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this happened to my neighbor too!!! her son was disabled and when her husband died the checks stayed the same. when she finally figured it out like 5 years later they gave her back pay but only for like 1 year not the whole 5 years. fight for all the back pay!!!!
I'm so sorry you're going through this - it sounds incredibly stressful to discover there might have been an error for so many years. Based on what others have shared here, it really does sound like your son should have been automatically converted to survivor benefits when his father passed away in 2012. The good news is that if SSA made an error, they are generally required to correct it and provide back payments. However, I'd suggest being prepared for the possibility that they might initially pushback or claim there's a time limit on corrections. Don't let them discourage you - if this was their administrative error, you have strong grounds to fight for full retroactive payment. When you call, also ask them to provide you with a written explanation of your son's current benefit type and calculation. Having everything in writing will be important if you need to escalate the issue or file an appeal. Document every conversation you have with them, including dates, times, and the names of representatives you speak with. Good luck - I really hope you're able to get this resolved and get your son the benefits he's entitled to!
This is such great advice about getting everything in writing and documenting all conversations! I never thought about asking for written explanations, but that makes so much sense. I'm definitely going to keep detailed notes of every call. Reading everyone's responses has given me so much hope that this can actually be fixed. It's overwhelming to think about potentially 13 years of underpayments, but also exciting to think my son might finally get what he's entitled to. Thank you for the encouragement!
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Hi Robert, your experience is actually not uncommon and highlights a key difference in how SSDI and retirement benefits are calculated. When you became disabled at 59, SSA calculated your SSDI using your earnings record up to that point (32 years in your case). However, for retirement benefits at FRA, they can use up to 35 years of your highest earnings, including any years after your disability onset date where you may have had some earnings or zero-earnings years that get dropped from the calculation. The increase you received likely reflects this recalculation using the full 35-year computation period, which can result in a higher Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). This doesn't necessarily mean you were "underpaid" during your SSDI years - rather, the calculations use different methodologies and time periods. I'd recommend requesting a detailed explanation from SSA showing both calculations side by side. You can also request your complete earnings record to verify which years were used in each calculation. If there's still confusion, consider consulting with a Social Security attorney who can review your specific case and determine if the calculations were done correctly.
@Connor Rupert Good Morning. I find it interesting my situation is not all that uncommon, for most of the SSA staff I have discussed this with have expressed confusion as to the reason my DIB was not equal to my RIB at FRA. The SSA Retirement pamphlet clearly states: The disability benefit is the same as a full, unreduced retirement benefit. In my case, I did not have any additional earnings after my EOD my (SSDI was awarded several years after my EOD, and included retroactive benefits ,)and a review of the calculations suggests none of these years were included in either calculation. I have learned that the 32-year EOD calculation is essentially a Freeze calculation, while the 35-year FRA calculation is considered a Non-Freeze calculation, but discerning the difference, let alone the conditions under which each is utilized remains puzzling, at best. I appreciate your response and, as suggested, shall continue my pursuit for clarification with the SSA.
@Robert Wessel @Connor Rupert This is a fascinating case that really highlights the complexities in SSA s calculation'methods. Robert, you re absolutely'right to be confused - the freeze vs "non-freeze" calculation "distinction" isn t well'explained in most SSA materials, even though it can significantly impact benefits. From what I understand, the disability freeze essentially locks your earnings record at the point of disability onset, using only the years you worked up to that point. But when you convert to retirement benefits, SSA can recalculate using their standard retirement formula, which may include additional zero-earnings years or drop out lower-earning years differently. The key issue seems to be that while SSA says DIB = RIB at FRA, they re using'different computational periods, which can yield different results. Have you considered filing a Request for Reconsideration specifically asking them to explain why two supposedly equal calculations produced different amounts? Sometimes forcing them to document their methodology in writing can reveal calculation errors or at least get you a clearer explanation of the freeze provisions. "You" might also want to check if your state has a SHIP State Health (Insurance Assistance Program counselor who) specializes in Social Security issues - they re often'more knowledgeable about these technical calculation differences than front-line SSA staff.
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My mom just got on Medicare last year and she was shocked by how the system works. She thought SS benefits would just keep up with inflation automatically but now she's learning that's not really how it works in practice. Has anyone found good ways to budget with such uncertainty around these annual changes?
