Update: I called SSA this morning (was on hold for over an hour) but finally got through. The agent confirmed everything you all said - I need to submit Form SSA-521 before my April entitlement date, and yes, this does count as my one-lifetime withdrawal even though I haven't received payments yet. They're mailing me the form today, but the agent also mentioned I could download it from ssa.gov and submit it immediately. I'm going to do that and also mail a copy with delivery confirmation. Thanks everyone for your help! Can't wait to rejoin the working world (never thought I'd say that!).

Glad you got through to SSA and have a clear path forward! Smart move downloading and submitting the form right away rather than waiting for the mail. Just a heads up - when you do eventually file for Social Security again (whether at FRA or 70), make sure to mention this previous withdrawal application to the SSA agent. Sometimes it helps them locate your complete file history more quickly. Best of luck with returning to healthcare administration - sounds like you'll be much happier back in the working world!

Thank you all for the helpful responses! I'm feeling much better now understanding that they likely did check both calculations already. I'll still call to verify (and try that Claimyr service someone mentioned since the wait times sound awful), but it makes sense that my own benefit might be higher even though my ex-husband earned more during his career. I've worked consistently for almost 40 years, so maybe that's why my own benefit ended up higher. The formula explanations really helped me understand how it all works. I'll update once I talk to SSA just in case it helps someone else with the same question!

Great question! I went through something very similar about 6 months ago. The SSA automatically compares your own benefit to any spousal benefits you might be eligible for when you provide that information on your application. Since your approval letter only mentions your own benefit, it's almost certainly because that amount is higher than what you'd get from your ex-husband's record. The key thing to remember is that divorced spouse benefits are capped at 50% of his Primary Insurance Amount (what he would get at full retirement age), not what he actually receives since he claimed early at 62. Also, the Social Security benefit formula is progressive - it replaces a higher percentage of lower earnings, which often means people with steady work histories get better benefits than expected. You can definitely call to double-check, but based on what you've described (they have his info, no request for documents, consistent work history), your own benefit is likely the higher amount. Congrats on your approval!

The whole system is DELIBERATELY CONFUSING!!! They never tell you what documents you actually need until it's too late. Then they blame YOU for not providing something they never asked for in the first place! I've been fighting with them for 8 months about my WEP reduction. Every person tells you something different. It's all designed to make you give up and take less money than you deserve.

I'm in a very similar situation and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I was also affected by WEP due to my teacher's pension and never pursued spousal benefits because I assumed they'd be reduced to nothing. Now with the repeal coming, I'm realizing I might have left money on the table. One thing I'm curious about - does anyone know if there's a statute of limitations on how far back they'll pay retroactive benefits once you provide the proper documentation? I've been collecting for 18 months already and I'm wondering if I'll only get the difference going forward, or if they'll recalculate back to my original start date. The SSA website mentions something about a 6-month retroactive limit for some benefit types, but I can't tell if that applies to this situation.

My sister works full time too and she said her office had an online form specifically for requesting a callback. Have you checked your local office's website? Some have different options than others.

I feel your pain! I'm in a similar situation - work 8-5 and my boss isn't thrilled about long personal calls either. What finally worked for me was using the SSA's "appointment request" feature on their website late at night (around 11pm when the site is less busy). You have to create a my Social Security account first, but then you can submit a request for a callback to schedule an appointment. It took about 5 business days, but they called me back and we scheduled everything over the phone during my lunch break. Way better than sitting on hold for hours! Also, since you mentioned retirement at 62 with spousal benefits involved, definitely ask about "restricted application" strategies when you do get through - there might be some timing advantages you can take advantage of.

I finally got through to SSA today! The agent told me my husband's PIA (what he would get at his FRA) is about $3,750, and half of that is $1,875. Since my benefit is $1,580, I qualify for an additional $295 per month in spousal benefits! They're processing it now and said I'll get retroactive payments to when I reached FRA. I'm so glad I asked about this - thank you everyone for your help!

Wow, this is such a helpful thread! I'm in a similar situation - I'm 66 and my husband is 68, both collecting our own Social Security. I never even thought about spousal benefits since we're both already getting our own checks. Reading through all these responses makes me realize I should probably check into this too. Does anyone know if there's a time limit on how long after you start collecting your own benefits you can apply for additional spousal benefits? I've been on Social Security for about 8 months now.