Social Security Administration
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SSA/Medicaid decision pending 4+ months, Medicare issues from RRB transition - Help!
Hey everyone, I'm in a bit of a pickle with my Medicaid and Social Security benefits. The decision has been pending since January, which is way over 60 days now. The main office told me to contact the local field office, but I'm worried about my Medicare situation too. I used to get railroad retirement benefits, and now Medicare is saying some forms from Social Security aren't filled out right. They mentioned I might need a new Medicare number. Anyone else dealt with this kind of mess? Any advice on what to ask when I finally get through to someone?
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Struggling to reach SSA for early retirement benefits - Any tips to actually get through?
Hey everyone, I'm trying to start my early retirement social security and I'm having a hard time getting through to anyone. I've been calling every morning but can never take the call when they try to reach me. It's so frustrating! Has anyone else dealt with this? Any tips on how to actually get someone on the line? I'm worried I might not be able to connect within the 48-hour window they give you. This whole process is driving me crazy!
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Am I the only one who thinks its ridiculous that we have to jump through so many hoops just to access OUR OWN MONEY that we've been paying into for decades? The system is broken, y'all. 😤
Preach! 🙌 It's like they're guarding Fort Knox or something
careful now, you're starting to sound like one of them socialists 😂
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When the Social Security Administration (SSA) designates someone as "permanently disabled," it typically means they've determined your condition is not expected to improve, and you won't need to undergo frequent medical reviews. This is often called being placed on a "MINE" (Medical Improvement Not Expected) review schedule. Regarding your benefits amount: Being classified as permanently disabled doesn't automatically change your benefit amount SSA disability benefits are generally calculated based on your earnings history, not on the severity or permanence of your disability The "scaled down" amount you mention might have been related to other factors, such as workers' compensation offset, early retirement benefits, or other income sources If you were receiving a reduced amount because of your age or potential for medical improvement, it would be unusual under standard SSA rules. However, disability programs can vary (SSDI, SSI, private insurance, etc.), and each has different rules. For specific information about your case and whether your new status affects your benefit amount, I'd recommend: Contacting your local Social Security office directly using https://claimyr.com Requesting a Benefits Planning Query (BPQY) from Social Security Consulting with a disability attorney or benefits counselor who can review your specific situation Congratulations on receiving permanent status! That typically means fewer reviews and more stability in your benefits going forward.
Social Security benefit reduction notice after FRA - still working part-time but thought earnings limit didn't apply?
I'm so confused and worried right now! I specifically waited until my full retirement age (66 and 6 months) to start collecting Social Security last year. I work part-time at a local garden center (about 20 hours/week) and make around $25,000 annually. Yesterday I received a notice from SSA saying my monthly benefit of $2,180 will be reduced because of my earnings. I thought once you reached FRA, the earnings limit no longer applied? The letter mentions something about 'substantial earnings' but doesn't clearly explain why this is happening. Has anyone else experienced this? Did I misunderstand something fundamental about SS rules? I'm panicking because I carefully planned my retirement budget around receiving my full SS amount!
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my neighbor got a letter like this but it was acutaly a SCAM!!! check it very carefully, did they ask u to call a number or send money???
I checked and it's definitely from SSA - has all the official letterhead and my correct SS number (partially redacted). And no, they're not asking for money, just informing me about a benefit reduction. But thanks for the warning - there are so many scams these days!
I'd like to know what happened after you called SSA. Did you get this resolved? Was it an error as most of us suspect? It would be helpful for others who might face similar issues.
That's great news! And unfortunately not surprising - data entry errors are one of the most common issues with SSA. I'm glad you got it resolved quickly and that they're making the correction. Thanks for updating us.
TYPICAL government incompetence!!! Glad you got it fixed tho
Will I get spousal benefits at 62 with $1500 SS when husband gets $2000? Survivor benefits question too
I'm turning 62 next month and trying to figure out if I should start taking my Social Security now or wait. My own benefit at 62 would be about $1500/month according to my SSA statement. My husband already started collecting his benefits at 62 three years ago and gets around $2000/month. From what I've read online, I don't think I'd qualify for any spousal benefits since my own benefit is pretty high? I think spousal benefits are only 50% of his FRA amount and you only get the higher of your own or spousal benefit, not both. Is that right? Also, if my husband passes away before me (he's 65 and has some health problems), would I then receive his $2000 instead of my $1500? Or do survivor benefits work differently than I'm thinking? I've been trying to get through to Social Security for two weeks but can't ever reach an actual person. Any help appreciated!
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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!!!
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.
Sean O'Brien
pro tip: if u can, try calling right when they open in the morning. usually less busy and u might get lucky and talk to someone who's still in a good mood lol
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Zara Shah
Oof, dealing with multiple agencies is THE WORST. Hang in there, OP! Maybe see if there's a local advocacy group that can help navigate the system? They often know all the ins and outs.
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Natasha Orlova
AuthorThat's a great idea, I hadn't thought of that. I'll do some research and see if there are any groups in my area. Thanks!
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