Quick follow-up from my earlier comment - since you mentioned the rep confirmed both amounts on the phone, it's worth calling again to verify everything is in order. While the timing delay I mentioned is normal, occasionally there can be a coding error in how they set up the spousal benefit. When you call, specifically ask them to check if the spousal benefit is properly "established but suspended pending processing" or if there's any issue with how it was coded. If there is an actual error (rather than just normal processing time), catching it early can prevent further delays.

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago! The timing issue you mentioned is definitely the culprit here. When applications are submitted so close together (like your 2-week gap), SSA's system basically puts the spousal benefit calculation "on hold" until your primary record is completely finalized. Here's what helped me get clarity: when I called back, I asked the rep to read me the exact status codes on both claims. They should be able to tell you if the spousal benefit is "pending" versus if there's an actual problem. In my case, it showed as "established but awaiting primary record completion" which gave me peace of mind that it was just a timing issue. The frustrating part is that different reps seem to explain this process differently. Some mention the delay upfront, others (like yours) focus on the final amounts without explaining the processing timeline. One thing that worked for me was asking them to put a note in the system about the expected timing, so future calls would reference that conversation. It took exactly 7 weeks from my husband's application date before my spousal supplement appeared, and yes, all the back payments came through correctly. Hang in there - this really is more common than it should be!

I'm in a very similar situation and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm 62 and planning to file for my retirement benefits next month, plus the divorced spouse benefit from my ex-husband's record. We were married for 18 years before divorcing in 2019. Like you, I have my original marriage certificate from 1988 (also from a JP) with no official stamps, just signatures. After reading all these responses, especially from the SSA employee, I feel much more confident that it should be accepted. I'm definitely going to follow the advice about making an in-person appointment rather than trying to handle everything by phone. One question for those who've been through this - did you apply exactly at your Full Retirement Age or did you wait? I know there's no advantage to waiting past FRA for divorced spouse benefits, but I'm wondering if there are any timing considerations I should be aware of. My FRA is next month and my ex is already 70 and collecting his maximum benefit. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this community has been so much more helpful than the SSA website!

Reading through everyone's experiences here has been so educational! I'm in a somewhat different situation but facing similar document concerns. I was married for 15 years (divorced in 2018) and have my original marriage certificate from 1995, but it's looking pretty worn after all these years - some of the ink has faded and there's a small tear along one edge. Should I be worried about the physical condition of the document, or is that not typically an issue as long as all the key information is still readable? I can make out our names, the date, county, and the officiant's signature, but I'm wondering if I should proactively order a certified copy just to have a pristine document to present. Also, for those who made appointments at local SSA offices - how far in advance did you need to schedule? I'm hoping to file when I turn 62 in a few months and want to make sure I plan ahead appropriately. Thanks for all the great advice shared in this thread!

I had this same question a few years ago when I was approaching retirement age. I actually ended up working an extra 6 months because I didn't realize my benefit would be so much higher with those additional months of work. The weird thing was that my January-March earnings showed up in the system differently than my April-December earnings. I think they do some sort of quarterly processing maybe? I still don't fully understand how it works. But anyway, don't make any major decisions until you see your actual benefits calculation with all your 2024 income included. I learned this lesson the hard way!

I work in payroll processing and can add some context to what others have shared. The delay isn't just on SSA's end - there's actually a complex chain of data flow. After employers submit W-2s by January 31st, the data goes through multiple validation steps. SSA has to match millions of records against existing accounts, resolve discrepancies, and handle name changes, address updates, etc. One thing I haven't seen mentioned here is that if you had multiple employers in 2024, each W-2 gets processed separately, so your complete earnings picture might come together at different times. Also, if there were any corrections or amended W-2s filed, that can delay your specific record even if others are processing normally. For retirement planning purposes, I'd recommend keeping detailed records of your 2024 earnings and using the manual entry option in the estimator rather than waiting for the system to update. The calculations will be the same whether you enter it manually or wait for it to appear automatically.

im so confused about all this survivor benefit stuff... i turn 60 next month and my husband died 3 years ago. should i take survivors now or wait? does the roth thing affect when i should file??

I'm in a very similar situation - 62 and collecting survivor benefits while working part-time. I've been withdrawing from my Roth IRA regularly for the past year without any issues with SSA. The key thing to remember is that only "earned income" (wages, salary, self-employment) counts toward the annual limit. One tip that helped me: I keep detailed records of all my Roth withdrawals and my work earnings separate, just in case I ever need to prove to SSA that my withdrawals aren't counted income. It's given me peace of mind even though it's probably not necessary. Your $8,000 withdrawal should be completely fine since you're well under the work earnings limit even without considering the Roth money. Good luck with your home repairs!

I got confused about SSI vs SSDI vs retirement benefits when I was researching this. They all have different rules about working! Make sure you're looking at the retirement benefit rules which is what we're talking about here.

As someone who made a similar career transition at 56, I can share my experience. I left a high-stress corporate job for a lower-paying but more fulfilling role in nonprofit work. After checking my Social Security statement, I realized I had 33 years of earnings, so even the lower salary would help fill out my 35-year calculation rather than hurt it. The peace of mind and better work-life balance have been absolutely worth it. I'm now 61 and plan to work until 68, which will give me those delayed retirement credits mentioned by others. Sometimes the non-financial benefits of a career change outweigh the pure dollars and cents - especially when you understand how the Social Security calculation actually works. Good luck with your decision!