I'm currently going through this exact same situation! Filed my application in mid-October and it's been stuck on Step 2 for about 8 weeks now. Like many others here, I also have government employment history - worked for a state agency for 11 years with a pension. Reading through all these comments has been so enlightening, especially the explanation from the retired SSA specialist about WEP reviews. I had no idea that government pensions could trigger such lengthy manual verification processes! The MySocialSecurity messaging approach sounds promising - I'm going to try that today and specifically mention my state employment history. It's incredibly frustrating not having transparency about what's happening, but at least now I understand this is likely a legitimate review process rather than my application being lost or forgotten. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences and advice - it's reassuring to know I'm not alone in this waiting game!

I'm dealing with almost the exact same situation! Filed my Social Security application in early November and it's been stuck on Step 2 for about 7 weeks now. Like several others here, I also have government employment history - worked for a municipal water department for 14 years with a pension. This entire thread has been incredibly eye-opening, especially the retired SSA specialist's explanation about WEP reviews. I had absolutely no clue that government pensions could trigger such lengthy manual verification processes! It's so frustrating that this information isn't communicated upfront when you apply. Based on all the great advice here, I'm going to send a detailed MySocialSecurity message today specifically mentioning my municipal employment history and asking for status updates. The suggestion about contacting the pension system directly to ask them to prioritize their response to SSA is genius - I'm definitely going to try that approach too. It's oddly comforting to see so many of us in the same boat with government employment delays. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences and strategies - this gives me hope that persistence and the right approach will eventually get us through this process!

my aunt just went thru this! if u get denied don't give up, she got denied first time then got a lawyer and won her case. her disability on her dead husbands record is like $2200/month i think

I work as a benefits counselor and wanted to add some practical advice for your situation. Since you're 56 applying for DWB, you're in a good position age-wise, but the medical evidence will be crucial. For getting benefit estimates, I've found success with this approach: Call the national number (1-800-772-1213) and specifically ask to speak with a "Technical Expert" about "Disabled Widow's Benefits calculation." Don't just ask for a general estimate - be very specific about what type of benefit you're requesting information about. Also, since your son's benefits will end when he turns 18, make sure you understand the "family maximum" rules. Right now, your family's total benefits are likely subject to a family maximum cap. When your son's benefits stop, your DWB amount won't increase to compensate - it will remain the same percentage of your husband's PIA. One more tip: Start gathering ALL your medical records now, including mental health records if applicable. The more complete your medical file, the better your chances of approval on the first try. Good luck with your consultative exam!

I'm a newcomer here but wanted to add my voice of support - you are absolutely making the right choice for yourself and your peace of mind. I haven't personally gone through this with SSA yet, but I completely understand your desire for complete independence from your ex. After reading through all these responses, it's clear that while SSA makes this process challenging, it's definitely possible. The advice about using specific terminology like "restrict the scope of my application," "voluntary restriction of benefits," and "withdraw my deemed filing" seems invaluable. What strikes me most is how many people here truly understand that this isn't about the money - it's about your right to complete autonomy and closure. The fact that you have to fight so hard for something that should be a simple personal choice is frustrating, but don't let SSA wear you down. Your mental health and independence are worth more than any additional monthly payment. Keep all the great advice from this thread handy when you call back, and remember that persistence will pay off!

I'm new to this community but I wanted to share some additional perspective as someone who works in benefits administration (not SSA, but similar federal programs). What you're experiencing is unfortunately very common - the SSA's training focuses heavily on maximizing benefits for claimants, so representatives often struggle with requests to decline benefits. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is that you might want to ask specifically for a "Withdrawal of Application" form if they've already processed the spousal benefits portion. This is different from restricting the initial scope and might be necessary if they've already deemed you to have filed for both types of benefits. Also, consider reaching out to your local SSA office's Public Affairs Specialist if you continue to hit roadblocks. They often have more experience with unusual requests and can help ensure your case gets handled properly. Your desire for complete financial independence is completely valid, and you shouldn't have to justify it to anyone. The fact that so many people in this thread have successfully navigated this process proves it can be done - you just need to find the right representative who knows the procedures. Stay strong and don't let them pressure you into accepting something you don't want!

Great advice from everyone here! Just wanted to add one more thing that might be helpful - if you do decide to cash out the pension, consider consulting with a tax professional beforehand. Lump sum pension distributions can have significant tax implications, especially if it pushes you into a higher tax bracket for that year. You might end up owing more in taxes than expected, which could eat into the funds you need for the medical equipment. Some people find it beneficial to roll part of the pension into an IRA to spread out the tax burden. Just another consideration for your financial planning!

As someone who works with disability benefits, I want to emphasize something that might get overlooked - if you're considering cashing out the pension, make sure you understand the "spend down" requirements for any means-tested benefits you might have. For programs like MSP (Medicare Savings Program) that you mentioned, there's usually a monthly income test AND a resource/asset test. A large lump sum pension withdrawal could temporarily disqualify you from these programs even if you spend the money quickly on medical equipment. Some states have "spend down" provisions where you can regain eligibility once your resources drop below the limit again, but there might be a gap in coverage. It's worth asking your state Medicaid office about their specific spend-down rules and whether there are any exceptions for medical expenses before you make the withdrawal.

As a newcomer to this community, I want to thank everyone for sharing such detailed and helpful experiences! I'm particularly grateful for the practical advice about the 3-4 day waiting period before getting concerned, and the tip about checking with banks for fraud detection holds - I never would have thought of that. The mention of Claimyr for getting through to SSA phone lines is also really useful to know about. It's reassuring to see that while payment delays can be stressful, they seem to resolve fairly quickly in most cases. This thread is definitely going in my bookmarks as a reference for the future. Thanks again to everyone who took the time to share their knowledge and experiences!

As a newcomer to this community, I just want to say how incredibly helpful this entire discussion has been! I'm currently receiving SSDI benefits and while I haven't experienced any payment delays yet, reading through everyone's experiences and advice gives me so much more confidence about what to do if it ever happens. The step-by-step approach that's emerged from all your collective wisdom is really valuable: check MySocialSecurity account, contact the bank about potential fraud holds, wait 3-4 days for processing issues, then call SSA if needed. I'm especially grateful for the practical tips like using Claimyr to get through phone lines and knowing that payments continue during government shutdowns. It's also reassuring to see how supportive everyone is here - jumping in with real experiences and solutions rather than just generic advice. I'm definitely bookmarking this thread as my go-to reference. Thank you all for creating such a welcoming and informative community!