To follow up on my earlier comment, when your wife files, SSA should automatically determine which is higher - her own reduced retirement benefit or her reduced spousal benefit. However, there's an important timing consideration here. Since you haven't filed for your own benefits yet, your wife can only get her own retirement benefit initially. Once you file next month, SSA should automatically recalculate to see if she qualifies for an additional amount as a spouse. This happens because spousal benefits can't be paid until the primary worker (you) has filed. This two-step process sometimes gets overlooked in the system, which is why having records of everything and following up is crucial. I'd suggest calling SSA or using the Claimyr service someone mentioned about 30 days after you file to ensure the spousal calculation was properly processed.

Just wanted to add another perspective here - I work as a benefits coordinator and see these dual filing situations regularly. Your approach is solid, but I'd recommend getting everything in writing from SSA when you meet with them or speak by phone. One thing I've noticed is that the online system sometimes doesn't capture the nuances of spousal benefit calculations correctly, especially when there are timing differences like yours. The representatives can manually override the system when needed, but only if they understand your full situation. Also, keep detailed records of when each of you files and what amounts you're initially awarded. This makes it much easier to catch errors early. I've seen cases where the spousal benefit adjustment took 3-6 months to process correctly, and having your own documentation helped expedite the corrections. Your timing strategy makes financial sense - getting some income flowing now while maximizing the higher earner's benefit is often the optimal approach for couples with significant age or earnings differences.

When you go to apply make SURE you specifically ask about the ex-spouse benefit. Sometimes the SSA reps don't automatically check if you qualify for divorced spouse benefits if you don't ask!!! happened to my sister and she missed out on higher payments for 8 months before someone told her to specifically request the comparison!!

Just wanted to add some clarification on timing - you mentioned you're 61 now and divorced in 2004 after 13 years of marriage, so you definitely meet the 10-year requirement. One important point: you CAN apply for divorced spouse benefits as soon as you turn 62, but if you're still working, be very careful about the earnings test. In 2025, if you earn more than $22,320 while collecting benefits before your FRA, they'll reduce your payments. Also, consider this strategy: you could potentially file a "restricted application" at your FRA to claim only the divorced spouse benefit while letting your own benefit grow with delayed retirement credits until age 70. This might maximize your total lifetime benefits depending on your situation. Definitely worth discussing this option with an SSA representative when you call!

To sum up what you need to know about your specific situation: 1. DRCs: You earn 8% per year in delayed credits from your FRA to age 70. This is calculated monthly (2/3% per month). These stop accumulating at age 70. 2. Retroactive benefits: At age 70, you can choose to receive up to 6 months of retroactive benefits, but this means your benefit amount would be calculated as if you filed 6 months earlier (losing those final DRCs). 3. CSRS impact: Your CSRS pension will trigger the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP), which will reduce your Social Security benefit. The reduction depends on your years of "substantial earnings" under Social Security. 4. Filing decision: The choice between maximum DRCs vs. retroactive benefits is essentially: - Maximum monthly amount for life (filing at 70 with no retroactive) - Slightly lower monthly amount for life PLUS a lump sum payment (retroactive option) The math favors taking maximum DRCs if you expect to live past approximately age 82-83. Otherwise, the retroactive option might be better financially.

I'm a former SSA employee and wanted to add a few important points about your CSRS/SS situation. First, make sure when you do get through to SSA that you specifically ask them to calculate your "Primary Insurance Amount" (PIA) both before and after the WEP reduction - this will give you the clearest picture of your actual benefit amount. Also, since you mentioned having self-employment income, be aware that those SE earnings can count toward your "substantial earnings" years for WEP purposes, which could reduce the WEP penalty. The substantial earnings threshold changes each year, so make sure they're counting all your qualifying years correctly. One more tip: if you do decide to request retroactive benefits, make sure to ask for it IN WRITING when you file, not just verbally. I've seen too many cases where verbal requests got lost in the system. Document everything with dates and representative names when you finally get through to someone!

This might sound crazy, but have you tried tweeting at them? I've seen some people get responses from government agencies on social media when all else failed. Worth a shot? 🤷‍♂️

Hey Aurora! I went through this exact same nightmare about a year ago. Here's what finally worked for me: try calling the SSA number (1-800-772-1213) at exactly 8:00 AM when they open - set multiple alarms! I also found that Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be less busy than Mondays. Another trick: when you get the automated menu, press 0 immediately and keep pressing it - sometimes it bypasses the system and gets you to a human faster. Also, make sure you have your documents ready before you even get the appointment - they're super strict about having everything in order. Don't give up, you'll get through eventually! The bureaucracy is frustrating but persistence pays off. 💪

KEEP FIGHTING!!! Don't let them get away with this! When this happened to me I had to call my congressperson's office to get help when SSA was dragging their feet. The congressional inquiry lit a fire under them and suddenly they were VERY responsive. Don't be afraid to escalate if you're not getting answers.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this - what a stressful situation! Based on what others have shared here, it definitely sounds like an administrative error during your conversion. One thing I'd suggest is also requesting a "benefit verification letter" from your mySocialSecurity account if you can access it - this sometimes shows more detail about how they calculated your current payment amount and might give you clues about what went wrong. Also, if you do end up needing to escalate to your congressperson, having documentation of multiple failed attempts to reach SSA by phone will strengthen your case. I really hope you get this resolved quickly - that's a huge difference in your monthly income and you shouldn't have to stress about this when the conversion was supposed to be seamless!