Update: We tried using Firefox instead of Chrome and going through the password reset process rather than trying to create a new login, but we're still getting stuck. I think we're going to have to try scheduling an in-person appointment. Does anyone know if I would be able to go with her to help explain things to the SSA representative? She can communicate fine in person when she can see someone's face, but sometimes misses details.

I work with accessibility services and wanted to mention a few additional options that might help your sister. The SSA has a specific accommodation request process - she can call 1-800-772-1213 and ask to speak with someone about ADA accommodations for her hearing impairment. They can sometimes waive certain verification steps or provide alternative methods. Also, some local libraries have assistive technology centers that include TTY equipment or video relay services that might help with phone calls if needed. The reference librarians are usually great at helping people navigate government websites too. One more thing - if the in-person visit doesn't work out, you might also try contacting your congressional representative's office. They often have staff who specialize in helping constituents with federal agency issues like this.

Just wanted to update everyone who's been so helpful. I talked to my SIL yesterday about all this. We're going to help her apply for both SSDI through the Compassionate Allowance program AND Medicaid through her state's emergency provision. She's also going to talk to HR about using sick leave/FMLA to stay technically employed while reducing her hours below the SGA limit. The oncology social worker at her hospital has been AMAZING - connected us with a patient advocate who's helping navigate everything. They also told us about special cancer assistance programs that might help with costs while we're waiting for government benefits to kick in. I'm still terrified about the timing of everything, but at least now we have a plan. Thank you all so much for sharing your experiences and knowledge. It's made such a difference knowing what to ask for and where to start.

I'm a case worker who has helped many families navigate this exact situation. A few additional tips that might help: 1. When applying for SSDI, make sure to check the "Terminal Illness" box if available on the application - this helps flag it for Compassionate Allowance processing immediately. 2. For Medicaid, ask specifically about "Presumptive Eligibility" - many states can provide temporary coverage while your full application is being processed. This can bridge the gap until regular Medicaid kicks in. 3. Contact your state's SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) counselor - they're free and can help navigate both Medicare and Medicaid options. Every state has them. 4. If your SIL has any 401k or retirement savings, she may want to consult with a benefits attorney about asset protection strategies before applying for means-tested programs. The fact that you're helping her navigate this system makes such a difference. Many people in her situation try to handle it alone and get overwhelmed. Keep advocating for her - the squeaky wheel really does get the grease with government agencies.

My friend said u can also reduce ur WEP if u keep working after u start getting SS??? Is that true? I'm so confused with all these rules!

Here's a helpful resource for finding the substantial earnings amounts by year - you can check the SSA's official publication "Social Security & Medicare Tax Rates" or search for "substantial earnings WEP" on ssa.gov. They have a table showing the amounts going back decades. For example, 1985 was $5,850, 1995 was $11,325, 2005 was $16,725, etc. It's definitely worth checking all your years because even part-time work might have qualified! Also, don't forget that if you're still working in covered employment, every dollar you earn now in 2025 that gets you over $31,275 will count as another year of substantial earnings and potentially reduce your WEP penalty by 5%.

Don't forget about the family maximum limit! That can really mess up your expectations if multiple people are collecting on one record. Ask the rep specifically if the family maximum applies in your case.

Your strategy sounds solid! As someone who recently went through a similar decision process, I'd suggest writing down your key questions beforehand so you don't forget anything during the call. Also, don't be surprised if you get pushback from the SSA rep - some aren't familiar with this strategy. One thing that helped me was asking for a written estimate of both scenarios (your plan vs. taking survivor benefits first) so I could compare the lifetime totals. The SSA can provide benefit estimates for different claiming strategies. Also, since you mentioned being anxious about the decision - remember that if something changes in your situation later, you generally have 12 months to withdraw your application and try a different approach (though you'd have to pay back any benefits received). It's not as permanent as it feels! Good luck with your appointment next week!

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! I'm going to try using the WEP calculator on the SSA website, but I think we'll also need to talk directly with an agent to get our specific situation figured out. It's frustrating that something as important as retirement planning has to be this complicated. I'll update once we get our actual calculation from SSA.

As someone who recently navigated this exact situation, I can confirm your understanding is correct but there are a few additional nuances to consider. My husband was also affected by WEP with a similar work history (20 years government, 25 years private sector). One thing that caught us off guard was that the WEP reduction can actually change over time based on your pension amount. If your husband's pension increases due to COLAs on the pension side, it could affect the WEP calculation since the reduction is capped at 50% of the pension amount. Also, make sure you understand how this impacts your survivor benefits planning. If something happens to your husband, your survivor benefit would be based on what he was actually receiving (the WEP-reduced amount), not what his benefit would have been without WEP. I'd strongly recommend getting a formal benefit estimate from SSA before making any final decisions about timing. The difference between filing at 67 vs 70 might not be as significant as you originally calculated once WEP is factored in.