So glad they FINALLY fixed this stupid unfair rule! My wife worked as a teacher in Illinois for 30 years (no SS) but also worked summers and after retirement at jobs with SS. She got almost NOTHING from all those SS contributions because of WEP. It's about time they fixed this!

Thanks for sharing. I had a completely wrong understanding of how this worked. I'm glad the change is helping people like your wife who paid into both systems but weren't getting their fair share from SS.

Watch out for the earnings limit if your still working!!! If your under FRA (full retirement age) and make over $21,240 in 2025 they will take back $1 for every $2 you earn over that amount. MANY people don't know this and get SHOCKED when SS demands money back!!!

One more thing to know - if you file on April 6th, your payment date will be based on your birthday as others mentioned, but your actual benefit amount is based on the month. So even though you're starting on the 6th, you'll get credit from April 1st. Social Security doesn't prorate by days within a month - they pay by full month once you've filed within that month.

one thing nobody mentioned is the earnings limit changes every year. for 2025 i think its around $22,300 if ur under FRA. so make sure ur using the right limit when figuring out how much theyll take.

One more important detail: in the year you reach FRA, the earnings limit is much higher, and the penalty is reduced to $1 for every $3 over the limit (not $1 for $2). Also, in that year, they only count earnings before the month you reach FRA. So if you turn 67 in July 2030, they would only count your earnings from January through June of 2030, and you'd be subject to the higher limit and reduced penalty rate. This can make a big difference in your planning.

BE CAREFUL about the one year deadline for withdrawal!!! I missed mine by 9 days and they REFUSED to let me withdraw. Check the EXACT date you first received benefits and make sure all your paperwork is done before that anniversary. The SSA is extremely strict about this timeline and will not make exceptions.

What happens with the January payment? Do you have to send in more paperwork to pay that back too, or does the original withdrawal request cover all payments including ones that come while it's processing?

My sister lives in NY and they tax her social security! She's thinking of moving to PA just for this reason lol

Based on the numbers you shared in your replies ($23,400 in SS benefits, $19,000 from work, and $3,000 in dividends), your combined income for federal tax purposes would be approximately: $19,000 (work) + $3,000 (dividends) + $11,700 (half of SS) = $33,700 This puts you in the middle tier where up to 50% of your benefits could be taxable. However, the actual amount that's taxable involves additional calculations using IRS worksheets. I recommend either using tax software that can handle this calculation or consulting with a tax professional who understands Social Security taxation. The actual tax impact might be less than you fear.

Has anybody here had their child denied at the 16 year determination? My friend's son got denied even though he has documented disabilities and she's freaking out about it. I'm worried the same could happen to my nephew when he turns 16 next year.

Another consideration: once your daughter turns 18, even if she continues on survivor's benefits as a disabled adult child (DAC), she might also qualify for SSI if those survivor benefits are below the maximum federal benefit rate (currently $943/month for 2023). Also, when she turns 18, think about whether you should become her representative payee. If her disabilities affect her ability to manage finances, having you continue as her payee might be best. SSA will evaluate this when she transitions to adult benefits. Regarding work - some parents in your situation find that working full-time actually improves their overall financial situation because of benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions, even after accounting for the loss of SS benefits. It's worth doing a complete financial analysis.

Just to clarify something important about survivor benefits that many people misunderstand: If you're already at full retirement age when you apply for widow's benefits, you'll get 100% of your deceased spouse's benefit amount. But if you take your own retirement early (before your FRA), and then later switch to survivor benefits, your survivor benefit won't be reduced. However, if you take survivor benefits early (before your survivor FRA), they will be reduced. The reduction amounts are different than for regular retirement benefits. This is why it's so important to compare scenarios like the agent did for you. Sometimes taking your own reduced benefit first, then switching to survivor benefits at your FRA is the best strategy.

My mother had a similar experience when my dad passed. She was shocked they answered all her questions by phone. I think people don't realize that for many common situations (especially straightforward survivor benefits), they've really improved their phone service. Now getting through and not being on hold for 2 hours is another story...

While you're waiting, make sure you gather any financial information you might need for the next steps. Once your benefits are approved, you'll want to set up direct deposit if you haven't already. Also, start thinking about whether you need to have taxes withheld from your benefits - this isn't required, but it can help avoid a surprise tax bill later. These are things I wish someone had told me when I was in your position.

One other thing to know: the first payment might come separately from your award letter. In my experience helping clients with survivor benefits, sometimes the payment is deposited before the official letter arrives. So keep an eye on your bank account too, not just your mailbox.

To answer your question about whether they're sent separately or together - each beneficiary receives their own SSA-1099, even if you're married. So you and your husband will each receive a separate form with your own Social Security number on it. They typically mail them around the same time, but they might arrive on different days.

one more thing - check if u already had taxes taken out of ur monthly payments. u can choose that option when u first sign up and it makes tax time easier. box 3 on the 1099 will show if u did

i thought u cant work AT ALL when getting ss??

Thank you everyone for the helpful responses! Just to summarize what I've learned: 1. My 2024 earnings won't affect my benefits starting in January 2025 2. Since I'm not working in 2025, I won't have any earnings test issues 3. I understand I'm taking a permanent reduction by claiming at 63.4 4. My 2024 earnings might actually increase my benefit slightly when SSA recalculates I think I'm good to proceed with filing in early December for my January start date. Really appreciate all the advice!