Thank you! I will definitely update when I know more. You might want to check if you're still within your 60-day window to appeal too!

I'm a newcomer here but have been dealing with SSA issues myself. Your situation sounds incredibly frustrating - getting different amounts and explanations over 18 months is unacceptable. A few thoughts that might help: 1. Document EVERYTHING - screenshot your online account showing "no overpayments" before they potentially change it 2. When you call or visit SSA, get the representative's name and ask for everything in writing 3. Consider requesting your complete claims file under the Freedom of Information Act - this will show you exactly what information they used for each calculation The timing of this reduction seems suspicious. If they truly made an error, why did it take 18+ months to discover? That suggests either incompetence or they're applying rules retroactively that should have been calculated from day one. Don't let them intimidate you - you deserve clear explanations for these calculation changes. The fact that your online account shows no overpayments suggests they might be trying to avoid the legal complications of demanding repayment for their own mistakes. Keep fighting this and definitely appeal within that 60-day window!

That's a good point. She did work for about 25 years as a teacher in a private school, but I think her own benefit calculation was quite a bit lower than even the 50% she gets from Uncle Frank's record. Still worth checking though!

I'm so sorry for your family's loss. This is definitely a stressful time to be dealing with benefit questions, but you're being such a good advocate for your aunt. Just wanted to add that when she calls SSA, she should also ask about any potential lump-sum death benefit ($255) that she might be eligible for as the divorced spouse. It's not a huge amount, but every bit helps during this transition period. Also, if she's feeling overwhelmed by the phone process, many local SSA offices allow walk-ins for urgent matters like survivor benefit applications - sometimes that can be faster than trying to get through on the phone, especially given the current wait times people are experiencing.

Does your divorce decree say anything about these benefits? Sometimes judges will reduce child support if the kid is getting SS payments from the retired parent's record. Just wondering if this is impacting how much your ex pays in support?

Just want to add that you should also be prepared for potential changes if your ex's benefit amount changes due to cost-of-living adjustments (COLA). Your son's benefit is typically 50% of your ex-husband's full retirement benefit, so if his goes up due to annual COLA increases, your son's should too. Also, if your ex remarries and his new spouse has children under 18, that could potentially affect the family maximum benefit cap, which might reduce your son's payment. It's worth asking SSA about this scenario during one of your calls, especially since you mentioned planning ahead financially. The good news is that divorce doesn't affect your son's eligibility - he's still entitled to benefits on his father's record regardless of your custody arrangement.

Thank you all for the helpful responses! I've learned a lot and will definitely have mom check with SSA directly before they make any decisions. It sounds like the one-year marriage requirement is standard, but we need to carefully calculate whether she'd actually get any spousal top-up based on the 50% of his PIA versus her own benefit.I appreciate the suggestion about Claimyr too - getting through to SSA on the phone has been impossible lately, so that might be worth trying.I'll update after we talk to SSA and get the specific numbers for her situation. Thanks again for all the insights!

One thing to keep in mind that I don't think was mentioned - if your mom does qualify for a spousal benefit after the one-year marriage requirement, she'll need to actively apply for it. SSA doesn't automatically switch people to spousal benefits even if it would result in a higher payment. So make sure she follows up and submits the application once they hit that 12-month mark. Also, the effective date of the spousal benefit can only go back 6 months from when she applies, so don't wait too long after becoming eligible or she could miss out on some retroactive payments.

you should check out ABLE accounts if you get disability!! we set one up for my husband and it lets you save money without losing benefits. theres income limits for SSI but not SSDI but the ABLE account is still helpful for planning

I'm going through a similar situation right now at 59 with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. Based on my research and consultation with a disability attorney, here's what I've learned that might help you: First, start documenting EVERYTHING now - keep a daily symptom journal, get regular medical appointments, and make sure your doctors are noting functional limitations, not just diagnoses. The SSA wants to see how your conditions prevent you from working ANY job, not just your current one. Second, consider applying for SSDI while you're still working if your condition worsens. You can work part-time and earn up to $1,550/month (2025 limit) during the application process without it affecting your claim. Third, regarding your wife's potential spousal benefits - she could claim on your SSDI record starting at 62, but it would be reduced. However, if she also qualifies for SSDI on her own record, that might be more advantageous since there's no age reduction for disability benefits. One thing that really opened my eyes: my attorney said to think of SSDI as "pre-paying" for your full retirement benefit. You've already earned it through your work credits, and disability just lets you access it early without the typical early retirement penalties. The process is daunting, but don't let that discourage you from applying if you genuinely can't work. Start gathering your medical records now - you'll need them either way.