my cousin works for ssa he says they are super behind right now bc of budget cuts

Just checking back - were you able to get through to anyone? My neighbor just went through something similar and she had to provide her military discharge papers from 40 years ago! They never even told her that was what they were waiting for until she finally got someone on the phone.

Something no one mentioned yet - when you switch, you might get a different payment date! My survivor benefits always came on the 3rd of the month, but after I switched to my own retirement benefit, my payment date changed to the 4th Wednesday. Just something to be aware of so you don't panic if your payment doesn't show up on the usual day.

Based on everyone's experiences here, let me summarize the best approach for you: 1. Apply 3-4 months before your May birthday (so January/February) 2. Specify you are doing a CONVERSION from survivor benefits to your own retirement benefits 3. If possible, apply in person at your local office (bring appointment confirmation) 4. Bring your ID, Social Security card, birth certificate, and banking information 5. Get a copy of your earnings record beforehand to verify calculations 6. Ask specifically about the payment date for your new benefits 7. Get the name of everyone you speak with and keep detailed notes 8. Request written confirmation of your application This should help ensure a smooth transition without payment gaps.

Just to clarify for everyone - the SSA is required by law to issue a Form SSA-1099 (or SSA-1042S for nonresident aliens) to each beneficiary who received Social Security benefits during the previous calendar year. Even if your husband only received one payment in December 2024, he will get a 1099 for tax year 2024. The official deadline is January 31st, but new beneficiaries often have to wait a bit longer. If you don't see it by February 15th, then I would recommend contacting SSA directly.

btw if u really need the info before the 1099 comes u can calculate it yourself... just look at the deposit amount in his bank account, that's what my tax guy told us to do last year when we were in the same boat

Thank you all for the helpful responses! I think I understand my options better now. Since my own benefit at my FRA would be higher than the spousal benefit, I need to decide whether to take my reduced benefit now or wait until 67 for the full amount. I'm leaning toward waiting since the permanent reduction seems substantial, but I'll need to look at our overall financial situation. I'm definitely going to try to speak with someone at SSA directly before making my final decision.

I had to make this exact decision last year. The way I looked at it was: if I claim at 63, I'd get about 30% less forever. The break-even point where waiting until FRA pays off is usually around age 78-82 depending on your specific numbers. If you think you'll live past that age (and most women do!), waiting until at least FRA is usually better financially in the long run. I ended up claiming at 64 because I had some unexpected expenses, but I wish I could have waited longer. Definitely try to speak with SSA directly before deciding!

anyone else notice how the SSA seems to be getting slower every year?? my parents got their benefits started way faster when they applied like 10 years ago

One more important thing to check - verify that the "February" start date is showing correctly in your MySocialSecurity account. Sometimes people select a month but the system records it differently based on the day of the month you apply and when you want benefits to begin. If your account shows a March start date (rather than February), that would explain the April payment since benefits are paid the following month. If there's truly an error with your start date, you'll want to contact SSA right away to get it corrected before payments begin. Much easier to fix beforehand than to request corrections after payments have started.

my dad got hung up on twice last month trying to deal with his GPO situation its like they dont want to help csrs people

To update on your specific question - yes, most SSA offices will help you with a walk-in, but be prepared for significant wait times. For establishing a protective filing date related to WEP/GPO specifically, I recommend: 1. Bring your CSRS pension documentation 2. Bring both your and your wife's SS cards and IDs 3. Have a simple written statement explaining you want to establish a protective filing date for spousal benefits in anticipation of potential legislative changes 4. Arrive first thing in the morning (ideally 30+ minutes before opening) 5. Be polite but firm about needing written documentation of the protective filing date Also, your wife does need to be present since it's her benefit application. The current GPO reduction is significant with CSRS pensions, so be prepared for them to try to discourage filing, but stand firm on establishing that date regardless.

When I applied for my benefits, I found it helpful to create a spreadsheet comparing my income scenarios at different claiming ages. Even with the WEP reduction, delaying SS to 70 increased my lifetime expected benefits (assuming average longevity). One more tip - when you apply, make sure they have all your earnings correctly recorded. I discovered two years where my earnings weren't properly recorded, and correcting this increased my benefit.

Final advice - make an appointment with SSA specifically to discuss WEP and your situation. While the online tools are good, the WEP calculation is complex, and you want someone who understands the nuances. Bring documentation of your STRS pension amount and any information about your work history, especially evidence of your years with substantial earnings under Social Security. SSA uses a modified formula to calculate your benefit under WEP, and having an agent walk through that with you can help you understand exactly what you'll receive. Despite the reduction, receiving something from Social Security in addition to your STRS pension will definitely enhance your retirement security.

my friend gets royalties from a book she wrote and she said it doesnt count for ss earnings limit. probably same for oil?

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! I feel much more comfortable now understanding that my oil royalties don't count toward the earnings test since they're passive income. I'll stick with my part-time job making $15K which keeps me well under the $21,240 limit. Really appreciate this community!

One important thing to mention regarding EDS and related conditions - these can be tricky cases because symptoms can vary in severity day to day. Make sure your son's medical records capture this variability rather than just how he presents on "good days." A symptom diary documenting day-to-day limitations can be extremely helpful evidence. Have him track things like: - Pain levels throughout the day - Activities attempted and whether he could complete them - Hours spent resting/recovering after activities - Medication side effects - Episodes of dizziness, fatigue, joint dislocations, etc. This kind of documentation can be powerful when combined with medical records, especially for conditions with invisible symptoms that might not be obvious during brief medical appointments.

A simple journal is fine, but I recommend creating a consistent format that includes: 1. Date and time 2. Symptom/limitation description 3. Severity rating (1-10) 4. Duration 5. What helped (if anything) 6. What activities were impacted This format makes it easier for SSA to connect symptoms to specific functional limitations that would prevent work. For example, instead of just "I was dizzy today," entries like "Severe dizziness (8/10) when standing for more than 5 minutes; had to lie down for 2 hours afterward; couldn't prepare meals or shower" provide the functional details SSA needs. Also, make sure your son is seeing his doctors regularly throughout this process. Gaps in treatment can be used against your case, even when those gaps occur because he's too ill to get to appointments.

IMPORTANT: The wait times after your CE can be EXCRUCIATING. My first application took 7 months after the CE to get a decision (denied, of course). Second time was 5 months. Third time with a lawyer was still 4 months. The SSA disability system is BROKEN and DESIGNED to wear you down. After your exam, you need to stay on top of your case. Call for updates regularly. If you can't get through, which is LIKELY, that's when many people use a call service to connect with SSA. The regular phone system is a JOKE.

One technical point about MS and SSDI that's important to understand: MS is one of the conditions listed in SSA's "Blue Book" Listing of Impairments (specifically 11.09). However, meeting this listing can be challenging as it requires specific documentation of: 1. Disorganization of motor function in two extremities resulting in extreme limitation in ability to stand up, balance, or use arms, OR 2. Marked limitation in physical functioning AND in one of the following: understanding/remembering/applying information; interacting with others; concentrating/persisting/maintaining pace; or adapting/managing oneself. This is why the consultative exam is important, but also why you should ensure all symptoms are thoroughly documented by your treating neurologist. The CE is one piece of evidence, but your ongoing specialist records often carry more weight.