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
As someone who's been navigating the Social Security system for a few years now, I really appreciate how this discussion broke down the earnings test complexities. The annual vs monthly calculation is probably the most misunderstood aspect of early retirement benefits. One thing I'd add for anyone in a similar situation - if you're self-employed or have irregular income like consulting work, it's even more important to stay in touch with SSA throughout the year. Your earnings can fluctuate significantly, and it's better to overestimate and adjust than to underestimate and face a larger overpayment. Also, for those worried about phone wait times, I've found that calling right when they open (8 AM local time) or during lunch hours (12-2 PM) tends to have shorter hold times. Mid-morning and late afternoon seem to be their busiest periods. The automatic benefit recalculation at FRA that Natasha mentioned is really a silver lining that more people should know about - it essentially means you're not permanently penalized for working while receiving early benefits.
This is such valuable advice, especially about the best times to call SSA! I'm new to dealing with Social Security issues and honestly had no idea the system was this complex. The point about self-employed/consulting income being even trickier makes a lot of sense - those irregular paychecks would make it really hard to predict your annual total. I'm bookmarking this thread because there's so much practical information here that you just can't get from the official websites. Thanks to everyone who shared their real experiences - it's incredibly helpful for those of us just starting to navigate this system!
This thread has been incredibly informative! As someone who's new to this community and just starting to think about early retirement planning, I had no idea the Social Security earnings test was this complicated. The distinction between monthly and annual limits seems to catch a lot of people off guard. What really stands out to me is how proactive communication with SSA seems to be the key - rather than waiting for them to discover the overpayment later. The fact that withheld benefits actually increase your monthly payment at FRA is fascinating and definitely not something I would have known without reading everyone's experiences here. For those still dealing with phone wait times, has anyone tried using the SSA's online services to report earnings changes? I'm wondering if some of these updates can be handled through their website instead of calling, though I imagine complex situations probably still require speaking with an agent. Thanks to everyone who shared their real-world experiences - this kind of practical advice is invaluable for understanding how these policies actually work in practice!
Welcome to the community! You're absolutely right about the value of proactive communication with SSA. Regarding online services - unfortunately, most earnings-related updates for the earnings test still require phone calls or in-person visits. The SSA website is great for checking benefit amounts and basic account info, but complex situations like reporting expected annual earnings that will exceed the limit typically need direct agent interaction. The online "Report Wages" feature is mainly for after-the-fact reporting rather than proactive planning. That's why the phone tips from @Cedric Chung about optimal calling times are so helpful - it s'often unavoidable to speak with someone directly for these situations.
Join the conversation
Just wanted to add - if you're doing this for marriage, make sure your marriage certificate is certified! I made the mistake of bringing a regular copy and they wouldn't accept it. Had to go back to the courthouse to get a certified one. Also, if you have any questions about what counts as "certified," call ahead - some offices are pickier than others. The whole process is definitely a hassle but you'll get through it! 💪
Thanks for starting this thread! I'm actually going through the same process right now. One thing I learned from calling the SSA office directly is that you should also bring a backup form of ID if you have one (like a passport if you're bringing your driver's license as primary ID). The agent told me sometimes one form might not scan properly in their system, so having a backup can save you a trip back. Also, if you're nervous about the appointment, don't be! The staff I spoke with were really helpful and patient. You got this! 🙌
This is such great advice about bringing backup ID! I hadn't thought about the scanning issue. Thanks for sharing that tip - it's exactly the kind of thing that could save a lot of hassle. Did they mention if there are specific types of backup ID that work better than others?
Join the conversation
Thanks everyone for the helpful responses. This clarifies a lot for our retirement planning. I'll definitely look into speaking with SSA directly about our specific situation, but it's good to know I have options if the unfortunate happens. The strategy of taking survivor benefits while letting my own continue to grow until 70 makes a lot of sense financially.
This is such valuable information for retirement planning. I'm in a similar boat - reached FRA but haven't claimed yet, and my spouse is a few years younger. The ability to claim survivor benefits while letting your own retirement benefits grow with delayed retirement credits until age 70 is a strategy I hadn't fully understood before reading this thread. It's reassuring to know there's flexibility in these difficult situations, even though nobody wants to think about losing their spouse. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and knowledge here.
I'm also new to understanding all these Social Security rules and this thread has been incredibly helpful! As someone just starting to research retirement planning, I had no idea about the distinction between survivor benefits and regular spousal benefits, or that you could use this sequencing strategy. It's comforting to know that even in difficult circumstances, there are options designed to help surviving spouses maximize their benefits. The real-world examples people shared here really help make sense of how this works in practice.
Join the conversation
I just wanted to add one more thing that really helped me during my CE - don't be afraid to ask for breaks if you need them! I was worried about seeming "dramatic," but halfway through my exam, I was experiencing significant fatigue and my legs were getting shaky. I asked if I could sit down for a minute, and the doctor was completely understanding. He actually made a note of it, which I think helped document how my conditions affect my stamina. Also, if you use any adaptive equipment at home (shower chair, grabber tools, etc.) or have made modifications to your daily routine because of your symptoms, definitely mention those. The doctor needs to understand not just what you CAN do, but what accommodations you need to do those things. One last tip - after your exam, write down everything you remember while it's fresh. Note how long the exam lasted, what tests were done, and how you felt afterward. If there's a significant delay in your case or if you need to appeal, these details can be really valuable. You're going to do great tomorrow. Remember, you're not asking for anything you don't deserve - you're simply documenting the reality of living with your conditions. Wishing you all the best!
