I'm new to this community but wanted to share that I'm going through something remarkably similar! SSA hit me with a $6,100 overpayment claim about 6 months ago, also related to workers' comp offset issues. Like you, I appealed immediately and am still waiting for my ALJ hearing. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful - especially learning about the congressional inquiry option and Form SSA-795. I had no idea these resources existed! The pattern everyone's describing is so consistent: vague overpayment notices, impossible phone waits, and SSA's refusal to show their actual calculations. Your $3,400 partial refund is actually huge evidence in your favor. As others have pointed out, you don't refund money if your original calculation was correct. The fact that they did this without explanation strongly suggests they found significant errors in their methodology. I'm definitely going to pursue the congressional inquiry route based on all the success stories shared here. It sounds like that's the key to breaking through SSA's bureaucratic wall and getting real answers about their calculations. Don't let the long wait discourage you - the fact that so many people here have gotten their entire overpayments dismissed at ALJ hearings gives me hope we'll all come out of this vindicated. Keep fighting and document everything!

As someone who's been through this exact situation, I can tell you that partial refund is actually incredibly significant evidence in your favor! About two years ago, SSA claimed I had a $5,400 workers' comp offset overpayment, and after 8 months of fighting, they suddenly sent me a $2,100 refund with zero explanation - just like what happened to you. That partial payment essentially proves their original calculation methodology was flawed. You don't refund money if your math was correct the first time. When I brought this up at my ALJ hearing, the judge was very focused on why SSA would make a "correction" if their initial determination was accurate. Here's what worked for me: I immediately filed a written request asking for the specific reasoning behind the partial refund and detailed calculations for the remaining balance. I also got my complete earnings record to verify they had calculated my ACE correctly (they hadn't - they were missing a high-earning quarter that significantly changed the calculation). The ALJ ended up dismissing my entire remaining overpayment because SSA couldn't adequately justify their calculations or explain the partial correction. Your situation sounds even stronger since your workers' comp was relatively low compared to your prior earnings. Don't let them wear you down with the long wait times. That $3,400 refund is solid evidence that their system made errors, and it significantly strengthens your case for the ALJ hearing. Keep all documentation and consider requesting your full file through FOIA to see their internal notes about why they issued that partial refund.

To summarize your options since there's some confusion in the comments: 1. If within 12 months of filing: You can withdraw your application (Form SSA-521), repay all benefits, and it's like you never filed. You can refile later for a higher amount. 2. If it's been more than 12 months since filing: You cannot suspend benefits until you reach Full Retirement Age (likely 67). 3. Working while receiving benefits: Subject to the earnings limit ($22,320 in 2025) until you reach FRA. Excess earnings result in withholding of benefits. The decision should be based on your short and long-term financial needs, life expectancy, and employment plans. There's no single right answer - it depends on your circumstances.

One thing to add that might help with your decision - you could also consider doing a "break-even analysis" to see if taking benefits early makes sense for your situation. Calculate how much total money you'd receive by taking benefits at 62 versus waiting until your Full Retirement Age or even age 70. For example, if you take $1,200/month at 62 versus $1,600/month at 67, you'd need to live past about age 77-78 for waiting to pay off. If you're in good health and expect to live well into your 80s or 90s, waiting could mean tens of thousands more in lifetime benefits. But if you really need the income now for basic expenses, that changes the calculation. Also worth noting - if you have a spouse, your decision affects their potential survivor benefits too. The higher earner's benefit amount at death becomes the survivor benefit, so starting early permanently reduces what your spouse might receive later.

Just wanted to add one more tip from my experience - when you do get that SSA appointment, bring documentation of ALL your earnings history if you have it. I brought my old W-2s and tax returns from my private sector years, and it helped the agent verify my substantial earnings years more quickly. Also, don't be discouraged if the first agent you speak with seems unsure about WEP calculations. I had to speak with a supervisor to get accurate numbers. The calculation is complex and not all front-line staff are equally familiar with it. One last thing - if you're married, make sure to ask about how WEP might affect any spousal benefits your spouse might be eligible for. The rules are different than for your own retirement benefit. Good luck with your appointment! It sounds like you're being very thorough in your planning, which will serve you well.

I'm in a similar situation but about 5 years behind you - currently 61 and working for my city government with 13 years of service, plus 17 years in private sector before that. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful, especially learning about the substantial earnings threshold and how continuing to work in SS-covered employment after government retirement could reduce WEP penalties. One question I haven't seen addressed: does it matter WHEN during the year you start collecting SS benefits if you're continuing to work? I'm wondering if there are any tax advantages to starting benefits at the beginning vs middle vs end of a calendar year, especially when you're still earning a government salary. Also, has anyone dealt with state taxes on SS benefits while still working? My state taxes SS benefits and I'm trying to figure out the overall tax impact of collecting both my salary and SS in the same year. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences - this thread is a goldmine of practical information that you just can't get from the official pamphlets!

wait does she get any of his benefit if he passes away? or does gpo still apply to widow benefits to?

Based on the detailed discussion here, it sounds like your mom's situation is unfortunately common but there are definitely some avenues worth exploring! The math that Omar laid out is spot-on - with her $2,200 state pension creating a $1,467 GPO reduction, she wouldn't get additional spousal benefits since her own $480 is higher than the remaining $413. However, I'd really encourage you to dig into those exceptions that Ravi and others mentioned. The 60-month rule could be a game-changer if she paid SS taxes during her final years of state employment. Many teachers and state employees don't realize their districts sometimes switched to SS-covered positions near retirement. Also, that service Astrid mentioned (claimyr) might be worth the investment if you keep hitting dead ends with SSA phone calls. Sometimes paying a small fee to skip the phone queue nightmare is worth your sanity and time. Good luck, and don't give up - these rules are complex but there are people out there who can help navigate them!

Thanks everyone for the great information! To summarize what I've learned: there's NO hourly limit, just the earnings cap of $59,520 for months before FRA in 2025. I need to track when money is EARNED not paid, and be proactive about reporting if I might exceed the limit. Investment income doesn't count toward the limit, and any benefit reductions now will increase my benefit amount later. Really appreciate all the help!

Just wanted to add one more important detail that might help - if you do end up exceeding the earnings limit, Social Security typically stops your benefits entirely until they've withheld the required amount, rather than reducing each monthly payment proportionally. So if you owe $3,000 in withheld benefits and your monthly benefit is $1,500, they'll stop TWO full months of payments rather than reducing 6 months by $500 each. This can create cash flow issues if you're not prepared for it. Planning ahead with SSA is definitely the way to go if you think you might go over the limit!