One additional point I should have mentioned: Since you'll reach your FRA on 1/1/2026, which is less than a year away, you might consider requesting a temporary lower repayment amount until then. Once you reach FRA, the earnings test no longer applies, and you might have more income flexibility to handle a higher repayment amount. This could be a compromise position if they resist returning to the $145 amount.

wait i just realized something - if ur ex passed away recently shouldn't you be getting more money not less? my aunt got survivor benefits and it was way more than her own SS check

my uncle had everything process automatic 2 but then got letter 4 months later saying they overpaid him $3200!!! make sure u save some money just in case they come back later and say oops we made mistake

Just to provide a complete answer: The SSA automatically processes survivor benefits in situations where: 1. Both spouses were receiving benefits 2. The marriage is properly documented in SSA records 3. The death is reported through official channels (funeral homes, vital records) The process includes: - Payment of the one-time $255 death benefit - Adjustment to the higher of the two benefit amounts You should verify that your new monthly amount equals what your wife was receiving. If her benefit was higher than yours, you'll now receive that amount instead of your own benefit. The only reason you might need to contact SSA is if: - Your new benefit amount seems incorrect - You have eligible dependents who might qualify for survivor benefits - You need to update other information (banking, address, etc.) Otherwise, the automatic processing you experienced is working as designed and is becoming more common as SSA improves their systems.

my nephew works for SS and says always wait till ur actual FRA month to file unless u really need the money now. something about actuarial calculations favoring the later date even if by just a month or 2.

To add some specific numbers to this discussion: If your husband's PIA (Primary Insurance Amount) at 67 is $3,000 for example, taking benefits 2 months early (November instead of January) would reduce it by about 1% to approximately $2,970 per month. That's $30 less every month for life. However, he would receive two extra payments of $2,970 (about $5,940 total). The break-even point would be around 198 months (16.5 years). If he lives longer than that, waiting until January would provide more lifetime benefits. Also remember that any future COLAs will be calculated on the lower base amount if he takes retroactive benefits. As others have suggested, getting the exact calculations from SSA for your specific situation is the best approach.

Just to offer another perspective - the SSA is COMPLETELY OVERWHELMED with applications right now specifically because of the Fairness Act changes. Thousands of government pensioners who previously wouldn't qualify for spousal benefits are now applying all at once. I work with several retired teachers who've been dealing with this exact situation. The system wasn't prepared for this volume of GPO-affected applications requiring manual review. The most efficient approach is to: 1. Wait 4 weeks from your original application date 2. If you haven't heard anything, try to speak with someone (good luck with that) 3. If you can't get through by phone, schedule an in-person appointment 4. Bring ALL documentation showing your pension amount, when it started, and proof of your marriage The specialists who handle these calculations are backlogged about 10-12 weeks right now, so patience is unfortunately necessary.

My wife just went through this! Retired nurse with state pension applying for spousal on my record. Got the EXACT same email as you - the "not enough credits" one with no mention of spousal benefits. She panicked and reapplied which was a HUGE mistake!!! Basically reset the clock after already waiting 6 weeks. If I could offer one piece of advice: DO NOT REAPPLY! What worked for us was going to the local office in person. They confirmed her original application was being processed correctly despite the misleading email. Took another 5 weeks after that visit but she finally got approved last month.

My neighbor was in this exact situation (teacher married to private sector worker) and was told by their financial guy the repeal was

That's exactly what I was worried about. I'll definitely make sure they understand this isn't guaranteed so they can plan realistically. Thank you for sharing your neighbor's experience.