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not related to the spousal benefit thing but my parents had custody of my nephew and there was something called a "child-only grant" they qualified for through the state. might be worth looking into for extra support for your grandson. it's separate from social security
Thank you - I haven't heard of that! We'll definitely look into child-only grants in our state. Every bit helps.
After seeing the additional details, here's what you should know: Since your grandson's parents are alive (though unable to care for him), he likely wouldn't qualify for benefits on your record as a dependent grandchild. However, there's an important exception: if you've legally ADOPTED your grandson (not just conservatorship), then he could potentially qualify for benefits on your record. At that point, your wife could potentially qualify for child-in-care spousal benefits if your grandson is receiving benefits on your record. This is definitely a situation where you need to speak directly with SSA about your specific circumstances.
This is incredibly helpful information. Legal adoption is something we're considering anyway for stability reasons, so that might solve two problems at once. I'll definitely bring all this information to an appointment with SSA. Thank you!
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Has anyone actually received their adjusted payment yet? I'm seeing a lot of rumors but few confirmed cases. Also, does anyone know if we need to file anything or provide documentation, or is SSA handling this entirely on their end?
My dad called yesterday (finally got through after trying for a week) and the agent told him they're not accepting any documentation or applications for the WEP adjustment. She said everyone affected will get a letter with their specific timeline and all changes will be automatic. But she couldn't give any dates.
UPDATE: I just checked my my Social Security account online and there's a new notice posted! It says my benefit recalculation is scheduled for next month and explains that I'll receive two separate deposits: one for the ongoing adjusted amount and another for retroactive payments going back to my original application date. They're calculating everything with all applicable COLAs! So excited to finally get the full amount I earned after paying into the system for 22 years alongside my teaching career. For those still waiting, keep checking your online account - seems they're updating information there before sending physical notices.
That's fantastic news! I just checked mine and don't see anything yet, but this gives me hope. What day did the notice appear? I wonder if they're rolling them out gradually throughout the month.
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To answer your original question about PENALTIES - YES there are penalties beyond just paying back the money!! If they decide you "knowingly withheld information" (which they LOVE to claim), they can impose a penalty of an ADDITIONAL 50% of the overpayment amount!!! And they can also impose a 6-month or 12-month SUSPENSION of benefits even after you'd otherwise be eligible again!! And don't count on that payment plan being reasonable - they wanted $200/month from me on a $6000 overpayment which I COULDN'T AFFORD after losing my SSI!! Sorry to be so negative but I went through HELL with this exact situation and I'm still dealing with the fallout a year later.
While penalties do exist, they're typically reserved for cases of proven fraud, not honest mistakes or reporting delays. Based on what OP has shared, they're being forthcoming and planning to report everything on their redetermination, which greatly reduces the likelihood of penalties beyond repayment. Regarding payment plans, SSA policy states they should not create financial hardship. If they requested $200/month and that was unaffordable, you had the right to negotiate a lower amount with supporting documentation of your expenses. Many people successfully negotiate plans as low as $10-25/month.
Update: I called my local SSA office this morning and got nowhere - just an automated message saying they're experiencing high call volumes (as usual). I think I'm going to try that Claimyr service someone mentioned because I really need to talk to a real person before I submit these forms. In the meantime, I've gathered all my paystubs and printed out my bank statements. I've also started researching Michigan's Freedom to Work program. The monthly premium seems reasonable compared to losing coverage completely. I'm still nervous but feeling a bit more prepared. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and advice!
good luck! hope it works out for you
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IMPORTANT: Make sure you understand that once you file, your benefit amount is pretty much locked in (except for COLAs). That's why getting the timing right is so important! I filed too early and regret not waiting a few more months to get a higher amount. You CANNOT go back and change your filing date once benefits start!
That's not entirely accurate. Within the first 12 months after filing, you can withdraw your application (Form SSA-521), repay all benefits received, and then reapply later. It's essentially a do-over. However, you can only do this once in your lifetime. Beyond 12 months, your filing decision is indeed permanent.
Thank you all for the helpful information! Based on everything shared here, I think I'm going to wait until March 2025 to file. That will give me 9.7% in delayed retirement credits (16 months past my FRA) AND ensure my 2024 earnings are properly included in my benefit calculation. I'm going to spend some time reviewing my earnings history to confirm that my partial 2024 year will actually improve my benefit amount by replacing one of my lower-earning years. Then I'll use that Claimyr service to connect with SSA and double-check everything before I file. I really appreciate all the advice!
Sounds like a well-thought-out plan! The extra couple months of waiting will give you both additional delayed retirement credits and ensure your 2024 earnings are properly counted. Good luck with your retirement!
Yara Khoury
The whole system is BROKEN!! My husband is also a disabled vet and we've been fighting with SS for THREE YEARS trying to get his benefits straightened out. They lost his paperwork TWICE and every time we call we get someone different who gives contradictory information. I'm so tired of this bureaucratic nightmare!!!
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Keisha Taylor
One more important point regarding your situation: When you reach out to SSA, specifically ask about the "Disability Freeze" (also called an "Earnings Record Freeze"). This is different from converting from retirement to disability benefits. The disability freeze protects your earnings record by excluding periods of low earnings due to disability from your benefit calculation. Since your benefit amount is based on your lifetime earnings, this could potentially increase your monthly payment even though you're past FRA. To apply for a disability freeze, you'll need to complete form SSA-16 (Application for Disability Insurance Benefits) and provide medical evidence supporting that your disability began before you applied for early retirement. The key is proving your disability onset date was before your early retirement application.
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Miguel Alvarez
•Thank you! This is exactly the specific information I needed. I'll ask about the Disability Freeze using form SSA-16 and make sure to gather all my medical records from the VA. I appreciate you explaining this so clearly.
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