file while working, they recalculate your benefit annually to include any higher earning years that might replace lower ones in your top 35 years. So even with the reduction, continuing to work at a good salary could eventually increase your monthly benefit. That said, with your income level, waiting until at least 66 or your full retirement age would likely be more financially advantageous in the long run.
Joshua Wood
•That's a good point about the recalculation! I hadn't considered that my current earnings might be replacing lower earnings from earlier in my career. Based on all the feedback, I think my best option is to continue working and wait until closer to my FRA to file. The earnings test would just wipe out too much of my benefit if I file at 62. Thank you all for the helpful information!
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One crucial detail that hasn't been mentioned: the earnings limit only applies to wages or self-employment income. If you have investment income, interest, dividends, capital gains, pension payments, or annuity payments, those don't count toward the earnings test at all. Only the money you actively earn through working counts. Also, if you do exceed the limit and have some benefits withheld in 2025, you'll get those withheld benefits back gradually after you reach FRA through a recalculation of your monthly benefit amount. So it's not permanently lost money, just temporarily withheld.
I didn't know about getting the withheld benefits back later! That's great information. My salary is my only significant income, so I don't need to worry about the other types of income. Thanks for adding these important details.
CosmicCadet
BTW the exact 2025 numbers haven't been announced yet right? These are just estimates based on 2024?
Correct. The exact 2025 limits will be announced by SSA later this year (probably October 2024) after they calculate the annual COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment). But based on recent years' patterns, the estimates of around $22,320 for the lower limit and $59,520 for the FRA-year limit are likely to be very close to the actual figures.
Social Security WEP overcharge and missing delayed retirement credits - who regulates SSA local offices?
I'm beyond frustrated with my local Social Security office and need help finding who has actual authority over them. I retired at 69 after a career switch to teaching (where I earned a pension) but also have 30+ years paying into Social Security from my first career. For the past 18 months, I've been fighting to get my benefits corrected with no success.Two major issues:1) The local office manager insists they can deduct MORE than the maximum WEP reduction ($795) from my monthly benefit. Everything I've read says there's a maximum WEP penalty, but they won't budge.2) They've completely ignored my delayed retirement credits for working until 69. When I ask for calculations, they claim they "don't have access to how it was calculated."I've made 15+ phone calls, visited the office multiple times, filed a formal appeal (no response after 5 months), and even contacted my state representative who says they can't help. Who actually oversees these local offices? Is there an ombudsman or inspector general I can contact? At this point I feel like I'm being robbed of thousands of dollars annually with no recourse.
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Excellent point about the 30-year rule for WEP elimination. However, it's specifically 30 years of \
Ryder Ross
I checked my earnings record and have 28 years of substantial earnings according to SSA's chart. So I should still get a reduced WEP penalty, not the full amount. I'll make sure to point this out too. Thank you both!
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Has anyone here actually RECEIVED survivor benefits? All this theoretical knowledge is great but I want to hear from someone who's been through the process. My husband is 12 years older than me and I'm worried about navigating this system when I'm grieving someday.
I have (unfortunately). The process was a nightmare!!! They required his death certificate and our marriage certificate and about a million forms. Then they messed up the calculation TWICE. The first check took almost 3 months to arrive after he passed. Make sure you have at least 6 months of expenses saved because the SSA moves like molasses!!!
One important strategy note: If your wife is still relatively young, you might want to consider whether she should switch her benefit strategy. If she's currently receiving a reduced retirement benefit plus spousal supplement, when you pass away, she would receive the higher of: 1. Her own reduced retirement benefit 2. The reduced survivor benefit (reduced because she's taking it before FRA) Depending on your specific benefit amounts and her life expectancy, it might actually be more advantageous for her to restrict her application to just spousal benefits now (if she was born before January 2, 1954 and is at least at FRA) or consider other strategies to maximize her long-term benefits. This is complex enough that you might want to consult with a financial advisor who specializes in Social Security claiming strategies.
I appreciate the suggestion, but unfortunately my wife was born in 1960, so she doesn't qualify for that restricted application option. The SSA representative told us her best option was to take her own reduced benefit with the spousal supplement now, then switch to the survivor benefit if/when I pass away. We didn't even know about the possibility of a restricted application until after she had already filed.
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Salim Nasir
best thing is wait til hes about to file then go to SSA together. bring ALL ur paperwork & get them to figure it out. thats what we did. the online calculators are useless for this complicated stuff
Josef Tearle
•Good idea - I think we'll try to make an appointment. My local office always seems packed and I've heard they're not taking many walk-ins since covid. I'll definitely gather all our paperwork beforehand.
Hazel Garcia
I went through this last year. Called SSA after my husband filed, and they explained that because I filed at 63, my spousal benefit was reduced by about 13.3% from what it would have been if I'd waited until my FRA. The exact percentage depends on how many months early you filed. At 62, you're looking at around a 30% permanent reduction to whatever spousal benefits you qualify for. Definitely worth checking your MySocialSecurity account online - it should show your PIA there.
