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If I could give 10 stars I would If I could give 10 stars I would Such an amazing service so needed during the times when EDD almost never picks up Claimyr gets me on the phone with EDD every time without fail faster. A much needed service without Claimyr I would have never received the payment I needed to support me during my postpartum recovery. Thank you so much Claimyr!
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Really made a difference, save me time and energy from going to a local office for making the call.
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An incredibly helpful service! Got me connected to a CA EDD agent without major hassle (outside of EDD's agents dropping calls – which Claimyr has free protection for). If you need to file a new claim and can't do it online, pay the $ to Claimyr to get the process started. Absolutely worth it!
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Used this service a couple times now. Before I'd call 200 times in less than a weak frustrated as can be. But using claimyr with a couple hours of waiting i was on the line with an representative or on hold. Dropped a couple times but each reconnected not long after and was mission accomplished, thanks to Claimyr.
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I tried for weeks to get thru to EDD PFL program with no luck. I gave this a try thinking it may be a scam. OMG! It worked and They got thru within an hour and my claim is going to finally get paid!! I upgraded to the $60 call. Best $60 spent!
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For those concerned about the potential COLA for 2025, here's some historical context: - 2023 COLA: 8.7% (highest in 40 years due to inflation spike) - 2024 COLA: 3.2% (as inflation began moderating) - Previous 10-year average (2014-2023): approximately 2.6% - Years with 0% COLA: 2010, 2011, 2016 Current inflation trends suggest we'll likely see a COLA in the 1.5-2.5% range for 2025, assuming inflation continues at similar rates through Q3. While lower than recent years, this is actually closer to historical norms. The official announcement will come from SSA in mid-October 2024.
This historical context is really helpful. I guess I got spoiled by the bigger COLAs the last couple years. Even 1.5% would be better than nothing for my budget.
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also think about what happens when you do fully retire. will your wifes benefit be enough to support both of you if yours hasn't started yet? my friend had to go back to work at 72 because they didn't plan this right!!
One additional consideration that hasn't been mentioned yet: while your Social Security benefits can be subject to income tax, they're typically taxed at a lower effective rate than regular income. So even if you're in a higher tax bracket due to working + collecting SS, you may still come out ahead financially compared to just your work income alone. Also, if you're planning to continue working for several more years, claiming now gives you more flexibility. You could use the SS income to max out retirement account contributions, pay down debt, or build an emergency fund that will serve you well in full retirement.
I appreciate all this thoughtful advice. I think I'm leaning toward taking SS now while continuing to work. The immediate cash flow would let us keep our lifestyle without dipping into savings, and we could even put some away for when I do fully retire. I'll probably use that Claimyr service someone mentioned to talk to SSA directly about my specific numbers before making the final decision.
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wait im confused... you said your single but getting spousal benefits? did you mean survivor benefits? or are you divorced? those are different things with ss
Sorry for the confusion! I'm divorced but receiving spousal benefits based on my ex-husband's record (we were married 22 years). SSA still calls them "spousal benefits" even though we're no longer married. I should have been clearer!
Just to clarify for everyone: You can receive divorced spouse benefits if you were married for at least 10 years, are currently unmarried, and your ex-spouse is entitled to benefits. These are officially called "divorced spouse benefits" but many people (and even some SSA reps) casually refer to them as spousal benefits.
One additional consideration regarding your Medicare premium: The $174.70 you mentioned is the standard Part B premium for 2024. However, if your modified adjusted gross income from 2023 (as reported on your tax return) was above certain thresholds, you might be subject to IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount), which would increase your premium. Based on the income you mentioned, you're likely below those thresholds, but it's something to be aware of if your income fluctuates year to year.
Thank you! My income has been pretty steady around $22-23k for the past few years, so I should be well below the IRMAA threshold. One less thing to worry about!
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Thanks everyone for the helpful suggestions! Between the SSA glossary page, the Statistical Supplement, and the other resources mentioned, I've been able to figure out most of the acronyms I was struggling with. Still can't believe there's no single comprehensive resource though. I'm going to try Claimyr to get through to someone about scheduling an in-person appointment - I really need to sort out these survivor benefit details. I'll also request those specific POMS sections as suggested. Really appreciate all the help!
Glad we could help! One last tip - when you do speak with someone at SSA, ask them to note in your file exactly which POMS sections they're referencing when they explain things to you. That way, if you need to follow up later, you can refer to specific sections rather than starting over. It helps with consistency, especially since different reps sometimes interpret rules differently.
That's an excellent suggestion - thank you! I'll definitely do that. I've already experienced getting different answers from different people, so having specific references will be really helpful.
Ali Anderson
Not sure if anyone said this but don't forget that SS checks are TAXED too!!! Up to 85% of them depending on your other income!! The govt gets u coming and going!!!
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Ruby Knight
•That's an important point about taxation. If your combined income (adjusted gross income + nontaxable interest + half of Social Security benefits) exceeds certain thresholds, then up to 85% of your benefits may be subject to income tax. For 2025, those thresholds are approximately $25,000 for individuals and $32,000 for married filing jointly. It's definitely something to factor into retirement planning.
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Zadie Patel
I remember when my mom had to make this decision! So stressful figuring out all these rules. Sending good thoughts your way!
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Nina Chan
•Thank you! It is stressful trying to make the right choice. Did your mom end up taking benefits early or waiting?
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