Just to add from my experience - persistence is key. Some agents are better informed than others. If you call back, you might get a different agent who knows the proper procedures. When I used Claimyr to get through, I was connected to an agent within 20 minutes who immediately understood the situation and processed my application without the missing ex-spouse info.

Update: I called SSA back today and got through to someone who was much more helpful! She said for the deceased ex-wife, they just needed her name and approximate year of death. For the other ex, I explained the situation and she said they'd note that the information was unavailable. My application is moving forward! Thanks everyone for the advice - it gave me the confidence to push back a little when they were asking for impossible information.

I'm confused about something... do ALL foreign pensions trigger WEP? My sister gets a tiny pension from Italy (like $100/month) and nobody ever said anything about reductions. Maybe it's too small to matter??

one thing nobody mentioned is taxes. my friend gets a UK pension and had to file some complicated tax form for foreign income. something to think about too

omg i'm so confused by all this pension offset stuff too!! my husband worked for the county for 20 yrs and i worked retail my whole life and we still dont know what were getting when we retire next year. all these rules make my head spin!!!!

One additional important point: Your husband will only be able to collect spousal benefits when YOU file for your retirement benefits. Since you're planning to wait until 70, he won't be able to receive spousal benefits until then, even if he's already retired from his federal job. There used to be a strategy called "file and suspend" that would have allowed him to collect while you delayed, but that option was eliminated in 2015 with the Bipartisan Budget Act. So factor that timing into your retirement plans.

Thank you all for the helpful information! I'm going to try to schedule an appointment with SSA to discuss this further. I'll specifically ask about the RIB-LIM calculation and the potential strategies for switching between my own benefits and survivor benefits depending on which is higher at different ages. It's more complicated than I thought, but I feel better equipped now to ask the right questions.

Just a quick clarification that might help others reading this thread - the survivor benefit for a divorced spouse follows the same rules as for a current spouse, IF the marriage lasted at least 10 years. The key difference is that for a divorced spouse claiming survivor benefits, you can claim as early as age 60 regardless of whether your ex has filed for benefits or not (unlike spousal benefits while they're alive, which require the worker to have filed). Also worth noting that remarriage after 60 doesn't prevent you from claiming survivor benefits on your ex's record. This trips up a lot of people who think any remarriage would disqualify them.

my friend was in your exact situation!!! she said when she went to the SSA office in person they told her everything, but when she called they wouldnt give her any info about the ex. so maybe try going in person if u can?

Thanks for all the helpful advice everyone! I'm going to try calling SSA this week using that Claimyr service someone mentioned. If that doesn't work, I'll try to make an in-person appointment. I'll update once I find out if I qualify for the higher amount on my ex's record.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO DISCOURAGE WORKING SENIORS!!! Why should they take away benefits just because you're trying to supplement your income?? It's OUR MONEY we paid in all those years! The earnings limits are just a way to keep more of our money longer. The fact that they eventually "adjust" it doesn't help when you need the money NOW to pay bills.

Thank you all for the helpful responses! I feel much better knowing that these reductions aren't permanent. I'll make sure to report my lower earnings estimate to SSA right away and keep good records of everything. I'm still a few years away from FRA, but it's good to know that they'll make adjustments when I reach 67. I appreciate all the advice!

I forgot to mention another important point - if you're having trouble with the online account, make sure you've notified SSA of your foreign address through their official change of address process. Some expats don't realize this is a separate requirement from setting up direct deposit to a foreign bank or US bank. If they don't have your current address on file, it can cause other issues with your online access attempts.

my wifes cousin works for ssa and she said they actually ARE working on a solution for international beneficiaries but its been delayed bc of budget issues. supposed to roll out sometime next year maybe

Just to follow up on my earlier comment - something else to be aware of: if your father was receiving Social Security benefits, they technically aren't payable for the month of death. So if he passed away in May, the check received in June (which pays for May) would need to be returned. However, if the check you found is from before that, then it's considered an underpayment and can be reissued to eligible survivors. Also, as executor, make sure you're aware of the lump-sum death payment of $255 that may be available to eligible surviving spouses or dependent children. It's not much, but every bit helps with final expenses.

did anyone else notice they raised that death benefit to $325 starting in 2025? read it somewhere last week

dont waste ur time calling local offices they never answer...use the 800 number

One additional important note: If you do start working, even part-time and under the SGA limit, be sure to report your work activity to Social Security right away. Not reporting work is one of the most common reasons people end up with overpayments they have to pay back. You can report changes in work status through your my Social Security account online, by mail, or by phone. Also, if you're interested in returning to work, look into the Ticket to Work program. It provides free employment support services and additional protections for your benefits while you test your ability to work.

My husband's cousin didn't report his extra income and the SSA hit him with a HUGE overpayment notice two years later!!! They wanted ALL the money back at once! Such a nightmare! Don't make that mistake!!

To summarize for you: 1. You can't suspend benefits until FRA (probably 66+some months for you) 2. You'll exceed the earnings limit with your contract ($30k vs ~$21k limit) 3. SSA will withhold about $4,380 from your benefits (probably as 2-3 full months with no payment) 4. You'll still come out financially ahead by taking the contract 5. Report your expected earnings to SSA right away in January 6. When you reach FRA, you'll get credit for the withheld months Good luck with your contract!