Thank you so much, Roger! That's such important advice about asking for breaks. I tend to push through pain and fatigue because I don't want to seem like I'm exaggerating, but you're absolutely right that it's actually important documentation. I do use several adaptive tools at home - a shower chair, long-handled sponges, and I've had to rearrange my kitchen to avoid bending. I hadn't thought about mentioning those modifications but that makes perfect sense. Writing everything down afterward is also a great tip - I'll definitely do that. Everyone in this thread has been so incredibly helpful and supportive. I'm feeling much more prepared and confident about tomorrow. Thank you all for taking the time to share your experiences and advice - it means more than you know!
Just wanted to wish you the very best for your CE tomorrow! Reading through everyone's advice here, it sounds like you're going in well-prepared. I went through a similar process for my disability claim (different condition, but same anxiety level), and what really helped me was remembering that this exam is just one piece of the puzzle - not the make-or-break moment I'd built it up to be in my mind. One small thing I'd add to all the excellent advice already given: if you take any photos or videos of yourself on particularly difficult days (maybe struggling to walk or showing tremors/coordination issues), consider mentioning that you have this documentation available. You don't need to bring it to the CE, but it can be valuable evidence for your overall case file. Also, try to get a good night's sleep tonight if possible. I know that's easier said than done with MS and neuropathy pain, but being as rested as you can be will help you communicate more clearly tomorrow. You've got an entire community here rooting for you! Please update us when you can - we'll all be thinking of you. Remember, you're simply documenting your reality, and you absolutely deserve support for the challenges you're facing. Good luck tomorrow! 🍀
Thank you so much, Chloe! Your support and everyone else's here has been incredible. I never thought about documenting my worst days with photos or videos, but that's such a smart idea for building a complete picture of how these conditions affect me. I actually do have some videos on my phone from days when my coordination was really bad - I took them to show my neurologist. I'll definitely mention that I have this kind of documentation available. I'm going to try my best to get some rest tonight, though the anticipation is making it tough. But honestly, after reading all these thoughtful responses, I feel so much more prepared and less alone in this process. I promise to update everyone once I get through tomorrow. Thank you all again for being such an amazing support system! 💙
Haley Stokes
Reading through all these experiences has been so helpful! I'm in a somewhat similar situation - I've been on SSDI for about 5 years and will be turning 62 next year. My marriage lasted 11 years before we divorced, and I've been single ever since. One thing that hasn't been mentioned much is the impact on taxes. Since I'm already close to the income threshold where Social Security benefits become taxable, I'm wondering if anyone knows whether the additional amount from ex-spousal benefits would push me into owing taxes on my Social Security income? Right now I don't pay federal taxes on my SSDI, but I'm worried that extra income might change that. Also, has anyone had experience with this when your ex-spouse lives in a different state? I know mine moved to Texas about 10 years ago, but I'm not sure if that complicates the application process at all. Thanks to everyone who's shared their stories - it's making this whole process seem much less intimidating!
0 coins
Fatima Al-Maktoum
•Great questions about the tax implications! You're smart to think about that ahead of time. The additional amount you'd receive from ex-spousal benefits would be treated the same as any other Social Security income for tax purposes, so yes, it could potentially push you into the taxable range if you're already close to the threshold. The current thresholds are around $25,000 for single filers, so if your total income (including half of your Social Security benefits) exceeds that, you might owe taxes on up to 85% of your benefits. As for your ex living in Texas, that shouldn't complicate things at all! Social Security is a federal program, so it doesn't matter which state either of you lives in. When you apply, they'll be able to locate his earnings record regardless of where he's moved to. The SSA's computer systems are nationwide, so his location won't affect your eligibility or the application process. It might be worth talking to a tax professional about the potential tax impact before you apply, especially if you're right on the edge of that income threshold. Sometimes it's better to know exactly where you stand financially before making the decision!
0 coins
Destiny Bryant
This thread has been incredibly informative! I'm in a similar boat - turning 62 in a few months and have been on SSDI for about 7 years. My biggest takeaway is that it sounds like there's really no downside to at least calling SSA and getting the numbers, since you can't actually lose money by applying. One thing I wanted to add that might help others: I recently discovered that many local Social Security offices offer in-person appointments if phone calls feel too overwhelming. I know some people (especially those of us dealing with disabilities) sometimes find face-to-face conversations easier to follow than long phone calls. You can schedule appointments online through the SSA website, and they're usually less rushed than phone conversations. @Ivanna St. Pierre - based on everything I've read here, it really sounds like getting those benefit estimates from SSA is your best next step. Even if the extra amount at 62 isn't huge, having that additional monthly income could help with your medical expenses. And knowing that your Medicare won't be affected no matter what you choose has to be a huge relief! Thanks to everyone who shared their real experiences - it makes navigating this system feel so much less scary when you hear from people who've actually been through it.
0 coins