Does anyone know if there's still talk in Congress about getting rid of WEP? I remember hearing something about a bill to reform or eliminate it a couple years ago but never heard what happened with that.

Update: I finally got through to Social Security! The representative confirmed what many of you said - my benefit will increase at 67 because the early claiming reduction will be removed, but the WEP reduction stays the same. In my case, she said my benefit should increase by about $275 per month. That's a significant boost for my budget, so I'm relieved! She also explained that since I have 12 years of substantial earnings, my WEP reduction is a bit less than the maximum. Thanks everyone for your help!

Just wanted to wish you good luck with your kidney surgery. That's scary stuff on top of dealing with SSDI bureaucracy. Hope everything goes well!

To address your question about updating the Adult Function Report - it would be helpful to provide an update after your surgery. You can submit a letter from your doctor describing any additional limitations resulting from the kidney removal. Generally, SSA evaluates disability based on how your conditions limit your ability to work. While spine issues typically cause exertional limitations (lifting, standing, walking), the kidney cancer and surgery may cause non-exertional limitations (need for frequent breaks, absences for treatment, fatigue). The combination of these different types of limitations often presents a stronger case than either condition alone. When you speak with the examiner after surgery, ask if you should submit an updated Function Report or if a medical source statement from your doctor would be sufficient.

have u tried going on the website mySocialSecurity to make appointment? they say u can do that now. I made mine that way last month but u might need to create account first

After reading through the comments, I want to emphasize something important about your specific situation. Since you mentioned your son recently started receiving benefits on his father's record as a disabled adult child (DAC), you may be in a special category. If you're providing care for a disabled adult child who receives Social Security benefits, you might qualify for what's called a "mother's or father's benefit" even though your child is an adult. This is different from your divorced spouse benefit and they can sometimes be payable simultaneously, subject to family maximum rules. When you finally get your appointment, make sure they calculate BOTH: 1. Your divorced spouse benefit (potentially up to 50% of your ex's PIA) 2. Your potential caregiver benefit for your disabled son Bringing documentation of your caregiving responsibilities will be crucial. The technical term SSA uses for this is "in-care" requirement for mother's/father's benefits. Many representatives don't fully understand these complex rules where divorce, disability, and caregiving intersect.

To add a bit more technical detail: The 2025 COLA (3.2%) will be applied to everyone receiving Social Security benefits as of December 2024. The timing of when someone started receiving benefits doesn't affect COLA eligibility. For the earnings question, the rules depend on your husband's age. Since you mentioned he's 67 and at his Full Retirement Age (FRA), the earnings test doesn't apply to him anyway. SSA will reconcile his actual earnings when tax information is processed, but this won't affect his benefit amount. The letter you received is standard for new beneficiaries. You'll receive a separate COLA notice in December that will explain the inflation adjustment being applied to his benefits starting January 2025.

wait does anyone know if the 3.2% gets added to wats in the letter already or is it calculated some other way?? so confused

have u checked ur my social security acct online? sometimes it shows pending payments there before they even tell u. might give u a clue if somethings gonna hit in january

To summarize what should happen in your case: 1. Benefits should automatically resume in January 2025 2. No action needed from you if SSA has your correct 2025 earnings estimate 3. First payment should arrive based on your birth date schedule in January 4. You'll receive your full monthly benefit amount since your 2025 earnings are well below the limit If January comes and you don't receive payment, then you should contact SSA immediately to ensure they have the correct earnings information for 2025. For peace of mind, you could call once more in December to verify everything is set up correctly for January payment resumption.