Josef Tearle
•Thank you! I'll check my online account again. Last time I looked I couldn't find the PIA amount but maybe I missed it. That 30% reduction is significant - makes me wish I'd understood this better before filing.
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Wait I'm confused. Is this the same as SSI? I get SSI and they definitely reduce my payment when I earn too much, and I'm 68. Are we talking about different benefits?
No, SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and Social Security retirement benefits are completely different programs. SSI is needs-based and always has income limits regardless of age. The original poster is asking about regular Social Security retirement benefits, which have earnings limits only before Full Retirement Age. Very common confusion!
One more thing to add - while the earnings limit goes away at FRA, keep in mind that your early filing reduction is permanent. You took benefits at 62, which reduced them by about 30% from what you would have received at 67. That reduction stays in place for life (except for the small adjustment for withheld benefits that another commenter mentioned). This is a trade-off many people make - smaller benefits forever in exchange for getting them 5 years earlier.
Amina Bah
•Yes, I understood that part when I applied. I needed the income at 62 and figured getting something for those 5 years was worth the permanent reduction. Just glad to know I won't be limited on earning potential once I hit 67!
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Carmen Reyes
When my wife died in 2020 I was taking care of my granddaughter and couldn't get to the SSA office during the pandemic. When I finally went to get estimates, they calculated everything and even showed me charts comparing different claiming ages. So yes, they can definitely tell you these numbers! Bring your marriage certificate, his death certificate, and your ID.
Mei Chen
this whole system is so complicated! my husband died last month and i have no idea what im going to get. i should probably do what your doing and figure it out early but im still dealing with all the funeral expenses and paperwork. why cant they just make this stuff simple??
Andre Moreau
•I'm very sorry for your recent loss. Please know that you likely qualify for a one-time death benefit payment of $255 from Social Security if you were living with your husband when he passed. Also, if you have minor children, they may be eligible for survivor benefits immediately. You don't have to figure everything out about your future benefits right now, but applying for any current benefits should be done within the first few months as some benefits are time-sensitive.
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btw dont forgot to check bout Extra Help for medicare prescriptions you might qualify especially after ltd stops!!! saved me like $300/month on my cancer meds!!!
That's a huge savings! I'll definitely look into this. I'm currently taking several medications that are pretty expensive even with my current coverage.
I noticed someone mentioned SNAP benefits earlier. Just to add to that - when your income changes after LTD ends, you may also qualify for: 1. LIHEAP (energy assistance) 2. Property tax relief/rebate programs (if you own your home) 3. Medicaid spend-down programs to help with medical costs not covered by Medicare 4. Subsidized housing options if you're renting Many people don't realize these programs exist and are specifically designed to help in situations like yours. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging (search online for "Area Agency on Aging" + your county) - they have benefits counselors who can help you navigate all these programs for free.
Thank you so much for this comprehensive list! I had no idea there were so many potential resources. I'll definitely look up my local Area Agency on Aging. This gives me some hope that I might be able to make things work financially after all.
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Since your ex-husband passed away 2 years ago, be sure to ask about potential retroactive benefits. While retirement benefits can only be retroactive 6 months, survivor benefits can sometimes be paid retroactive to the date of death (if you were already at eligible age) or the date you reached eligible age. Just be aware that any retroactive payment may affect your tax situation for the year you receive it.
Oh! I hadn't thought about retroactive benefits. That would be really helpful if possible. I'll definitely bring that up when I talk to them. Thank you!
Margot Quinn
congrats on the benefits!! my mom got survivors from my dad and its been a life saver for her. just make sure u call them right away cause they dont give u benefits from before u apply usualy.
Malik Jenkins
I got caught by this last year! Didn't know about the limit and ended up owing SS $4300 for overpayment because I went back to work part time. Now they're taking 10% of my check each month until it's paid back. Make SURE you stay under that limit or notify them right away if your income changes.
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Javier Morales
•Oh no, that's exactly what I'm worried about! Do you know if there's a way to report changes in your earnings during the year, or do they just figure it out after the fact?
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Natasha Petrov
To answer your follow-up question: Yes, you should proactively report significant income changes to Social Security throughout the year. You can do this by calling them directly or visiting your local office. Many people don't realize this, but if you expect to earn over the limit, you can ask SSA to start withholding some benefits in advance to avoid an overpayment situation. They can adjust your benefits throughout the year based on your estimated earnings. And regarding your pension question - correct, regular pension income doesn't count toward the earnings limit. Only wages from jobs and net earnings from self-employment count.
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Javier Morales
•That's really good to know! I'll definitely contact them if my income starts approaching the limit. Better to have them withhold some now than deal with an overpayment later. Thanks for all the helpful information!
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