I've started keeping a separate emergency fund specifically for healthcare cost increases. I put aside a little bit whenever I can, assuming my out-of-pocket costs will go up by at least 5% each year (even with Medicare). It's not perfect, but it helps me not panic with each annual announcement.
I've been following this issue closely since I'm also on a fixed income. From what I've read, the 2025 COLA will likely be in the 2.5-3% range based on current inflation trends, but Medicare Part B premiums could easily eat up half or more of that increase. What really bothers me is that they don't coordinate the announcements better. We get excited about the COLA in October, then get hit with the Medicare premium news in November. It would be so much more helpful if they released both numbers at the same time so we could see the real net impact on our budgets. I've started planning for worst case scenario - assume minimal net increase after Medicare adjustments and budget accordingly. It's depressing but at least there are no surprises that way!
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One thing to know is that withholding changes can actually be made a few different ways: 1. You can submit a W-4V form by mail or at a local office 2. You can request the change through your MySocialSecurity account online 3. A legal garnishment order can be applied (tax levy, child support, etc.) 4. Medicare premium changes can affect your net payment If someone accessed your online account, definitely report that as potential identity theft. SSA can see the IP address of whoever made the change. If it was a simple mistake, they can usually fix it within one payment cycle. Please update us when you get this resolved! It would help others who might face the same issue.
Thanks for breaking this down so clearly! I finally was able to speak with someone at my local office today. Turns out it WAS an error on their end - somehow they applied a withholding change request from another beneficiary to my account (someone with a similar name/number). They're fixing it and said I should get the difference returned in my next month's payment. What a relief!
That's such great news Grace! What a relief it must be to get that sorted out. It's scary how easily administrative errors like that can happen - mixing up accounts because of similar names/numbers. Thanks for updating us on the resolution! This will definitely help other people who might face the same situation know that persistence pays off and that these errors can be fixed.
Wow, I'm so glad you got this resolved Grace! This is exactly why I always tell people not to give up when dealing with SSA - these administrative mix-ups happen more often than they should. It's honestly pretty concerning that they can accidentally apply one person's withholding request to someone else's account just because of similar names or numbers. Makes me wonder how often this happens without people noticing right away. Thank you for following up with the resolution - it's really helpful to know that local offices can fix these errors and get the money returned relatively quickly. I'm definitely saving this thread in case I ever run into something similar!
This is such a helpful thread! I'm new to receiving Social Security benefits and stories like this make me realize I need to be way more vigilant about checking my payments each month. It's honestly pretty alarming that mix-ups like this can happen so easily in their system. Grace, I'm so glad you were persistent and got it figured out! Do you have any tips for new beneficiaries on what to watch out for or how often we should be checking our accounts?
PaulineW
One thing I wanted to mention - when I was applying for survivor benefits, my friend gave me a tip to specifically request an appointment with a claims specialist who handles survivor benefits. Not all reps are equally knowledgeable about all benefit types. It made a huge difference in my case because the specialist caught something that would have reduced my benefit that the previous person I spoke with missed completely.
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Mateo Lopez
This is such valuable information - thank you all for sharing your experiences! I'm a widow myself (husband passed 2 years ago) and I've been trying to navigate this maze of decisions. @PaulineW your tip about requesting a specialist is gold - I had no idea you could do that. @Josef Tearle the earnings test info is crucial too since I'm also considering some part-time work. It sounds like the key takeaway is that yes, the survivor benefit strategy can work, but there are so many variables (reduced benefits if taken early, earnings limits, whether your spouse reached FRA, etc.) that really require getting personalized advice from SSA. I think I'll use that Claimyr service @Charity Cohan mentioned to actually get through to someone knowledgeable. Has anyone else used services like that to get past the long hold times?
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Fatima Al-Rashid
•I haven't used Claimyr specifically, but I did use a similar callback service last year when trying to reach SSA about my disability application. It was honestly a lifesaver - I think I paid like $20 or something and they called me back within 30 minutes when an agent was available. Way better than sitting on hold for hours! For something as important as survivor benefits planning, it's definitely worth the small fee. Just make sure you have all your questions written down beforehand because once you're connected, you want to make the most of that time with the agent.
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