I'm sorry to hear about your situation - losing $160 suddenly from your monthly benefits is really stressful! Based on what you've shared about being on SSDI and working part-time, it sounds like the most likely explanations are either Trial Work Period/Extended Period of Eligibility issues or an overpayment recovery that SSA initiated without proper notice. Since you mentioned your mail sometimes gets mixed up in your building, I'd definitely check with neighbors to see if any SSA letters ended up elsewhere. They're legally required to notify you before reducing benefits, so if you didn't receive anything, that's a problem on their end. For getting through to SSA, try calling right when they open (8 AM local time) - that's usually when wait times are shortest. You can also try visiting your local field office in person, though you might need to wait there too. Don't give up - you have rights as a beneficiary and they need to explain exactly why your payment was reduced. Keep detailed records of all your attempts to contact them. Good luck!

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now! My SSDI payment dropped by $200 last month with no explanation. After reading through all these responses, I'm realizing I should check if any SSA mail got lost - my apartment complex has had issues with mail delivery lately. One thing that might help you get through to SSA faster: I've had better luck calling the main number (1-800-772-1213) and immediately pressing 0 repeatedly when the automated system starts. Sometimes it bypasses the menu and gets you to hold for an actual person quicker. Also try calling on Wednesdays or Thursdays - Mondays and Fridays seem to be their busiest days. Keep us posted on what you find out - it'll help others who might face the same issue!

Thank you all for the great information! I just checked my Social Security statement online, and thankfully all my work history appears to be there. Based on your advice, I think I'll plan to work at least 2-3 years beyond my FRA to replace some of those zero years. The extra $150-200 per month would make a big difference over a 20+ year retirement. I appreciate everyone sharing their experiences!

Great decision to check your earnings record online! One thing to keep in mind as you plan those extra 2-3 years - make sure you're also considering the tax implications of higher Social Security benefits. Since you're earning $87k now, you'll likely be subject to taxation on up to 85% of your SS benefits when you do retire. It might be worth meeting with a tax professional or financial planner to run scenarios comparing the increased lifetime benefit from working longer versus potentially being in a lower tax bracket if you retire earlier. Sometimes the math isn't as straightforward as it first appears, especially when you factor in Medicare premiums and state taxes. That said, for most people in your situation, working those extra years does pay off significantly over the long term. Just wanted to mention the tax angle since it's often overlooked in these calculations!

Thank you all for this helpful info! I think I'm going to run some actual numbers based on what you've shared. It seems like I have three choices: 1. File at 62, take the permanent reduction AND deal with earnings test reductions 2. Keep working but reduce hours to stay under that $22,320 limit 3. Just wait until my FRA to avoid all these complications I'm leaning toward option 3 now that I understand better. One more question though - when my husband files at 70, does that mean I need to file something with SSA right away to establish myself as eligible for spousal benefits later? Or can I just wait until I reach FRA and then apply?

I'd like to add one more consideration that might help with your decision. Since you mentioned your husband is delaying until 70 to maximize his benefits, you should know that his higher benefit amount will also increase your potential spousal benefit. Spousal benefits are calculated as a percentage of his Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), not his actual benefit amount with delayed retirement credits. However, there's a strategy some couples use called "claim and invest." If you claim spousal benefits at 62 (even with the reductions), you could potentially invest those payments for the 5 years until your FRA. Depending on market performance, this might offset some of the permanent reduction - though this comes with investment risk. Also, regarding your work situation: the earnings test only applies until you reach FRA. Once you hit 67, you can earn any amount without benefit reductions. And as Omar mentioned, any benefits withheld due to the earnings test aren't lost forever - they increase your future monthly payments. Given your numbers ($950 own benefit vs $1,500 spousal at FRA), waiting until FRA for spousal benefits probably makes the most financial sense unless you have an immediate need for the income.

I just joined this community after struggling with government websites for months, and wow - this thread is exactly what I needed to see! I've been putting off updating my contact info with SSA because I was dreading dealing with their website, but now I know I'm not crazy for expecting it to actually work properly. It's both frustrating and comforting to learn that these logout bugs have been affecting so many people for months. The detailed breakdown of solutions here is fantastic - from trying the mobile app to using services like Claimyr to skip hold times. I'm definitely bookmarking this thread for when I finally tackle my own account updates. Thanks to everyone who took the time to share their experiences and follow up with what actually worked. This kind of community knowledge-sharing makes dealing with bureaucratic tech issues so much less overwhelming!

As a newcomer to this community, I'm incredibly grateful to have found this thread! I've been putting off updating my email address with SSA for weeks because I kept running into the same logout error that everyone here has described. Reading through all these experiences has been so validating - I was starting to think I was doing something fundamentally wrong. The range of solutions shared here is impressive, from trying different browsers and timing strategies to using services like Claimyr to bypass the notorious hold times. It's particularly helpful to see Carmen's follow-up confirming that the agent assistance route actually worked. What strikes me most is how this community doesn't just identify problems but actively shares practical workarounds and real results. The tips about screenshotting error messages, using simpler passwords temporarily, and having backup verification methods ready are exactly the kind of detailed advice that can save hours of frustration. Thanks to everyone who has contributed to making this such a comprehensive resource for dealing with SSA's technical issues. This thread will definitely be my roadmap when I tackle my own account updates!

I went through a very similar situation when my husband passed away 5 years ago. The lack of clear information from SSA is unfortunately very common, but don't give up! Here's what finally worked for me: I made an in-person appointment at my local SSA office and brought a written list of specific questions. I asked them to print out my complete earnings record and my husband's earnings record, then requested they calculate both scenarios side by side. One thing that might help - when you call or visit, ask specifically for a "restricted application analysis" or "comparative benefit analysis." Sometimes using their technical terms gets you transferred to someone who actually knows how to run these calculations. Also, your SSA.gov account should show your estimated retirement benefits at different ages, but unfortunately it won't show survivor benefit estimates. You'll need to get those numbers directly from them. The good news is that once you have the actual numbers, the decision becomes much clearer. In my case, taking my reduced retirement first and switching to survivor benefits at my FRA was the right choice, but everyone's situation is different based on their respective work histories.

I'm so sorry for your loss and I completely understand your frustration with getting clear information from SSA. This is actually a really common problem that many widows and widowers face. One thing that might help is to request what's called a "PEBES" (Personal Earnings and Benefit Estimate Statement) for both you and your late husband during your appointment. This will show the actual dollar amounts for different claiming scenarios. Also, since your husband passed at 54 before claiming benefits, his survivor benefit would be based on what he would have received at his full retirement age (or what he was receiving if he had been collecting disability). This is different from spousal benefits and often provides more value. Your strategy of taking your own benefit first then switching could definitely make sense depending on the numbers. The key is getting someone at SSA who can run the actual calculations using their ANYPIA system. Don't be afraid to ask for a supervisor or technical specialist if the first person you speak with can't provide specific dollar amounts. You deserve to have all the information you need to make this important decision!